1966 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 MARK III Registration Number: FHJ 7...

Estimate

£58,000 - £63,000

1966 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 MARK III

Registration Number: FHJ 78D 
Chassis Number: H-BJ8/34969
Recorded Mileage: c.71,000 miles  

- Matching numbers, UK supplied from new
- Subject to comprehensive restoration  

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.

FHJ 78D was despatched on 15th February 1966, destined for the Nottingham dealer Atkeys. The 3000 was specified with wire wheels, an overdrive gearbox, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen and Road Speed tyres.

By the early 2000s the big Healey had been stored for a number of years and was in need of restoration, and so was entrusted to leading specialist Murray Scott-Nelson for comprehensive restoration, completed approximately four years ago. During the restoration the engine was converted for unleaded fuel; in readiness for sale the 3000 has been serviced once more by specialist Rawles Motorsport, and has just received a new MoT certificate (with no advisories). In the history file are a photographic record of the restoration, various receipts for works and parts supplied, Heritage Certificate, current and original green log book, also current and previous MoT certificates.

FHJ 78D is beautifully finished in its original shade of Ivory white, with a supple red leather interior and black convertible roof. The chassis and coachwork are beautifully straight with excellent panel gaps, and following its recent service the car is said to start and run extremely well. All in all a beautiful, genuine example of the classic “Big Healey”.