I loved the sound so much that the tinny sounding am radio was ok even compared to the Bose setup in my current car. The sound of that exhaust was much more beautiful than anything coming out of my current audio setup.
Absolutely heaven!! The only car in the world that you have to roll the windows down, to let the noise out. You drove this sooooo well. These were something like $1,700 when new, and in the '70's you could buy them for just about nothing. This one is beautifully restored, and it sounds like someone took their time dialing in the carb sync, because it sings crisply. Beautiful!!! Thanks for the ride! EDIT: I couldn't agree more with your comment about driving a vintage car in modern times. And that person blowing that stop sign in front of you is a prime example. I have 2 vintage cars, a 1970 Austin America, and a 1966 Mercedes 250SE Coupe. I used to drive them everywhere, could leave them parked, and go grocery shopping, to dinner, to a movie, take them on a road trip or road rally and stay in hotels... daily drive them, drive them up and down the freeway without any concern. Now, especially since '20 with people adopting this "silent revenge against the man" attitude, that's turned into a "The f*ck you gonna do about it" attitude (that person who ran the stop sign on you is a prime example), I barely drive either of them. I can't leave them anywhere, for fear of them being stolen, or vandalized (hood star broken off, mirror broken off, side of car keyed), and out on the road, whether in town, or on the freeway, both are so small compared to even a "small" modern car, that they are literally just run through by everything on the road. Everyone's on their phone, and/or watching a 22" TV screen in their dash, and because they're protected by 6,000lbs of metal, crash cages, crumple zones and air bags, and fully insured, they give no care about how they drive.
Those TVs on the dash, now taking ALL the dash, must be huge distractions. I'm 77, I started driving when a few instruments was all we needed, now various drive modes, throttle response, suspension settings, interior lighting options, scents, the list is endless. And of course, lane assist and all the electronic nannies to keep the clueless out of trouble. I'm fortunate to live in a mostly rural area, though I did have to use the ABS today to avoid a deer. There've been close calls with bears too, eyes on the road!
I’d really like to know what the driving schools are actually teaching new drivers these days, because it doesn’t appear to be doing much to help young kids drive safely. I’m in my mid-30’s, part of the last group of people to learn how to drive before smart phones were a thing. I think it’s true what Tedward says about needing the right environment to drive one of these things - I’d much rather take my chance with the odd deer than a bunch of screen filled tanks in bumper to bumper traffic (or highway).
@@BullittHilts IMO, and especially since '20, driving has become a form of "passive" civil disobedience. It's become a way to break the rules, and live that "Whatcha gonna do about it? That's right, nothing" life. Stop signs are at most, just a "slow-it-for-a-second" suggestions. People blow through red lights 10+ seconds late. And the hard acceleration and weaving through traffic, just to be 20' ahead at the next red light, like it's a video game, is the newest twist. My next "vintage" car needs to be an old ranch truck from the 60's or early 70's, with big fabricated bumpers. Young drivers ARE being taught correctly, but they've been raised by parents of the entitlement generation, so these young drivers, just like their parents, just do whatever they want because, "Whatcha gonna do about it... Nothing."
@@austinado16 Although you're not wrong about societal attitudes, isn't more "unsafe" to drive a vintage car like this on the road with "hopes and dreams" braking and zero handling ability?
That sounds as sweet as a Healy should. I like the fact that someone actually let you out of the parking lot, probably so that they could follow you and listen to that exhaust.
Thanks for bringing back my very distant youth. My first car was a used but nearly new 1960 two-seater, solid black, but with red upholstery, and sounded quite like yours while its muffler was still pretty new, but got noisier quickly until conversation got to be difficult while moving. In the mere five years that I owned that beauty I remember having to replace the muffler twice, whuch reminds me that maintenance seened to me a Healey’s only real drawback. The boy that I was, though, enjoyed even that at first until it got clear that I was beginning to lose the battle and I decided to trade her in on what I hoped might be a less certainly mortal Porsche 356 coupe with improved creature comfort and a sweet gearbox my new wife could shift too. Still, your drive along that river brought back the bliss of a lot of lovely drives when everything was humming right along. I still dream about her as one might a first true love.
I must say that out of the big 3 POV TH-camrs between Tom, Chris, and Miles, I love how unique Tom is for regularly including older cars in his videos. Shows a real passion/respect for the “art” of cars IMO
One of my goals for the channel was to bring rare driving experiences to everyone. Most people could go test drive a new car but not everyone will get a chance to drive classic cars and hear them operate for the first time (since Most just had posters and magazines!)
I love this video. Thanks so much. Back in the day, early ‘70s, my buddies and I all purchased British sports cars from the ‘’60s. I had a 1966 MGB, red; there were also a couple of Spitfires, a TR250, a TR4, another MGB, a Midget, and a Healey 3000. I watched the video and read the comments. Yes, the wheel was too big hitting the thighs of the tall ones (I was 6’3”), the 1st gear had no synchromesh, there were no windows, the engine was underpowered compared to American cars of the time, the wheels & tires were narrow but roughly aligned with the time, etc, but the cars were a blast to drive. Most of my buds and I kept our cars thru the ‘70s and got rid of them only when we finally had to get real jobs and reliable commute vehicles after college & graduate school. The sound of the Healey 3000 is not to be forgotten, nor the sound of our 4 bangers at cruising speed or running through the gears. Thanks for awakening the good😊 memories.
Interesting to me, that the awesome "sound" of that rugged British straight six is what impresses people the most!..I owned one, and it was over 50 years ago, fewer cars on the road, still risky, but so rewarding!...That Healey I had would silently beckon me, frequently at night, to forget about the cool evening temperature, lower the top, and go for a midnight cruise, just to experience the sound of that engine, when going through the gears. And yes, I too would place the transmission in 2nd, then into 1st gear, after coming to a red light or stop sign. People today have missed that very visceral, man+mechanical mystery that both the big Healeys, and the E-type Jag, offered. Driving vehicles like those, literally made you become "one" with the machine...those cars made you pay full attention to driving--which is now a lost situation! The few sports cars made today, are clearly better, more reliable vehicles...but for example, when I borrowed a friends new Miata recently...that elemental feeling was not really there, anymore.
The speedo cable has a kink in it. Both of my 3000's did the same. I got a warning ticket for speeding in New Mexico and told the cop that I was doing somewhere between 60-90 mph. He just wanted to check out the Healey.
These Austin Healeys are what my uncle Lew raced at Lime Rock in the sixties. He was an engineer at Sikorsky and a graduate of Yale. You remind me of him...
The first sports car I ever drove-a 3000 AH. That's 60 years ago. I have never recovered. I have since owned a MG, TR4, an Alfa Romeo, 6 Porsches, 5 Corvettes, and now a twin turbo Mercedes Benz. I'm 84 and I have memories you would not believe. My wife doesn't understand. But I love her anyway.
Thank you, my friend. The first car I was ever in was a 1953 MG TD. I'm now 65 and living in the Philippines. Were even finding a car like that would be impossible As would repairing it lol. I've had myself 2 Triumph Spitfires and miss the sounds they make. Sitting and I'm showing my Filipino wife that drive was priceless. I'm planning to modify a trike I have into a roadster with unfortunately only a 200cc motorcycle motor soon. So l can still have the experience. Again thanks for the ride.
Your summation is spot-on. Now you need to learn to use the overdrive. A buddy had a '60 back in the middle '60s, used it as an everyday driver. MY B-I-L had a '64 that was his only car, but he didn't need a daily driver so it only got used on weekends. I went through a '67 Triumph TR-4A and a '72 MGB. There is nothing like a British sports car for fun!
That 63 model was my favorite...it actually had roll-up windows!, and the hp was bumped up to around 136...it also was the last year for that classic, basic dash layout...in 64, fake wood-grain and less brutish gauges were the thing. Also, the 64thru67 Big Healeys cranked out 148hp...the most they ever offered. 1967 was the last year for this fine vehicle.
In 69, I drove a 67 Austin Healy 3000 "british racing green" in overdrive on a straigth road at 138 mph. Very stable and a fantastic ride. I wouldn't do that today... Althought I would love a ride!
Thank you thank you for this video. In 1959 I joined the US Coast Guard Reserve and saw an add for the new 1960 model while in boot camp and knew I had to have one. Mine was the same BN7 model you were driving, with green exterior and tan interior. Drove it in local gymkanas, raced it on dirt track and at drag strips in sports car class. Never lost a drag race because NHRA knew nothing of actual ssports cars and ran all of us in the same class. My 3 liters against the MG's, Triumph's etc'c with 1 1/2 liters. No contest. Thanks again, made my day.
I owned a 1959 Austin-Healey 100-6 ...The engine was a slightly smaller in cc straight six, around 2600cc. It sounded/looked like this one!..That car would sing to me!..Never even thought about installing a radio/tape player, as the car entertained me, in that very British, mechanical way! This was 55 years ago...I sold that car for $1000 bucks!...Being a rare, 100-6 model, it would be worth well over a hundred thousand now!...AGGHHH!
I recently bought a 64 Austin Healey 3000 having never owned a classic car before. I love it but it's terrifying lol. I am yet to take it on a decently long drive because its currently dumping coolant everywhere but I'm excited to drive it more. I'm pretty sure mine uses hopes dreams and terror to stop. Beautiful car.
my cousin had one and would drive out to visit us kids in CA in the summer. riding around with him on those warm summer nights in the early 60's. great memories.
My 2nd 3rd and 4th car when I was young 18-20 in the early 70's. Loved that vehicle and tough as hell. Paid $200 for one needed a clutch...put me on the road to becoming a mechanic and owning my own business in the 70's 80's British and Continental Motors. My favorite times!
My parent's daily driver 1960 - 70 was a white 3000 2+2 with a red interior. They drove it from LA to Ontario and back before I was born. Beautiful car, this is the sound of my early childhood.
Far and away the best audio in a video of a drive in big Healey, highlighting the most enjoyable part of driving them, especially with the top down, passing through 4,000 RPM ,a few nearby stone walls and earthen banks for a touch of reverb, the sonorous blip of the throttle when downshifting. The mics captured everthing, even the distinctive fan noise. Your driving touch shows your appreciation and experience with these fine cars. Oh, and the car ain't too shabby, either! : )
No seat belts or side bolstering, in other words, a truly vintage driving experience! It’s a rare car that never had seat belts, and so doesn’t require them… savor it!
Those Healeys were like dealing with that girlfriend you remember--that was so beautiful, but difficult to handle at times..you knew the relationship would ultimately fail, but it was still fun to cope with!
I took my first mk1 on many road trips ...one from Van, B.C. down the coast to San Francisco then across to Boulder Colorado had one incident of course the generator failed other than that trouble free. Most of trip top down night and day...thought I was in Heaven!
Great video, it brings back old memories. I had a 63 3000 convertible that sounded just like this one. I sold it to make a down payment on a house. This was back in 93, and I've regretted it the whole time.
IMO...You had the very best year for those 3000s!...The first year for the roll-up windows, and they still retained that very classic "British" dashboard configuration, with those large, well-lit gauges that were not altogether accurate! I did not like the 64-67 models, as their interiors were featuring fake wood-grain in the dash, and the "new" gauges just did not have the cool style of the older gauges. And I believe that the 63s were slightly tweaked compared to the previous year, having around 136hp...Of course, those 64-67 models DID have the final 150hp upgrade. So sad, that those Healey sportscars were terminated, mostly due to the newer safety/emissions standards in the USA. They were the quintessential GB sports cars, flaws included! And yes...that impressive exhaust note was more than a note--it was a Symphony of growling, 6cyl macho swagger!
I've wanted one since I first saw one in Gibraltar in 1959, when I was 11 years old. That was Right-Hand drive and in British Racing Green. I was inspecting it very closely, but without touching it, as I didn't want to smudge the paintwork. After about five minutes, a middle-aged man asked me if I'd like a ride in it. You Betcha! He took me for a ride around the Rock and it sounded great, especially when he blasted it through the tunnels at Rosia Bay and at Catalan Bay. He dropped me back at my home and I was the envy of all my friends. Over the years, I kept trying to buy one, but they've always been out of my reach, financially. I'm now 76 and have nowhere to garage it. Here in the UK, it would be too dangerous to park it on my street, as it would be a target for Car High-jackers. I can dream, but will always have the memory of that magical journey. Russ. UK.
I had to smile at the speedo bouncing up and down at least today you do not have to worry about it just stick a little satnav on top of the dash and you get a mostly 100% reading of your speed and it also tells you the way to go.
The overdrive is a Laycock de Normanville unit and it is electrically activated by a switch on the dash. Easy to operate under power. They were used in a lot of vehicles including Volvo.
One of my friends bought one of these in the '70s for $500 drove it for 5 years and sold it for $500. One of my fondest memories was driving up US1 from College Park, MD to a little roadside bar right outside Baltimore. I was in the back seat and it was a glorious experience in the Spring night with the honeysuckle perfuming the air in our own envelope of sound.
had a 62 300, vertical grill and fiberglass removable hardtop,, sliding side curtains. silver blue, red interior. paid about 1K in 1968. thanks 4 the video
This brings back some beautiful memories of the summer of 1968 owned this same Healy in two-tone gray. It was my first sports car and a joy to drive. Mine was different in two ways. I had the "coffee grinder" shift lever instead of the straight one. The one in your Healy comes straight back. Mine had another bend just below the knob, so the knob was sticking straight up. I've seen both On these Healys. The other major difference was the exhaust note. At low revs is sounded much like that one, as the revs built up the exhaust started to warble and sounded like a singing bird. Hence, I dubbed it the "Gray Canary". Unfortunately, typical British sports cars of that era, it was falling apart faster than I could afford to fix, and I had to part with it when I went back to school in the fall. Nonetheless, it was a joy to own, and got a fair amount of attention as the true OK classic that it is.
My very first car. Mine was an all white 1961 2+2 with the electric overdrive (very reliable BTW). You probably don't need to be afraid of it. Extremely UNreliable generally, sounded great, fun curb appeal with lots of fans wanting a look, up close.
The overdrive is nothing to be frightened of. I use it on my Mk 1 all the time when i drive it, which sadly isn’t often enough here in England. Overdrive 4th is like having a 5th gear and overdrive 3rd is good for overtaking. I bought it in 1973 for £350!
My neighbour had one of these when I was growing up, it had been his father’s from new. An absolutely gorgeous car, and a proper brute. An early British muscle car almost. I always enjoyed going out for rides in it.
As Shakespeare said..."Full of Sound and Fury...signifying nothing"....Healeys did sound muscular, but were not that quick; the last models had 150hp, but would only do 0-60 in 9.8 seconds. Nowadays, most econobox cars can beat that, without trying hard! But do they sound like a Healey? Not even close!
These are gorgeous cars! I did a rotisserie body restoration on a 100M years ago, the chassis are very basic. There are a few in my area of New Hampshire, now that the weather is good they come out to play. Back in the late '60s a friend had a Mk 3 (I think it was), it had a Stebro exhaust, which I think was Canadian for LOUD! A side exhaust the sometimes scraped the pavement, good times.
I used to joke to my friends, about potentially losing the muffler when driving over a painted cross-walk! That was a bigt flaw in those Healeys...they should have upraised the chassis a couple inches more...but maybe that would not have been possible.
Pretty close to my 57 100-6. The video reminds me it's the only car I ever owned that I still dream about. You can just flick on the overdrive with your index finger without taking your hand off the wheel. As a southern Californian, I took the top off in March and pit it around Thanksgiving. The so-called heater was a joke but rhat was ok. 60 years later, I still miss my old Healy.
Loved those beautiful beasts , tight engine bay to work in. Had 2 MGBGT'S and a 71 TR6. Loved the TR and I heavily moded it with SU's from a Rover 2000 and fixed the stupid rear suspension to get it to handle and quit eating axle u-joints. Wish I still had it. Now it's a moded 2000 Mustang. Fun but not the same.
Thanks Tedward how about a cruise on the highway with that sound of the overdrive kicking in and dont forget the sound of the wind appreciate all your test drives. I also vote😊
There exists another TH-cam video, wherein this guy puts a 1959 AH 3000 thru its paces, including blasting up a California freeway, utilizing that Laycock de Normanville electric OD!...the young guy driving the vehicle, seemingly had no fear of being squished by all those SUVs he was roaring by!
My favorite. Worked on them in Bolder Co in '70's. Best British Leyland product. Loved to hear that first gear whine..😊.. Bet it would top out at 170 with the overdrive..maybe. dtd
Here it is! This was my 1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mark 1, manual 4 speed tranny on the floor , with an Overdrive switch on the dash for a 5th gear also I had a Special custom made Walnut steering wheel for the exotic touch, "James Bond Style, for that Extra Touch- "Check It Out"!!
Ive read about these in my classic car book and i was addicted to it. Even if this car looks like a frog i still love this car Fun fact ive read about in my book: The Austin Healey badge was created after Donald Healey and Austin (part of british motor corporation) joined forces (Donald Healey became became a car manufacturer in his own right in 1946)
You are a good caretaker of the Moss. Yes, tap another gear before engaging first (or reverse). Next time maybe you will get bonus points for toe and heel double clutch downshifts?
Funny that I had to scroll so far to make the first comment I have ever done. Then to read the final one, on someone's remark about what gear he was using. My father was a British car guy and taught me how to shift. The only ( other than how much I loved Healy's ) comment that I meant to make, is the person driving the car, ( not only knows what gear to be in ) but knows the art of how to shift gears.
Except for the electrical system that even the British couldn't figure out and the side draft carbs that need constant tuning, the were nice cars. My dad had a baby blue and cream one when he was over seas in Africa.
As a owner of a 67 healey I can attest to their lack of safety ( just as all the other cars of that era) but wondering why you mentioned your concern of it in this video in particular, I’ve watched you drive many classic cars on this channel and don’t recall any comments about it . The healey wouldn’t be anymore unsafe than a speedster , tr6 , jag, or Ferrari you’ve videoed . Driving a classic needs the mindset of a conscientious motorcycle rider - always play defense !
You need to drop it into o/drive in 3rd gear instead of 4th. Just flick the switch when needing 3rd or 4th. On the highway give it the beans in o/drive 4th. The o/drive gives you effectively a 6 speed g/box. Same as Jag,Triumph,Healy,MGB/C, & quite a number more.
I got my 60 BT7 when I was 16 (it needed some work) I put nearly 100,000 miles on it. Yes you had to pay attention. You should have used the overdrive. It works on 3rd and 4th, effectively giving you a 6 speed. You can engage it, then turn the switch off. It will remain engaged until you depress the throttle, effectively giving a downshift a bit like an automatic.
In 1970 my father in law bought one for I think $900.. got to drive it a few times. It was special then but not at the level today. I owned a 61 Sprite .loved it. It's the only car I still dream about.
There is a specialty shop in Florida, that frequently posts vids on TH-cam, showing us their excellently restored Sprites...And the Sprite, restored, goes for not nearly as much as a restored Big Healey goes for...of course, you get what you pay for...the Sprite was little more than a Go-Cart ! Still, very fun to drive...back in the day, a friend owned a 59 Sprite..I drove it, and the steering was so ultra-sensitive, that when I sneezed, I changed lanes!...lol.
Bought a new TR-250 Triumph in 1968. It would run circles around most other sports cars. I only raced a 3000 once. I pulled him till 3rd gear, then his Webbers suddenly woke up, and I was left in the dust…😮
@@curbozerboomer1773 well it is still cheaper than a new 911. And only double the price of the average vehicle sold in America in 2024. So yes. Attainable by most.
There is nothing like a big Healey!!! I wanted a 67 BJ8 but ended up with a 67 MGB-GT; my Dad said MGs were more comfortable and you didn't sit on the rear axle...how I wish I had a Healey now!!! Prices are quite high now...
Those are the most gorgeous vintage clocks (= circular gauges) I've ever seen - old Jags/Porsches/Maseratis should be jealous. Ironically, they probably looked pretty space-aged in 1960.
Yup...those large gauges had a slight "golden" glow to them, at night...Very impressive. The 64-67 models changed the look of the dash, and I did not like the changes!
I was lucky enough to own two over the years. A 65 BJ8 (3000 Mk 3) and a 63 BJ7 (3000 Mk 2). Both had factory seat belts/shoulder belts. A little difficult to use the belts as they were not the modern inertia reel type belts, but they really kept you cinched in. Bet that beautiful 1960 BT7 has built-in attachment points for belts (except for the rear seats - none provided there).
This car is as beautiful as a jewel! 🤩💍💖The design of the gauges is also amazing, and the engine sound is beautiful. 🎶I am sure the designer of this car really enjoyed their work.
Right!...I have often wondered, if there was any viable modification--raising up the suspension an inch or two, for example--that could have been done on those cars?
For more than 25 years after WWII, British sports-car makers concentrated on the US market. It started with returning flyboys and GIs bringing home the pre-war MG TCs that many of them had fallen in love with while stationed in the UK. That made our manufacturers realise what a market they could have - and the victorious but debt-ridden nation backed them. 'Export or die' was the maxim. They exported but they died, anyway; it just took a bit longer than might otherwise have been the case.
I could be wrong, but that windshield framework looks more like polished alloy, than chromed steel. The same is true of the trim at the top of the inside of the doors. Polished alloy is less refelctive than chrome, but looks better, imho.
I always admire those when i see them. They just look elegant to me. That said, when you mentioned the non eistent safety: 2 weeks or so ago i encountered almost 20 of them on a twisty mountain road near where i live. They were going the other direction, and only the first one bothered me. He was far ahead of the other ones, and in a relatively tight blind corner he came towards me on my side. He was way too fast for what his car could go around that corner, but luckily i wa able to "throw an achor" so it was only a near miss. Hitting me head on would have been quite bad at those speeds, worse for them than for me though. (we have a 100kph limit on that road but you are required to adjust the speed to the conditions, so if you and your car and the conditions can't go around the corner at that speed safely you need to slow down.)
Those people are the worse, I simply do not understand how people are not scared to cut the yellow line in blind corners, especially when they have no seatbelts or airbags. I have a 1983 bmw e28 and I am absolutely scared of these people when going on twisty roads as I would simply die on the spot
@@vladpcgamer At least i have Airbags in my "twisty road car" (a 2010 E63 AMG) ;-) And while i am fully with you in not understanding the people who cut blind corners, I think i need to explain the situation i mentioned a bit better: he wasn't cutting the corner, for him it was a right turn, for me a left one. So my side was the outside of the corner for him. He either had understeer, or is insane and took a wider way on purpose...
A back road, a Sunday morning, and a British roadster. Heaven.
Proper cruising. What a beauty.
The sound bro the SOUND
I loved the sound so much that the tinny sounding am radio was ok even compared to the Bose setup in my current car. The sound of that exhaust was much more beautiful than anything coming out of my current audio setup.
Fifties’ and sixties’ inline sixes … best sounding engine note of all time. Followed by Ferrari V12s of same era.
Absolutely heaven!! The only car in the world that you have to roll the windows down, to let the noise out. You drove this sooooo well.
These were something like $1,700 when new, and in the '70's you could buy them for just about nothing. This one is beautifully restored, and it sounds like someone took their time dialing in the carb sync, because it sings crisply. Beautiful!!! Thanks for the ride!
EDIT: I couldn't agree more with your comment about driving a vintage car in modern times. And that person blowing that stop sign in front of you is a prime example. I have 2 vintage cars, a 1970 Austin America, and a 1966 Mercedes 250SE Coupe. I used to drive them everywhere, could leave them parked, and go grocery shopping, to dinner, to a movie, take them on a road trip or road rally and stay in hotels... daily drive them, drive them up and down the freeway without any concern. Now, especially since '20 with people adopting this "silent revenge against the man" attitude, that's turned into a "The f*ck you gonna do about it" attitude (that person who ran the stop sign on you is a prime example), I barely drive either of them. I can't leave them anywhere, for fear of them being stolen, or vandalized (hood star broken off, mirror broken off, side of car keyed), and out on the road, whether in town, or on the freeway, both are so small compared to even a "small" modern car, that they are literally just run through by everything on the road. Everyone's on their phone, and/or watching a 22" TV screen in their dash, and because they're protected by 6,000lbs of metal, crash cages, crumple zones and air bags, and fully insured, they give no care about how they drive.
Those TVs on the dash, now taking ALL the dash, must be huge distractions. I'm 77, I started driving when a few instruments was all we needed, now various drive modes, throttle response, suspension settings, interior lighting options, scents, the list is endless. And of course, lane assist and all the electronic nannies to keep the clueless out of trouble. I'm fortunate to live in a mostly rural area, though I did have to use the ABS today to avoid a deer. There've been close calls with bears too, eyes on the road!
I’d really like to know what the driving schools are actually teaching new drivers these days, because it doesn’t appear to be doing much to help young kids drive safely. I’m in my mid-30’s, part of the last group of people to learn how to drive before smart phones were a thing. I think it’s true what Tedward says about needing the right environment to drive one of these things - I’d much rather take my chance with the odd deer than a bunch of screen filled tanks in bumper to bumper traffic (or highway).
@@BullittHilts IMO, and especially since '20, driving has become a form of "passive" civil disobedience. It's become a way to break the rules, and live that "Whatcha gonna do about it? That's right, nothing" life. Stop signs are at most, just a "slow-it-for-a-second" suggestions. People blow through red lights 10+ seconds late. And the hard acceleration and weaving through traffic, just to be 20' ahead at the next red light, like it's a video game, is the newest twist. My next "vintage" car needs to be an old ranch truck from the 60's or early 70's, with big fabricated bumpers.
Young drivers ARE being taught correctly, but they've been raised by parents of the entitlement generation, so these young drivers, just like their parents, just do whatever they want because, "Whatcha gonna do about it... Nothing."
Sounds like big city life
@@austinado16 Although you're not wrong about societal attitudes, isn't more "unsafe" to drive a vintage car like this on the road with "hopes and dreams" braking and zero handling ability?
That sounds as sweet as a Healy should. I like the fact that someone actually let you out of the parking lot, probably so that they could follow you and listen to that exhaust.
Thanks for bringing back my very distant youth. My first car was a used but nearly new 1960 two-seater, solid black, but with red upholstery, and sounded quite like yours while its muffler was still pretty new, but got noisier quickly until conversation got to be difficult while moving. In the mere five years that I owned that beauty I remember having to replace the muffler twice, whuch reminds me that maintenance seened to me a Healey’s only real drawback. The boy that I was, though, enjoyed even that at first until it got clear that I was beginning to lose the battle and I decided to trade her in on what I hoped might be a less certainly mortal Porsche 356 coupe with improved creature comfort and a sweet gearbox my new wife could shift too. Still, your drive along that river brought back the bliss of a lot of lovely drives when everything was humming right along. I still dream about her as one might a first true love.
Man that exhaust note, powertrain whine and bouncy speedometer makes for such an experience.
The look and sound of this car is pure motoring bliss. You're lucky to drive so many rare and amazing cars but this one is especially nice.
I must say that out of the big 3 POV TH-camrs between Tom, Chris, and Miles, I love how unique Tom is for regularly including older cars in his videos. Shows a real passion/respect for the “art” of cars IMO
One of my goals for the channel was to bring rare driving experiences to everyone. Most people could go test drive a new car but not everyone will get a chance to drive classic cars and hear them operate for the first time (since
Most just had posters and magazines!)
I love this video. Thanks so much. Back in the day, early ‘70s, my buddies and I all purchased British sports cars from the ‘’60s. I had a 1966 MGB, red; there were also a couple of Spitfires, a TR250, a TR4, another MGB, a Midget, and a Healey 3000. I watched the video and read the comments. Yes, the wheel was too big hitting the thighs of the tall ones (I was 6’3”), the 1st gear had no synchromesh, there were no windows, the engine was underpowered compared to American cars of the time, the wheels & tires were narrow but roughly aligned with the time, etc, but the cars were a blast to drive. Most of my buds and I kept our cars thru the ‘70s and got rid of them only when we finally had to get real jobs and reliable commute vehicles after college & graduate school. The sound of the Healey 3000 is not to be forgotten, nor the sound of our 4 bangers at cruising speed or running through the gears. Thanks for awakening the good😊 memories.
Interesting to me, that the awesome "sound" of that rugged British straight six is what impresses people the most!..I owned one, and it was over 50 years ago, fewer cars on the road, still risky, but so rewarding!...That Healey I had would silently beckon me, frequently at night, to forget about the cool evening temperature, lower the top, and go for a midnight cruise, just to experience the sound of that engine, when going through the gears. And yes, I too would place the transmission in 2nd, then into 1st gear, after coming to a red light or stop sign. People today have missed that very visceral, man+mechanical mystery that both the big Healeys, and the E-type Jag, offered. Driving vehicles like those, literally made you become "one" with the machine...those cars made you pay full attention to driving--which is now a lost situation! The few sports cars made today, are clearly better, more reliable vehicles...but for example, when I borrowed a friends new Miata recently...that elemental feeling was not really there, anymore.
The speedo is living it's own life 🤣
Best part of classic cars 😂
Keeps you on you toes ;)
The speedo is like:
"You're definitely going over 30 but below 60"
The speedo cable has a kink in it. Both of my 3000's did the same. I got a warning ticket for speeding in New Mexico and told the cop that I was doing somewhere between 60-90 mph. He just wanted to check out the Healey.
@@lukasschmitz7231 scratch “definitely” and insert “maybe” lol! (Having owned six old British cars over the years)
These Austin Healeys are what my uncle Lew raced at Lime Rock in the sixties. He was an engineer at Sikorsky and a graduate of Yale. You remind me of him...
The first sports car I ever drove-a 3000 AH. That's 60 years ago. I have never recovered. I have since owned a MG, TR4, an Alfa Romeo, 6 Porsches, 5 Corvettes, and now a twin turbo Mercedes Benz. I'm 84 and I have memories you would not believe. My wife doesn't understand. But I love her anyway.
A friend’s dad had one in 1966. He used to give kids in the neighborhood rides around the block on weekends at Ft Meade MD.
Thank you, my friend. The first car I was ever in was a 1953 MG TD.
I'm now 65 and living in the Philippines. Were even finding a car like that would be impossible
As would repairing it lol.
I've had myself 2 Triumph Spitfires and miss the sounds they make. Sitting and I'm showing my Filipino wife that drive was priceless. I'm planning to modify a trike I have into a roadster with unfortunately only a 200cc motorcycle motor soon. So l can still have the experience.
Again thanks for the ride.
Your summation is spot-on. Now you need to learn to use the overdrive. A buddy had a '60 back in the middle '60s, used it as an everyday driver. MY B-I-L had a '64 that was his only car, but he didn't need a daily driver so it only got used on weekends. I went through a '67 Triumph TR-4A and a '72 MGB. There is nothing like a British sports car for fun!
Oh baby.groove.
Worked in an import repair shop 52 years ago. The Healy 3000s were my favorite, then and even now.
A good friend of mine owned the Mk III version and we spent many a memorable summer afternoon just cruising in that car.
My dad had a '63 MkII and that six is one of the greatest sounds you'll ever hear.
That 63 model was my favorite...it actually had roll-up windows!, and the hp was bumped up to around 136...it also was the last year for that classic, basic dash layout...in 64, fake wood-grain and less brutish gauges were the thing. Also, the 64thru67 Big Healeys cranked out 148hp...the most they ever offered. 1967 was the last year for this fine vehicle.
My neighbor had one of these several years ago, when he would fire it up and roll it out of the garage I’d run out to see and hear it. Wonderful car.
My best friend in high school had one of these in red and cream. I always thought it was a beautiful car. Thanks for showing this one.
The exhaust is a song !!
Had a 61 3000 in high school. Loved it. This really takes me back. Great cars.
In 69, I drove a 67 Austin Healy 3000 "british racing green" in overdrive on a straigth road at 138 mph. Very stable and a fantastic ride. I wouldn't do that today... Althought I would love a ride!
Insane!!
Thank you thank you for this video. In 1959 I joined the US Coast Guard Reserve and saw an add for the new 1960 model while in boot camp and knew I had to have one. Mine was the same BN7 model you were driving, with green exterior and tan interior. Drove it in local gymkanas, raced it on dirt track and at drag strips in sports car class. Never lost a drag race because NHRA knew nothing of actual ssports cars and ran all of us in the same class. My 3 liters against the MG's, Triumph's etc'c with 1 1/2 liters. No contest. Thanks again, made my day.
I owned a 1959 Austin-Healey 100-6 ...The engine was a slightly smaller in cc straight six, around 2600cc. It sounded/looked like this one!..That car would sing to me!..Never even thought about installing a radio/tape player, as the car entertained me, in that very British, mechanical way! This was 55 years ago...I sold that car for $1000 bucks!...Being a rare, 100-6 model, it would be worth well over a hundred thousand now!...AGGHHH!
The speedo and tach are giving their best estimates-as usual. Literally YMMV
I recently bought a 64 Austin Healey 3000 having never owned a classic car before. I love it but it's terrifying lol. I am yet to take it on a decently long drive because its currently dumping coolant everywhere but I'm excited to drive it more. I'm pretty sure mine uses hopes dreams and terror to stop. Beautiful car.
My favourite car of all time!
my cousin had one and would drive out to visit us kids in CA in the summer. riding around with him on those warm summer nights in the early 60's. great memories.
I've had five of these over the years. A 59, 61,63,65 and 67. Got married, sold them all, still kicking myself.
My 2nd 3rd and 4th car when I was young 18-20 in the early 70's. Loved that vehicle and tough as hell. Paid $200 for one needed a clutch...put me on the road to becoming a mechanic and owning my own business in the 70's 80's British and Continental Motors. My favorite times!
My parent's daily driver 1960 - 70 was a white 3000 2+2 with a red interior. They drove it from LA to Ontario and back before I was born. Beautiful car, this is the sound of my early childhood.
I had a 1961 MGA back in 1966 my first car so sorry I ever sold it , but at the time the Austin Healey, 3000 was the dream car to have .
Far and away the best audio in a video of a drive in big Healey, highlighting the most enjoyable part of driving them, especially with the top down, passing through 4,000 RPM ,a few nearby stone walls and earthen banks for a touch of reverb, the sonorous blip of the throttle when downshifting. The mics captured everthing, even the distinctive fan noise. Your driving touch shows your appreciation and experience with these fine cars. Oh, and the car ain't too shabby, either! : )
Wow, thanks!
Smooth double clutching
Back in the 70s, a friend of mine had a 1957 Austin Healey 3000. I was impressed with it.
No seat belts or side bolstering, in other words, a truly vintage driving experience! It’s a rare car that never had seat belts, and so doesn’t require them… savor it!
Driving a car like this that exudes excitement and happiness has to feel pretty special. That's a car that wants to be driven for sure
Those Healeys were like dealing with that girlfriend you remember--that was so beautiful, but difficult to handle at times..you knew the relationship would ultimately fail, but it was still fun to cope with!
What beautiful Dials and sound
Brings back wonderful memories of my first car. Love it.
Very enjoyable video. I like that you’re not constantly talking-letting the car do the talking is definitely the way to go!
Man, what a great looking and sounding car 🥰 P.S. its always a pleasure to watch your videos, cause you’re such a likeable person 👍🏽
That’s so kind! Thank you
A true thing of beauty with some decent power. I love all sportscars British but never graduated beyond 3 MG's. None with overdrives.
The sound and smell of these cars is intoxicating.
I took my first mk1 on many road trips ...one from Van, B.C. down the coast to San Francisco then across to Boulder Colorado had one incident of course the generator failed other than that trouble free. Most of trip top down night and day...thought I was in Heaven!
Great video, it brings back old memories. I had a 63 3000 convertible that sounded just like this one. I sold it to make a down payment on a house. This was back in 93, and I've regretted it the whole time.
IMO...You had the very best year for those 3000s!...The first year for the roll-up windows, and they still retained that very classic "British" dashboard configuration, with those large, well-lit gauges that were not altogether accurate! I did not like the 64-67 models, as their interiors were featuring fake wood-grain in the dash, and the "new" gauges just did not have the cool style of the older gauges. And I believe that the 63s were slightly tweaked compared to the previous year, having around 136hp...Of course, those 64-67 models DID have the final 150hp upgrade. So sad, that those Healey sportscars were terminated, mostly due to the newer safety/emissions standards in the USA. They were the quintessential GB sports cars, flaws included! And yes...that impressive exhaust note was more than a note--it was a Symphony of growling, 6cyl macho swagger!
Sold a BMW R69S motorcycle for the same reason. Don't have the house, wife or that bike 😑
I've wanted one since I first saw one in Gibraltar in 1959, when I was 11 years old. That was Right-Hand drive and in British Racing Green. I was inspecting it very closely, but without touching it, as I didn't want to smudge the paintwork. After about five minutes, a middle-aged man asked me if I'd like a ride in it. You Betcha! He took me for a ride around the Rock and it sounded great, especially when he blasted it through the tunnels at Rosia Bay and at Catalan Bay. He dropped me back at my home and I was the envy of all my friends. Over the years, I kept trying to buy one, but they've always been out of my reach, financially. I'm now 76 and have nowhere to garage it. Here in the UK, it would be too dangerous to park it on my street, as it would be a target for Car High-jackers. I can dream, but will always have the memory of that magical journey. Russ. UK.
I had to smile at the speedo bouncing up and down at least today you do not have to worry about it just stick a little satnav on top of the dash and you get a mostly 100% reading of your speed and it also tells you the way to go.
Well driven ! Loved the view and the sound. Thank you !
The overdrive is a Laycock de Normanville unit and it is electrically activated by a switch on the dash. Easy to operate under power. They were used in a lot of vehicles including Volvo.
One of my friends bought one of these in the '70s for $500 drove it for 5 years and sold it for $500. One of my fondest memories was driving up US1 from College Park, MD to a little roadside bar right outside Baltimore. I was in the back seat and it was a glorious experience in the Spring night with the honeysuckle perfuming the air in our own envelope of sound.
had a 62 300, vertical grill and fiberglass removable hardtop,, sliding side curtains. silver blue, red interior. paid about 1K in 1968. thanks 4 the video
This brings back some beautiful memories of the summer of 1968 owned this same Healy in two-tone gray. It was my first sports car and a joy to drive. Mine was different in two ways. I had the "coffee grinder" shift lever instead of the straight one. The one in your Healy comes straight back. Mine had another bend just below the knob, so the knob was sticking straight up. I've seen both On these Healys. The other major difference was the exhaust note. At low revs is sounded much like that one, as the revs built up the exhaust started to warble and sounded like a singing bird. Hence, I dubbed it the "Gray Canary". Unfortunately, typical British sports cars of that era, it was falling apart faster than I could afford to fix, and I had to part with it when I went back to school in the fall. Nonetheless, it was a joy to own, and got a fair amount of attention as the true OK classic that it is.
My very first car. Mine was an all white 1961 2+2 with the electric overdrive (very reliable BTW). You probably don't need to be afraid of it. Extremely UNreliable generally, sounded great, fun curb appeal with lots of fans wanting a look, up close.
I learned to drive in my dad’s 59’ 3000! What great memories that brings back…especially when he told me to “get on it “ !😁
Yup...those Healeys really begged to be driven briskly, and they often were!
The overdrive is nothing to be frightened of. I use it on my Mk 1 all the time when i drive it, which sadly isn’t often enough here in England. Overdrive 4th is like having a 5th gear and overdrive 3rd is good for overtaking. I bought it in 1973 for £350!
A schoolmate's dad (GM exec) had a 50's 3000. I remember feeling like 45mph was 70 and the elect. overdrive felt like one to one and effortless
My neighbour had one of these when I was growing up, it had been his father’s from new. An absolutely gorgeous car, and a proper brute. An early British muscle car almost. I always enjoyed going out for rides in it.
As Shakespeare said..."Full of Sound and Fury...signifying nothing"....Healeys did sound muscular, but were not that quick; the last models had 150hp, but would only do 0-60 in 9.8 seconds. Nowadays, most econobox cars can beat that, without trying hard! But do they sound like a Healey? Not even close!
These are gorgeous cars! I did a rotisserie body restoration on a 100M years ago, the chassis are very basic. There are a few in my area of New Hampshire, now that the weather is good they come out to play.
Back in the late '60s a friend had a Mk 3 (I think it was), it had a Stebro exhaust, which I think was Canadian for LOUD! A side exhaust the sometimes scraped the pavement, good times.
I used to joke to my friends, about potentially losing the muffler when driving over a painted cross-walk! That was a bigt flaw in those Healeys...they should have upraised the chassis a couple inches more...but maybe that would not have been possible.
These are the coolest roadsters ever built outside of Aston Martin db4/5 and Jaguar XK120. I passed on buy in one years ago when they were cheap.
I've always loved these beautiful cars, this is a prime example!
Pretty close to my 57 100-6. The video reminds me it's the only car I ever owned that I still dream about. You can just flick on the overdrive with your index finger without taking your hand off the wheel. As a southern Californian, I took the top off in March and pit it around Thanksgiving. The so-called heater was a joke but rhat was ok. 60 years later, I still miss my old Healy.
Loved those beautiful beasts , tight engine bay to work in.
Had 2 MGBGT'S and a 71 TR6.
Loved the TR and I heavily moded it with SU's from a Rover 2000 and fixed the stupid rear suspension to get it to handle and quit eating axle u-joints.
Wish I still had it.
Now it's a moded 2000 Mustang. Fun but not the same.
Thanks Tedward how about a cruise on the highway with that sound of the overdrive kicking in and dont forget the sound of the wind appreciate all your test drives. I also vote😊
There exists another TH-cam video, wherein this guy puts a 1959 AH 3000 thru its paces, including blasting up a California freeway, utilizing that Laycock de Normanville electric OD!...the young guy driving the vehicle, seemingly had no fear of being squished by all those SUVs he was roaring by!
@@curbozerboomer1773 thank you will have a look
My favorite. Worked on them in Bolder Co in '70's. Best British Leyland product. Loved to hear that first gear whine..😊.. Bet it would top out at 170 with the overdrive..maybe. dtd
too happy to see this. Loving it!
Here it is! This was my 1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mark 1, manual 4 speed tranny on the floor , with an Overdrive switch on the dash for a 5th gear also I had a Special custom made Walnut steering wheel for the exotic touch, "James Bond Style, for that Extra Touch- "Check It Out"!!
Ive read about these in my classic car book and i was addicted to it. Even if this car looks like a frog i still love this car
Fun fact ive read about in my book: The Austin Healey badge was created after Donald Healey and Austin (part of british motor corporation) joined forces
(Donald Healey became became a car manufacturer in his own right in 1946)
You are a good caretaker of the Moss. Yes, tap another gear before engaging first (or reverse). Next time maybe you will get bonus points for toe and heel double clutch downshifts?
I do it when they're persnickety but this was very easy to slip into a lower gear without additional work so I just went with it
Funny that I had to scroll so far to make the first comment I have ever done. Then to read the final one, on someone's remark about what gear he was using. My father was a British car guy and taught me how to shift. The only ( other than how much I loved Healy's ) comment that I meant to make, is the person driving the car, ( not only knows what gear to be in ) but knows the art of how to shift gears.
Oh, you reminded me about going into 2nd before going into 1st to sync the gears.
Man I want one of these so bad.
Hope you’re having a good day! (And a good rest of your day)!
Except for the electrical system that even the British couldn't figure out and the side draft carbs that need constant tuning, the were nice cars. My dad had a baby blue and cream one when he was over seas in Africa.
Beautiful sound!
As a owner of a 67 healey I can attest to their lack of safety ( just as all the other cars of that era) but wondering why you mentioned your concern of it in this video in particular, I’ve watched you drive many classic cars on this channel and don’t recall any comments about it . The healey wouldn’t be anymore unsafe than a speedster , tr6 , jag, or Ferrari you’ve videoed . Driving a classic needs the mindset of a conscientious motorcycle rider - always play defense !
Most of those cars still had seat belts haha
You need to drop it into o/drive in 3rd gear instead of 4th. Just flick the switch when needing 3rd or 4th. On the highway give it the beans in o/drive 4th. The o/drive gives you effectively a 6 speed g/box. Same as Jag,Triumph,Healy,MGB/C, & quite a number more.
True!
Older cars that are non ev just have something that makes them feel fun without needing that much acceleration. Plus they make sounds unlike teslas
I got my 60 BT7 when I was 16 (it needed some work) I put nearly 100,000 miles on it. Yes you had to pay attention. You should have used the overdrive. It works on 3rd and 4th, effectively giving you a 6 speed. You can engage it, then turn the switch off. It will remain engaged until you depress the throttle, effectively giving a downshift a bit like an automatic.
It's the Goldilocks of sports cars; not too big and not too small.
Very nice.. Had a 1963 Mk2
the best British roadster of all time!
In 1970 my father in law bought one for I think $900.. got to drive it a few times. It was special then but not at the level today. I owned a 61 Sprite .loved it. It's the only car I still dream about.
There is a specialty shop in Florida, that frequently posts vids on TH-cam, showing us their excellently restored Sprites...And the Sprite, restored, goes for not nearly as much as a restored Big Healey goes for...of course, you get what you pay for...the Sprite was little more than a Go-Cart ! Still, very fun to drive...back in the day, a friend owned a 59 Sprite..I drove it, and the steering was so ultra-sensitive, that when I sneezed, I changed lanes!...lol.
very nice!! sounds buttery too, very well taken care of.
Thanks for posting !
Bought a new TR-250 Triumph in 1968. It would run circles around most other sports cars. I only raced a 3000 once. I pulled him till 3rd gear, then his Webbers suddenly woke up, and I was left in the dust…😮
This is a devastatingly pretty thing. It’s also totally attainable for most people. Sign me up! I want one!
Are you kidding me? Attainable for people who have over 100 grand in their back pocket, maybe!
@@curbozerboomer1773 well it is still cheaper than a new 911. And only double the price of the average vehicle sold in America in 2024. So yes. Attainable by most.
@@DJL78 Not sure which America you live in...most folks cannot even afford a 50 grand price tag. I guess you travel in professional circles?
@@curbozerboomer1773 I live in the real America. Good luck to you
There is nothing like a big Healey!!!
I wanted a 67 BJ8 but ended up with a 67 MGB-GT; my Dad said MGs were more comfortable and you didn't sit on the rear axle...how I wish I had a Healey now!!! Prices are quite high now...
Those are the most gorgeous vintage clocks (= circular gauges) I've ever seen - old Jags/Porsches/Maseratis should be jealous. Ironically, they probably looked pretty space-aged in 1960.
Yup...those large gauges had a slight "golden" glow to them, at night...Very impressive. The 64-67 models changed the look of the dash, and I did not like the changes!
I was lucky enough to own two over the years. A 65 BJ8 (3000 Mk 3) and a 63 BJ7 (3000 Mk 2). Both had factory seat belts/shoulder belts. A little difficult to use the belts as they were not the modern inertia reel type belts, but they really kept you cinched in. Bet that beautiful 1960 BT7 has built-in attachment points for belts (except for the rear seats - none provided there).
I had NO idea that seat belts came as a factory original.
Kudos. This is the way to do a driving video.
This car is as beautiful as a jewel! 🤩💍💖The design of the gauges is also amazing, and the engine sound is beautiful. 🎶I am sure the designer of this car really enjoyed their work.
Donald Healey had his doubts, but he had a friend of his named Coker, actually design the vehicle. People loved it.
Bro is wearing the same watch for the past year in most of his pov(probably because he was getting late for his appointment)Appointment=To drive cars.
Hahaha. It’s my Garmin watch. Keeps track of my daily running 🏃♂️
At first I thought you said you'd take your Healey to get your 'Takis' lol
In the day, these were a blast to drive. Except for the ‘bottoming out’ on just about any bump.
Right!...I have often wondered, if there was any viable modification--raising up the suspension an inch or two, for example--that could have been done on those cars?
Miss my Healey. (1967 Mk III) I was young and stupid.., when I sold it…
Such a sweet ride!
For more than 25 years after WWII, British sports-car makers concentrated on the US market. It started with returning flyboys and GIs bringing home the pre-war MG TCs that many of them had fallen in love with while stationed in the UK. That made our manufacturers realise what a market they could have - and the victorious but debt-ridden nation backed them. 'Export or die' was the maxim. They exported but they died, anyway; it just took a bit longer than might otherwise have been the case.
I could be wrong, but that windshield framework looks more like polished alloy, than chromed steel. The same is true of the trim at the top of the inside of the doors. Polished alloy is less refelctive than chrome, but looks better, imho.
I always admire those when i see them. They just look elegant to me.
That said, when you mentioned the non eistent safety:
2 weeks or so ago i encountered almost 20 of them on a twisty mountain road near where i live.
They were going the other direction, and only the first one bothered me. He was far ahead of the other ones, and in a relatively tight blind corner he came towards me on my side. He was way too fast for what his car could go around that corner, but luckily i wa able to "throw an achor" so it was only a near miss.
Hitting me head on would have been quite bad at those speeds, worse for them than for me though.
(we have a 100kph limit on that road but you are required to adjust the speed to the conditions, so if you and your car and the conditions can't go around the corner at that speed safely you need to slow down.)
Those people are the worse, I simply do not understand how people are not scared to cut the yellow line in blind corners, especially when they have no seatbelts or airbags. I have a 1983 bmw e28 and I am absolutely scared of these people when going on twisty roads as I would simply die on the spot
@@vladpcgamer At least i have Airbags in my "twisty road car" (a 2010 E63 AMG) ;-) And while i am fully with you in not understanding the people who cut blind corners, I think i need to explain the situation i mentioned a bit better: he wasn't cutting the corner, for him it was a right turn, for me a left one.
So my side was the outside of the corner for him.
He either had understeer, or is insane and took a wider way on purpose...
I remember the days when those weren't particularly rare.
How old are you if I may ask ?
Too old to Remeber.