This 1961 Austin Healey 3000 is obviously a project car with it’s extensive rust and missing parts. It is a claimed barn find located in Englewood California and is listed on eBay with current bidding at $6,300 reserve unmet. The question is, are these cars that great to justify bringing this one back to life?

These 3000’s received a 2.9 litre engine which gave them a little more power than the previous 100-6. This power plant was good for a top speed of around 112mph and a 0-60 time of 11.5 seconds. Not blistering by todays standards, but impressive when released.

Take a look at that rust! The seller claims that the car is rusty, but that the frame is not bad. We would want to inspect this one before bidding to see just how solid the frame really is. Notice how the frame rails ran under the axle on these.

This car is in terrible condition, but one thing to keep in mind is that this is the more desirable two seat model. This is a ’61 so it is actually a Mk II. Check out the passenger side floor. If it would even be possible to restore this car, it would take some major reconstructive surgery. Even if the entry fee is low for  this car it may take much more than it will ever be worth to get it back on the road.

This shot almost redeems this car a little for us, but we still prefer the original Austin Healey 100 with its lighter 4 cylinder and fold down windscreen. Is there anything that makes this 3000 project special enough for you to take on?