Description
A rare opportunity to acquire a very special investment quality 1967 Austin Healey 3000 MkIII. This Phase II example boasts a remarkable history including low mileage, three owners from new (two of whom are noted Austin Healey authors and business partners of Donald Healey himself), desirable final production specification, all original panelling, drivetrain, a long list of features and trims now lost on 99% of restored examples plus the rarity of being one of just 552 Metallic Golden Beige Austin Healeys built.
This Healey can be converted RHD in just one week with ease and no irreversible modification as cars are interchangeable.
YMO 186F was purchased new in San Francisco, California fully loaded with options by Lester Fisher who resided in Oakland, CA. He owned the car until 1979 when the car was purchased by renowned Healey historian and enthusiast Bill Emerson, author of the definitive ‘The Healey Book’ in which the car is featured as a textbook example of the MkIII. When in conversation with the current owner, Bill recalls:
“When we found the car it was in a closed garage in the hills overlooking Oakland, California. It had 18, 000 miles on it and the seat belts had never been used (They’re tucked UNDER the seats). All we did was wash and polish the car in order to show it!!!
While Betty and I had the car we participated in EVERY Austin-Healey event in California, many in Oregon, and a few in Washington and Nevada”.
During Bill’s ownership the car remained in the same remarkable condition as when purchased. The car was sold by Bill to the current owner, also well known in the Austin Healey world for club and concours work as well as a long serving business partner and friend of Donald Healey and who brought the car back to the UK. The car has been once again a regular attendee in Healey circles such as the 2018 European Healey Meeting where the car was invited to take part in the main display comprising a small collection of exceptional cars. Multiple photos of both this and Bill Emerson’s ownership are available with the car, and a few can be seen in our website gallery.
This Healey has been looked after by us and in 2000 received a bare metal exterior repaint. The car truly is free of body filler and has never had any accidents or even small body damage with panel fitment and general condition remaining factory. The underside of the car remains original paint and is smart but not as per a just restored car.
The value in this particular car can be seen both in its originality, correctness, very good exterior and interior condition but most uniquely in dozens of small concours correct features that we would be happy to guide any interested party through. These include plastic ’67 BMC’ tags in the engine bay normally lost, small protective trims to the interior and roof, unique paint, chrome and other materials finishes plus decals and mechanical components.
The car received its last major service with us in January 2022 including new shock absorbers, wheels, tyres, brake servo as well as general service items. We still have the original wheels and spinners if the purchaser desires them.
Sold serviced with MOT, British Motor Heritage Certificate of authenticity, large paperwork history file, traceability of ownership back to new, events memorabilia, Thor hammer and jack, photos of the car dating into the 70s, a copy of ‘The Healey Book’ in which the car features and more.
