Porter Press International has launched a new entry-level version of the ‘Great-Car’ series called Porter Profiles. This more accessible series starts with the story of DD 300 of one of the most successful Big Healeys of all time.
Told in 96 pages featuring insightful narrative, evocative archive photos, and new studio shots, all for a cover price of just £20.
The well known Austin-Healey 3000, ‘DD 300’ is still a regular entrant on the current racing scene at the hands of its two classic racing enthusiast owners.
However, first registered as UJB 143, this car was a works entry for the 1960 Sebring 12 Hours and Le Mans 24 Hours races. It was later Re-registered with the now-famous number plate DD 300, it was sold by the factory to the privateer Ecurie Chiltern team and raced again at Le Mans in 1961 and 1962.
As the book details it was driven in 1960 by Peter Riley, who scored the first international success for an Austin-Healey 3000 in the 1959 Liège-Rome-Liège Rally, and Jack Sears, who won the inaugural British Saloon Car Championship in 1958.
Even Jim Clark has seen a remarkable one-off outing in this car in a 10-lap club event at Brands Hatch in October 1960. Clark finished third in that race.
There are DD 300’s years with Ecurie Chiltern, included its famous participation at Le Mans in 1961 and 1962.
After being badly damaged in a heavy crash during the Autosport Three Hours race at Snetterton in 1964, DD 3000 was bought for £365 and rebuilt by John Chatham of renowned Austin-Healey specialists John Chatham Cars.
The book details how John Chatham bought DD 300’s crashed remains, lovingly rebuilt the car, and raced it for a further 41 years, on occasions sharing it with guest drivers Stirling Moss, Gerry Marshall, and Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams.
Bringing the story right up to date to include the most recent owners appearances in blue-riband historic racing events such as the Goodwood Revival, Le Mans Classic and Spa Six Hours with race preparation by Denis Welch Motorsport.
The Healey’s long and successful career continues today, with race preparation for the current owners by leading marque specialists Denis Welch Motorsport, is also related to in the book. As a Healey racer it is a fascinating tale and one well worth a read.
Published by Porter Press International
RRP: £20.00
ISBN: 978-1-907085-70-3
