Lot 12: 1965 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 MK III CONVERTIBLE

Black with red Ambla interior and black soft top

Engine: six cylinder, in-line, pushrod overhead valves, twin SU carburetors, 2,912cc, 148bhp at 5,350rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual with overdrive; Suspension: front, independent by wishbones and coil springs, rear, live axle with transverse control arm or radius rods, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel power assisted hydraulically operated drum. Left hand drive.

In 1964 Austin-Healey produced the 3000 Mk III, generally considered to be the finest Healey variant of them all. It was more convertible than the roadster with its wind-up windows, excellent hood and two plus two seating. In the cockpit there was a varnished timber dashboard with the traditional sports car array of instruments, a central console between the comfortable bucket seats and well-fitted carpets.

This 'Big Healey' is an original North American export model which was dispatched from the factory in January 1965. The car has had a total chassis-up, nut and bolt re-build to the highest standard that includes preparing the metalwork with three coats of catalyzed urethane paint and building up the base coat and clear coat paintwork for the body work. Mechanically, the Healey has a completely rebuilt engine including all ancillaries. The gearbox has been fully inspected, rinsed and resealed, and the differential has been inspected. It has spotless black paintwork with red Ambla trim which was fitted as standard for all the North America export cars. (This is a color change from the original).

The Healey has a black soft top, a black top boot, a reprinted owner's manual, 60-spoke chrome/stainless wire wheels, correct Michelin radial steel-belted tires and a mild steel exhaust system. With a walnut veneer dashboard, heater, curved windscreen and roll-up windows, accommodation is both practical and refined. The later built, double-large, light cars are the most desirable, with power brakes, overdrive, adjustable steering and 150bhp on tap. We are delighted to be offering this finely restored, matching numbers, Phase Two example.