British-Cars.org

Welcome to the DMR Site for British Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

Austin Healey parts spares and accessories are available for Austin Healey 100, 100-6, 3000, Sprite, Bugeye (Frogeye) and other Healey models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

Austin-Healey 3000 - Too young and too short?

Here is a couple of pretty dumb questions but here they are anyway...

I love British cars esp the big Healeys and looking into a 1967 3000 MKIII BJ8. 1st question: I'm 34, and if you see me driving it, would it look like I borrowed my dad's car? I don't really care what others think but I'm just wondering. 2nd - Im only 5'8", can I reach the pedals? I have a 71 MGB and I can barely reach the pedals!

Thanks.
NV Valera

Napoleon;

I'm 5'-10" and fit just fine.(61 3000 Mk 1) Don't worry about your age, we have several younger guys in our local chapter of the Austin Healey Club of America in NE Ohio. I would suggest attending some British car shows and talk with some Healey owners. Express your concerns, someone will probably let you sit in one and see how it feels. It does take some getting used to, the steering wheel seems too far back at first. I have to slide my seat forward enough to reach the pedals, while not having the wheel in my belly. I did change to a smaller 15" wood rim steering wheel so I have more room between the wheel and my legs. The pedals are close together, this takes getting used to also. Once you drive one, You'll forget about the age thing, and be hooked. I also suggest you join your local AHA club chapter. You do not have to own a Healey to belong.
Good luck, Pete
Pete Haburt

My wife is 5' 5" and used to drive my 3000 many years ago. We put a piece of foam sponge at the bottom of the seat back to push her legs forward, but not the whole seat, otherwise you end up with the wheel in your face!
Richard Wale

This thread was discussed between 05/09/2002 and 23/09/2002

Austin-Healey 3000 index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now