1961 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I Works

For the 1961 season the "Big Healeys" formed the backbone of the BMC rally entries with no fewer than five brand new Works cars built. These were referred to as the "XJB models" as all were registered in the UK with a license plate starting XJB. Chassis HBN7-13708 (XJB 871) was raced by factory driver Peter Riley at the 1961 Acropolis Rally where he and co-driver Tony Ambrose won the GT Class, finishing 3rd Overall; the leading British driver to cross the line! After its term with the factory, XJB 871 was bought by Rauno Aaltonen who used it as his daily driver. Though on the weekends he fitted with car with spiked tyres and went racing on ice tracks across Finland. “We did never change anything of the car, just a lovely car” Rauno recalled years later. Since 1965 the car has been in single family ownership and is presented today in fabulous condition, yearning to return to rallying!