1967 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 MARK III (BJ8)  Registration Number...

Estimate

£50,000 - £60,000

1967 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 MARK III (BJ8) 

Registration Number: LJU 720E
Chassis Number: HBJ8/41662
Recorded Mileage: TBA

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.

We are delighted to offer this rare, very late 1967 BJ8 model.

According to the accompanying Heritage Certificate for the car, the 3000 was despatched on 25th May 1967, finished in the desirable run-out colour scheme of Metallic Golden Beige with a red leather interior, and black convertible roof, destined for dealers Kenning Car Mart of London W1. Options selected were a heater, overdrive, adjustable steering column, laminated screen, road speed tyres, a black tonneau and Hide upholstery.

The Healey has recently enjoyed a highly detailed restoration by Swedish specialist Healey Racing Team, with many components overhauled or replaced as required. The engine, gearbox, and differential were rebuilt, as was the car’s suspension. New carburettors have been fitted, also alternator and starter motor. All chromework was either replaced or refinished, as was the car’s exhaust and chromed wire wheels. The Healey was retrimmed in red leather with matching carpets and a black convertible roof. Whilst the standard of paintwork is good, we understand there is a little room for improvement in terms of final fit and finish, as such we welcome inspection on our auction viewing day. The accompanying history file contains a number of bills covering the restoration, in addition to a good amount of history from the car’s previous life in the UK, dating back to the mid-1980s.

With just a handful of miles since completion, this sensibly estimated Big Healey offers in our opinion excellent value for money in the current market.