MK 2 BT7 VIN and Engine Decoding

[Jeffhutch]

Hi everyone,

I am looking at a 1961 Austin Healey BT7 4 seater with the overdrive transmission in 3rd and 4th and the tri carbs. This car appears to be complete and in nice condition but I am not very familiar with Austin Healey cars (I have been mostly involved with the 60's American muscle cars)and I am not sure what I should be looking for before I buy. I am most concerned on checking for the correct engine and if there are any other main things to check for originality. Is there a way to check to see if this car is numbers matching? I love the car but want to know what to look for and make sure that I would be getting what I am told. If there is anything else that I should be looking for I wouyld love to know about it. Thanks!

 

[stretchit2]

Hello Jeff,

You can check with the Heritage Motor Centre in the UK at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk they have all the info you need. Also, I would get a Moss Motors Cataloge, on page 3 they have a list of chassis and engine numbers by vehicle year. I have a 1961 3000 mk II BT7 tri-carb with a sideshifter and I love it. Make sure the car has a straight frame and no rust.

 

[Brinkerhoff]

Check for rust holes in the main frame rails and previous rust repair anywhere in the structure underneath. If the main frame is soft or perforated you are talking major amounts of money to put the car right again or not so much money to put it up for sale, which is where most of these cars are at ! Check the sheetmetal carefully in the front and rear for evidence of crash damage that could have damaged the frame also , not to mention the delicate aluminum shrouds between the fenders. The only rusty Healey worth restoring in today's market is probably a BJ8 or 100M . Be careful. I also own a Tri carb. The engine no. all started with 29E on these cars. If you gave the engine number we could probably see if it makes sense. Kevin

 

[Jeffhutch]

That is great information stretchit2 thank you! I checked on the Heritage Motor Centre website and it appears that I can get the correct engine number (unofficially)by using the VIN for less than 10 dollars US. I would definitely want a certificate if I buy this car. I am going to get the VIN today to try the email research tool on the engine number. I just hope it wouldn't take too long to get an answer since I would really like to make a deal on the car soon. I also ordered a Moss Motors Catalogue but I didn't see a way to view it electronically. I was hoping to get an idea on what the engine number should be. Thank you for the help!

 

[Jeffhutch]

Thanks Kevin I am going to try and get the numbers in a few hours. The car looks solid above and under but it is hard to get a really good look everywhere underneath because it sits so low...

 

[Brinkerhoff]

Yes I know they are low. You need to take a floor jack and check it out. They all look good on top. Check the door gaps at the rear of the doors. The doors should shut easily on both clicks and not have a closed gap at the rear.

 

[tahoe healey]

Check the panel in front of the rear wheel for rust and Bondo. Check under the carpet for floor pan rust. Check in radiator for oil. Once you know what you've got and it is fix able then you can begin to fall in love. Kind of like dating.

 

[Jeffhutch]

I got the numbers. They are:

HBT7L18267
3095BT7
18249 L

ENGINE: 29ERUH4709.

can anyone tell if these numbers make sense for a 1961 3000?

 

[jstmorris]

Well, checking with my Tricarb Registry material [which is about 10 years old] the numbers listed around this serial number are:
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Serial #</span>_____ <span style="text-decoration: underline">Prod Lot</span>_____ <span style="text-decoration: underline">Body #</span> _<span style="text-decoration: underline"> </span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">Engine #</span>
HBT7L/18260_ 3095_______ 18197L_ 29E/RU/H4708
HNT7L/18280_ 3095_______ 18284L_ 28E/RU/H4760

I hope the spacing works ok.

If you get the car, I suggest you sign up with the Tricarb Registry.

Good Luck Jeff.

 

[Jeffhutch]

So these numbers seem to make sense together according to that material. Thank you very much J.Scott! Other than the engine looking a little wet with oil this car looks fantastic. It hasn't been driven in two years and has been sitting for the better part of forty years according to the present owner.

 

[elrey]

It is a well kept secret that the Tri-carbs are the best of the lot.