Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII was launched in October 1963 and remained in production until the end of 1967 when production of all Austin-Healeys ceased. Classified as the BJ8, the new model was the most powerful and luxurious of the big Healeys with a Walnut veneer dash, wind-up windows and a 150bhp engine, propelling the car to 60mph in under ten seconds and enabling a top speed of just over 120mph. Improvements to the engine included a revised camshaft, valve springs and twin SU HD8 2 carburettors together with a redesigned exhaust system and servo-assisted brakes. In May 1964, the Phase II was quietly introduced and featured a redesigned rear chassis improving the big Healey's notoriously poor ground clearance.
According to its accompanying Heritage Certificate, this splendid Healey 3000 was built between 17th and 20th June 1966 in left-hand drive (North American-market specification), finished in Healey Blue with a navy blue leather interior and fitted with a blue hood. Factory-fitted options are listed as wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen, overdrive, Roadspeed tyres, blue tonneau cover, front number plate and one wing mirror. It was earmarked as a ‘Personal Export Delivery to the USA’ and was dispatched on 4th July 1966. Its first owner was not listed but, according to our vendor, it was owned by a Mr George Burkhardt during the 1990s and was sold to Beverly Hills Car Club in 2014 prior to being purchased by our vendor later that year, having seen it in a car showroom in California whilst on holiday in the States.
The Phase II BJ8 was the final development of the legendary ‘Big Healey’ and this example presents particularly well. It retains its original engine and the chassis number matches the Heritage Certificate. The indicated mileage is 53, 645 which, looking at the car’s overall condition, may well be correct but naturally can’t be warranted. According to our vendor 'the only thing that has been changed on the car in my ownership is the hood which was custom made by a specialist in 2015. The original hood had severe sun damage with several holes, it was not repairable unfortunately. The hood operation is the best I have ever experienced in a sports car as it can be erected whilst sitting in the car and has just two clips to fix. New tyres were fitted last year'.
The bodywork seems in excellent condition for its age with only a couple of small areas of sun damage, the seating is in navy blue leather with contrasting piping, the engine bay appears tidy and the recent bespoke soft top is impressive. It’s accompanied by its V5C, various invoices, the US ‘Pink Slip’ and its most recent MOT ('No Advisories') which expired in June 2018 since when the car has covered just 1, 506 miles.
This delightful left-hand drive BJ8 has everything going for it - classic colours, chrome wire wheels, overdrive, four seats and years of caring ownership. We invite and encourage your inspection at our NEC sale.
