Lot 210 - 1964 Austin Healey 3000 Mk. III BJ8 Phase II

The Austin Healey 3000 Mk. III was launched in October 1963 and remained in production until the end of 1967 when production of 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. Improvements to the engine included a revised camshaft, valve springs and twin SU 2" HD8 carburettors together with a redesigned exhaust system and servo-assisted brakes. In May 1964, the Phase II version was introduced that gave better ground clearance at the rear by a modified chassis.

This delightfully handsome Austin Healey was repatriated from North America during 1990, and then sat for many years before being restored and subsequently registered in October 2015. The exacting restoration in the UK took in the region of five years to complete. The aim was to make this one of the finest examples. Particular attention was paid to the panel gaps and finish of the coachwork. The fabulous two-tone blue and cream paintwork, that cost £16,000, is in excellent order and is complemented by a new set of chrome wire wheels that are shod with Pirelli Cinturato tyres. The exterior chromework was restored at a cost of £5,000 whilst on the inside, the standard continues. The interior, with its light blue leather, new carpets and excellent walnut wood dashboard and trimmings, does not disappoint; it is an interior that certainly invites you in. New weather equipment includes the hood, hood bag and tonneau cover. Mechanically, this Healey has been extensively overhauled and converted to righthand drive. The engine has been stripped, overhauled, ported and polished with exhaust gases extracted via a stainless steel exhaust. An electronic ignition system has been fitted for reliability. The detailed engine bay has been finished to as much of the original specification as possible including the correct wiring loom. The gearbox has also been rebuilt and the overdrive unit fitted by Rawles Motor Sport. The suspension has not been neglected, whilst the rest of the undersides has been finished as per the rest of this Healey and protected and treated. A large file includes the US Certificate of Title, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate of the factory record that confirms the date of manufacture as 10th to 12th June 1964, invoices, old MoT test certificates and a UK V5C registration document. Used sparingly since the completion of the restoration, this fine Austin Healey is ready to use and enjoy immediately.