Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8

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This handsome Austin–Healey 3000 Mk3 Phase 2 BJ8 (to give it its full title) rolled off the production line in Abingdon in January 1965 and was dispatched to New York in March of that year.

The Heritage Certificate states that original features included wire wheels, overdrive, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen and a heater. The car still had all these desirable features when it came back to these shores in 1995, when it was converted to right-hand drive. It has also been fitted with electronic ignition, a rather rorty side-exhaust, new shocks and anti-roll bar, all of which were fitted by the current owner who has owned the car since 2006.

The Healey’s bodywork has had minor repairs and has been repainted during the vendor’s ownership; it is now Old English White rather than its original Ivory White – did you notice that? The black upholstery is thought to be original.

The car is not concours but is an honest example of the marque and has an appealing and authentic air to it. A new owner may wish to fit new carpets and tidy up the engine bay, but this is a car that will not require a great deal of improvement.

It flew through its MOT in September with no advisories showing, in fact it has passed the last seven MOTs with no advisories and has covered fewer than 3,000 miles in that time.

This is a well-presented car in original condition that is ready to use straight away, but could be improved over the coming winter months if the new owner so wished. It appears to be a good, honest Big Healey that is as appealing now as it must have been to its first owner 53 years ago.