1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII Phase II BJ8 Convertible

• Very rare original 'Metallic Golden Beige' exterior colour
• Present ownership since 1992
• Restored by marque specialists Orchard Restorations 2010-2012
• Prepared for sale by Orchard Restorations

The Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 convertible offered here has been refinished in its original and very rare Metallic Golden Beige ('MGB') exterior colour, which was applied to a run of some 500-odd cars towards the end of 'Big Healey' production in 1967. The first 'MGB' chassis off the production line in January 1967 was '40190', while the last example, '43025', was the penultimate Healey 3000 chassis built, in November 1967 (the final chassis, '43026', was completed early in 1968). In total, 39 'MGB' BJ8s are known to still exist: 18 in the USA, 16 in the UK and the rest distributed around the world. Built in September 1967, this example left the factory trimmed in black leather with matching hood, bound for Kennings Ltd in London. The accompanying BMIHT certificate lists the following options: wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, black tonneau cover, Roadspeed tyres, laminated windscreen, and an overdrive.

Our vendor acquired the Healey in January 1992, by which time it had been repainted in British Racing Green. The accompanying V5C records the previous owner as Barrie Gillies Racing Ltd. The odometer reading when acquired was 53,458 and in January 2025 was 86,196, equating to around 1,000 miles per year.

In September 2010 the car was despatched to Healey specialists Orchard Restorations of Maynard's Green, who had been servicing and maintaining it since 1996. Supervised by Orchard Restorations' Kevin Law, 'SMT 109F' was restored to concours condition and returned to its original limited-edition exterior colour (the early stages of dismantling had revealed traces of the original 'MGB' paint). This restoration carefully retained the original 1967 features, and included body-off renovation, engine rebuild and upgrade, electrical rewiring, and renewing and improving the car interior. The restoration was completed in January 2012 having cost in excess of £38,000.

Revcounter magazine featured 'SMT 109F' in a lengthy article in its April 2012 edition (copy on file) recounting the car's history and restoration. Orchard Restorations' Kevin Law was quoted as saying: "Owners bring their cars to us because they don't want to have to do them again. And this one, SMT 109F, has been a real pleasure. It's in great condition for a car of its age and use – and being able to build it up from the bottom, really makes sure it's been done to the best standard – that's been a pleasure too."

The car comes with all servicing and repair bills since 1992 as well as full details of the 2010-2012 restoration and associated photographs and bills. At time of cataloguing 'SMT 109F' was back at Orchard Restorations for pre-sale preparation, servicing and detailing.