Healey Anniversary

100-4 and 3000 MkIII pitted against each other. But which is best?

The ‘Big Healey’ is high on everyone’s list of favourite sports cars. Born out of Britain’s post-war export drive, the Austin-Healey 100 and 3000 models were made for just fourteen years, starting with four cylinders and evolving to a he-man six; it’s the later 3-litre ‘sixes’ that steal the limelight, but their popular appeal over the earlier cars really should be put to the test. It’s fifty years since the ultimate Healey – the 3000 MkIII – hit the showrooms in 1964. We mark the anniversary by comparing a 3000 with a 100/4, find out how far the breed developed in just over a decade, and examine the folklore that suggests the biggest of the big Healeys is automatically the best.

Looking good

Alongside the 3000, the 100/4 looks unassuming. While the 3000 body carries lashings of chrome on bonnet intake, door cappings, door handles and so on, the 100/4 is less embellished, even plain by comparison. But this is an example of ‘less is more’, as the beautiful curves of the big Healey are more in evidence without sparkling chrome to distract the eye. Drop the 100/4 screen to its raked-back, ‘high speed’ position and the curves of front panel, wings and boot flow in an archetypal sports car form.

Interiors reflect the differences in body styling. The 100/4 is simple to the point of austerity. To open the door, reach inside for the pull-cord, as there are no external handles. Essential instruments are grouped together ahead of the driver, with the bare minimum of switchgear. The dash is painted body colour and two slim bucket seats – clad in wonderfully patinated green leather – offer some comfort for the occupants. By comparison, the 3000 is positively opulent inside. Our test 3000 MkIII is a Phase 2 model, with a 2+2 seating