Lot 205: Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (BJ8) Sports Convertible

The final big Healey 3000 Mk III of 1967 fully retained the essence of its curvaceous long hood/short deck progenitor, the Austin-Healey 100/4 sports convertible of 1953. Designed as a sports car and indeed quite successful in rallying and racing, the Austin- Healey had by the mid-1960s evolved into the fully civilized 3000 Mk III. Equipped with roll-up side windows, this 2+2 tourer was quite enjoyable for daily drivingwhile its 2912cc 150hp twin-carb six-cylinder engine and four-speed manual overdrive transmission provided performance worthy of its sporting heritage. Shortly after the Mk III was introduced in 1964, Phase II upgrades were added that would further enhance the ride and handling of all subsequent Mk III BJ8 series chassis through 1967. Acclaimed Healey specialist Kurt Tanner's shop has very recently completed the extensive show restoration of this offered example. The project began with an original car, obtained through an Ohio dealer who obtained it from the second owner. The car had been stored for many years and its ownership history and previous title declarations indicate the odometer mileage, 30,604 at time of consignment, is actual. The Tanner crew stripped the Healey to bare metal in preparation for its fresh Golden Beige Metallic basecoat/clearcoat paint. (It is one of 553 cars originally painted this color.) Chromed parts were replated or replaced with reproductions; the grille teeth and marque badges are new. The car's newly manufactured stainless/chrome wire wheels are fitted with new 175x15 radial tires and tubes and are secured by new knockoffs to a mix of new and excellent low-mileage hubs. The completely refurbished interior is correctly done in red Ambla leatherette, with black top and boot cover. Seats were rebuilt from the springs out. Beautifully restored and detailed, the instrumentation is set into a new walnut dashboard fascia. The proper Everflex top was installed over a power-coated top frame, with a new boot cover and bag of the same material. The boot itself is likewise authentically detailed, with an Armacord kit installation providing a factory-fresh appearance. According to the vendor, the Mk III has been mechanically inspected, repaired and restored as necessary, resulting in a vehicle that runs, drive, steer and stops as per the original cars' performance. The electrics have been attended to with new wiring and restored components, while fuel and braking systems received similarly comprehensive attention. A new stainless steel exhaust system is also fitted. A new knockoff hammer, some tools accompany the car in addition to a freshly reprinted owner's manual and the car's British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate. Representing the finest flowering of a most desirable post-WWII British sports cars, this newly restored and exquisitely turned out "Big Healey" is poised to bring to a new owner many pleasurable and memorable experiences. A California title will accompany the car at sale.