Austin-Healey 3000 Roadster

Starting point

Hardly any classic car has attracted as much attention in our workshop over the past ten years as this English roadster, the Austin-Healey 3000. Its paint in the Rolls-Royce colour RR 9500687, a rich deep green, had lost depth of gloss over the years. There was a paint chip on the bonnet, caused by an open oil cap, and further paint chips on the rear left wheel arch. Both could be repainted, with colour accuracy being the big challenge. Added to this were water spots in the paint and polish residues on the chrome trim.

Work

After carefully masking the chrome rings, chrome trim and rubber seals, the front end was gently cleaned. When removing insects, we had to bear in mind that rubber compounds, top coats, chrome and aluminium used to be formulated or manufactured differently and therefore react very sensitively to chemicals. Experiments with ordinary cleaners often end in considerable damage here. With a clinging foam, all the insects could be removed completely without pressure, and without the rubber, chrome, aluminium or anodised parts tarnishing. We then refined the entire paintwork with the LZ 730 brilliance sealant.

Result

The final sealing with LZ 730 brings out the car’s silhouette and the rich deep green even more intensely through its mirror gloss. The Austin-Healey 3000 has its depth of gloss back, which gives its classic shape even more expression.

Workshop archive, original report. Product details reflect the state at the time.