1963 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 MK III

2,912cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
150bhp at 5,250rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Exquisite nut-and-bolt restoration to factory specifications recently performed
*Low-mileage, matching-numbers example retained by previous owner for 42 years
*Accompanied by restoration receipts and British Heritage Trust Certificate
*Award-winning example of the final and fully evolved 'Big Healey' model

THE AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000

Designed as a sports car and indeed quite successful in rallying and racing, the Austin-Healey 3000 had by the mid-1960s evolved into the fully civilized 3000 Mk III. Fitted with roll-up side windows and an easily operable soft top, the 2+2 tourer was quite enjoyable and safe for daily driving. Fitted with the potent 2,912cc 150bhp twin-carb six-cylinder engine, mated to a four-speed manual overdrive transmission, and equipped with disc brakes in the front, the 3000 Mk III provided performance worthy of its sporting heritage. Despite the antiquity of the basic design, the Big Healey remained as popular as ever, though increasingly stringent safety and emissions legislation meant that its days were numbered.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Dispatched from the Healey Works on December 17, 1963, this LHD example was equipped for the North American market, finished in British Racing Green over a black interior, and optioned with wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, Roadspeed tires, laminated windscreen, miles-per-hour speedometer and overdrive. The Healey was acquired by the previous owner in 1979 with the intention to restore it, however the car sat covered away in the garage for the next 42 years, then sold to the consignor who had heard about the hidden gem through the British Car Club. The consignor embarked on a full nut-and-bolt restoration which was recently completed and included fully restoring the Roadster bodywork in the period-correct Colorado Red over Ivory White coves as seen on the car today, rebuilding the engine, transmission, overdrive, brake system, suspension, and powder coating the wire wheels. The cockpit was fully retrimmed in a rich red color with white piping, a new black convertible top with cover was fitted, and a new wiring harness installed. Chrome or brightwork was re-plated or renewed. A few reliability upgrades were added, such as fitment of a high-torque starter and electronic distributor, while the original is offered with the car. Today the Healey presents impeccably well inside and out and received an award at the 2022 Ironstone Concours. The odometer reading of just 56,760 miles is believed to be original, and the matching numbers engine remains in the car. Offered with restoration receipts and the Heritage Trust Certificate, this iconic Healey is ready for the next owner.