Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8

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The successor to the 100/6, the Austin Healey 3000 was announced on 1st July 1959.

 The big Healey was gradually updated and improved over the years, with the Mklll version arriving in February 1964, featuring power-assisted braking as standard, larger carburettors and a revised fascia. With its power increased from 136 bhp to 150 bhp thanks to a new higher lift camshaft, the new model was also praised for its improved performance, with 0 - 60 mph now being accomplished in 11 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The Mklll was to continue in production until the end of 1967. As with all British sports cars of this period, a substantial number were exported, especially to North America.

In May 1964 the Phase II version of the Mark III was introduced featuring redesigned rear chassis and suspension to improve ground clearance for the exhaust.

The 1964 example offered here is an original RHD UK market car. The Heritage Certificate supplied shows the car to have been built in August that year and despatched to Austin main dealer Car Mart Ltd of London. The specification included wire wheels, adjustable steering column, heater, laminated screen, overdrive and Dunlop Road Speed tyres.

It would appear that there have only been four owners and there are bills on file dating back to 1971 showing regular maintenance. The recorded mileage now stands at just under 72,000 and the car is in very original order, but would benefit from some cosmetic attention in some areas particularly to the interior where some new carpet would be an easy improvement. The paintwork, although smart in dark blue will need some work soon with some blistering present in places. This might be a good opportunity to return it to its original Healey Blue, a metallic light blue as can be seen on the firewall.

Supplied with a spare set of keys and 15 old MoTs that appear to substantiate the mileage, the Healey is very realistically Estimated. Overall, a lovely original RHD car which is eminently usable as it is, or would be a great candidate for a sympathetic restoration.

AMENDMENT Please note that upon inspection this car is a standard Austin Healey MkIII BJ8, NOT a Phase II car as orginially listed.