1967 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 MARK III Registration Number: LTA 1...

Estimate

£55,000 - £60,000

1967 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 MARK III

Registration Number: LTA 126F
Chassis Number: H-BJ8-41730
Recorded Mileage: 23,000 miles

The first owner for 50 years
Two private owners in total
UK supplied when new, from final months of production

Designed as a sports car, and incidentally very successful in rallying and racing, the Austin-Healey 3000 had by the mid-1960s evolved into the civilised 3000 Mk III. The final Big Healey retained the essence of the classic front-engined, rear wheel drive sports car, but with 2+2 seating, roll-up side windows and other luxuries aimed towards the booming North American market.

With a potent 2,912cc 150bhp twin carburetor six-cylinder engine, mated to a four-speed manual overdrive transmission, and with front disc brakes, the 3000 Mk III had performance to match its sporting heritage. Upgrades in the Phase II version further enhanced the ride and handling, taking the model through to production end in 1967. The top speed was now 121mph and the 0-60mph time dipped below 10 seconds - despite the antiquity of the basic design, the Big Healey remained as popular as ever and does to this day.

Always locally owned, this very original example was bought new in September 1967 by Mr. Mike Tanner of Devon, specified in the popular colour of Golden Sand, signifying this as being one from the final year of production. After enjoying the car for some 40 years, in 2007 Mr. Tanner entrusted renowned Healey specialist Colin Groom to restore the Healey for him. During the restoration a colour change was ordered, to the current classic scheme of Healey Ice Blue over Old English White. Further ongoing maintenance in Mr. Tanner’s ownership was performed by Richard Walke garages of Tavistock in Devon. Notably during this time the Healey was fitted with Lumenition electronic ignition, a worthwhile upgrade on a car of this age.

Mr. Tanner enjoyed his Healey for a few more years before selling the Healey to the current owner, who has since entrusted Mr. Big Healey, John Chatham, with its care and maintenance.

The paintwork is in good order with only very light signs of age, and the interior trim appears to be original and in good condition, fitted with an attractive Motolita steering wheel. The engine bay is generally clean and tidy, and the car starts and runs nicely.

Supplied with original hood bag and full tonneau cover, MoT certificates to the late 1980s, invoices for restoration and maintenance works, and a UK V5, this is a very good, genuine example of the ultimate incarnation of the “Big Healey”.