Lot 310: 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII Phase II Convertible

Launched at the New York Motor Show in March 1959, the Austin-Healey 3000 retained the muscular good looks of its 100/6 predecessor while providing a useful increase in performance thanks to a larger-capacity version of the long-established C-Series engine. Over-bored to 2,912cc the latter produced 124bhp, good enough for a top speed of 114mph with the optional hardtop in place. Otherwise, the car was much as before, though Girling front disc brakes were a welcome improvement. Introduced in 1961, the MkII in Convertible form brought improved practicality courtesy of a fixed foldaway top and winding windows. From now until the end of production the only 3000 model available would be the 2+2, the less popular two-seat version having been dropped.
The 3000 MkIII with 148bhp engine appeared early in 1964, to be followed later in the year by the Phase II version with revised rear suspension. Top speed was now 121mph and the 0-60mph time dipped below 10 seconds. Despite the antiquity of the basic design, the Big Healey remained as popular as ever, though increasingly stringent safety and emissions legislation meant that its days were numbered.
Representing the Big Healey’s final, most popular incarnation, this right-hand drive BJ8 Phase II model has the desirable overdrive transmission and was originally constructed in left-hand drive form for the North American market, being exported to Philadelphia in January 1966. The car was brought back to the UK in the late 1980s and first registered in this country in August 1991. A leisurely restoration was carried out between then and September 1994 when it received its 2nd MoT with a recorded mileage of 747. The current owner purchased the car in June 2001 and since then has sent some £15,000-or-so on refurbishment, mainly with E J Greenway Classic & Sports Car Restoration. Major new components include the front shroud (from Cape International) and transmission (from Janspeed Performance Ltd). All invoices for the period 2001 to 2007 come with the car, which is offered with MoT to June 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.