Handmade in the uk
Austin Healey 3000 Aluminium Centre Change Gearbox Cover
- 3000
Handcrafted aluminium centre change gearbox covers that replace the original factory‑issue steel or fibreglass transmission covers fitted to Austin Healey 3000 models. These established, lightweight alternatives deliver significant weight savings whilst providing superior aesthetics, build quality and practicality compared to the original carpet‑covered units.
Originally developed by DMark® in the late 1980s for competition cars, these covers have since attracted enquiries from enthusiasts worldwide. Each gearbox cover represents a substantial improvement over the original factory specification in terms of both form, craftsmanship and appearance.
DMark® transmission covers are constructed from five main aluminium sections and incorporate a neat inspection cap for checking oil, plus authentic rivet‑work on flanges and end capping details. Each piece is carefully hand‑formed over our proven fibreglass buck, ensuring the complex panelling geometry accommodates the precise shapes of the raised gear stick area, floor pan, transmission tunnel housing, and bulkhead.
Construction involves subtle sheet metal forming, butt welded sections and planishing before a comprehensive finish that transforms a functional component into what many customers regard as automotive artwork. Indeed, one customer’s gearbox cover never reached his vehicle—instead taking pride of place as a sculptural piece of art in his office.
Our covers incorporate generous material allowances on the floor pan flanges to accommodate the variations commonly encountered between individual vehicles, particularly those that have undergone restoration, been stripped down for the race‑track, or custom modifications over the years.
For an in-depth look at the development history, fabrication process, and more photography of these covers, visit our Austin Healey 3000 gearbox transmission covers project page.
Each aluminium gearbox cover features a fine brushed satin surface finish that delivers a purposeful, functional appearance. This attractive finish requires fewer processing steps than a full reflective polish, making it the cost‑effective option.
Customers may specify either solid rivets or pop rivets for their flange and capping attachment detailing.
Our gearbox covers are made‑to‑order.
Hand‑formed sectional aluminium construction over bespoke fibreglass buck, seamless, invisible butt‑welded joints throughout.
Customer choice of fixed solid or pop rivets for all flanges and end cappings. The inspection lid is secured via machine screws.
Oversized for customer trimming and individual vehicle adaptation.
A lightweight aluminium centre change gearbox cover featuring a practical brushed satin finish. Our covers are an attractive alternative to carpeted fibreglass or steel variants originally fitted. These transmission covers specifically fit centre‑change Austin Healey 3000 models.
Racing Heritage
These gearbox covers trace their origins back to the late 1980s and early 1990s when racing driver Roly Nix first approached Don about creating a lightweight alternative to the original steel and fibreglass factory units. The success of that initial commission quickly attracted interest within the paddock and subsequent commissions.
Over thirty years later, DMark® has produced at least twenty polished aluminium Austin Healey 3000 gearbox covers for customers worldwide.
Original Factory Replacement
The original centre‑change Austin Healey 3000 gearbox covers were manufactured in steel or fibreglass with carpet covering. Our aluminium alternatives eliminate the need for carpet, reducing overall weight and providing the visual appeal of bare metal—particularly beneficial for vehicles already stripped of interior trim for competition use.
Installation Considerations
Floor flanges are intentionally oversized to accommodate the variations in floor pans and mounting points that can occur between individual vehicles, particularly those that have undergone restoration work or bodywork modifications. Customers should be aware that installation may require panel modifications and professional fitting to achieve optimal alignment and secure mounting within the vehicle’s transmission tunnel area.
DMark® Bespoke Manufacturing
Each cover represents a unique piece of craftsmanship, individually hand‑formed using traditional metalworking techniques combined with our deep materials knowledge. The complex fabrication process reflects both the technical demands of the application and the striking beauty of bare metal.
Our polished aluminium gearbox covers receive an intensive finishing process that creates a lustrous, mirror‑like surface. The smooth, seamless polished aluminium surface is both eye‑catching and easier to clean—oil, dirt, and fingerprints should come off with little effort using the right solvent.
Maintenance: Polished surfaces require periodic attention to maintain their lustre.
Lightweight aluminium centre change gearbox cover featuring a high‑lustre polished finish that transforms a functional component into a visual centrepiece. Our covers are an attractive alternative to carpeted fibreglass or steel variants originally fitted. These transmission covers specifically fit centre‑change Austin Healey 3000 models.
