1963 Austin-Healey 3000 (Replica)
Donated by: Bob Lucas family
Original price: Approx. $3,500.00 (In 1963, average cost: car, $3,233; household income, $5,807; house, $12,650; gallon of gas, 29 cents)
Number made: 73,000 total, 100’s and 3000’s, 1952 – 1968
Engine, etc.: 4.6 liter fuel-injected Ford Mustang V-8; original engine: 124 hp; 92 in. wheelbase; 2,550 lbs.
This replica was built by the late Bob Lucas of Kearney.
It features a 4.6 liter fuel-injected Ford Mustang V-8 and wheels and tires that wouldn’t be found on a typical Healey. It could be called a British Muscle Car.
Bob Lucas was an active member of the Central Nebraska Auto Club and a car and history enthusiast. He was instrumental with the development of the Club’s indoor car display and volunteered at Trails and Rails Museum. Friends said he loved to travel the back roads of Nebraska and read every historical marker on every road.
The Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III was launched in October 1963 and remained in production until the end of 1967.
The name “Austin Healey” came from a partnership between the designer, Donald Mitchell Healey and the manufacturer, Austin.
A four cylinder engine was used from 1952 through 1956 when a six-cylinder came into use. In 1959 with several engine modifications, the car was named the ‘3000’. It could be ordered as either a two-seater or a 2+2 and came with a choice of paint colors. The body was given a curved windshield and wind-up windows in 1962.
A very popular “sports car,” the Mark III was the most powerful and luxurious of the so-called “Big Healeys. It had a long competition history and raced at most major racing circuits around the world including Sebring and Le Mans.
Sources: http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9744/Austin-Healey-3000-MKII-BJ7.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin-Healey_3000#Mark_III
http://storm.oldcarmanualproject.com/austinhealey30001963.htm