The Ruddspeed demonstrator
1960 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk1 Convertible

• Extensively modified by Ken Rudd
• Featured in contemporary road tests
• In-period competition history
• Eligible for numerous Historic events and series

While most enthusiasts would have found their Austin-Healey 3000 adequately powerful, well known AC tuning specialist Ken Rudd believed there was a market for a package of performance enhancements. Using his bolt-on 'goodies' Rudd was able to increase maximum power to 178 bhp, up from the stock 130 horsepower. Costing £86, Rudd's transformational package represented excellent value for money when compared to the car's £1,168 purchase price.

Rudd's engine modifications included a skimmed cylinder head; machined and polished ports and combustion chamber; pocketed block (just like the works cars); and re-cut valve seats. A high-lift camshaft and a triple-SU carburettor setup completed the picture. (The engine number's AEC prefix is believed to stand for Austin Experimental Competition.) For an additional £37 you could purchase a handling package consisting of stiffer dampers and springs, while the recommended brake servo cost a further £19 10s.

To showcase his range of products Rudd needed a demonstrator, which explains why '9380 PO' incorporates all of the aforementioned upgrades and was loaned to numerous motoring publications for road tests. Other distinctive Ruddspeed modifications on this car include the side vent, 'finned' inlet manifolds, and two mounting brackets for the aero screen, still in place today. In its September 1960 edition, Motor Sport magazine featured a road test describing Ruddspeed's modified Austin-Healey as "undeniably, a 'man's car', and although a strong left arm is needed to change gear, £ for mph, this car is undoubtedly tops".

'9380 PO' has racing history from the 1960 Grand Touring Car race at Snetterton where it finished 3rd in class driven by Bob 'Sideways' Staples. Although no longer the quickest 'Big Healey', it still represents a considerable performance boost over standard cars.

The body was restored in 1991, while the engine has been rebuilt and tuned by various Austin-Healey specialists over the years: JME, Rawles, Chatham, etc and has been fitted with an aluminium cylinder head. All original features remain just as the car was seen in 1960.

This much improved Austin-Healey 3000 would make an exciting Historic racing car eligible for the Goodwood Revival Meeting as well as many other annual FIA Historic events such as Le Mans, Silverstone Classic, Masters, and GT & Sports Car Cup. While in previous ownerships the car has competed at Snetterton and in the Isle of Man Challenge.

This unique and historic 'Big Healey' comes with a V5C document and a most extensive history file. A spare crankshaft, camshaft and cylinder head are included in the sale.