1962 Austin-Healey 3000 MkII Convertible

Lot details Registration No: 387 XVD Chassis No: H-BJ7-L/20372 MOT: Exempt The subject of an extensive, three-year long, 'body off, chassis up' restoration by Max Rowley (formerly of P&A Wood) and his team Parts repaired or replaced as necessary with help from marque specialist A-H Spares Finished in the stunning combination of Midnight Blue with Biscuit leather upholstery and matching carpets (extending to the boot) Resident in America for much of its life and still to LHD specification to aid European touring Entered from a private collection One of the most charismatic British sportscars ever made, the Big Healey used what was essentially the same silhouette to evolve from a pared-back, four-cylinder Roadster through to a more civilised, six-cylinder Convertible. Introduced in February 1962, the 3000 MkII 2+2 'BJ7' model (nicknamed the MkIIa) pioneered such 'luxuries' as wind-up windows, swivelling quarter-lights and a fixed convertible hood. While the fitment of stiffer coil springs to the independent front suspension and a more direct steering box enhances its handling / roadholding capabilities. The manual / overdrive transmission gained a new case, and the 2912cc straight-six engine reverted to twin SU carburettors. With a reputed 132bhp and 170lbft of torque on tap, Girling front discs became standard equipment. The American magazine 'Sports Car Illustrated' noting with some delight that the BJ7’s speedometer needle could be wound beyond its final 120mph marking. For some, the short-lived MkIIa is the pick of the Big Healey bunch thanks to its combination of the classical (non-wooden) dashboard layout and improved soft-top. Built to left-hand drive specification on June 28th-29th 1962, chassis H-BJ7-L/20372 was dispatched to J. Inskip Inc of New York some two weeks later. Enlisting the help of The Austin Healey Club, the vendor became the 2+2-seater’s sole registered UK keeper when it was issued with the number plate ‘387 XVD’ on November 1st 2018. Although a complete entity that pleasingly retained its original engine, the MkIIa was somewhat tired. A true petrolhead with an expansive and diverse stable, the seller decided to treat it to a very thorough, ‘body off, chassis up’ restoration. Undertaken by former P&A Wood master mechanic Max Rowley and his colleagues, the project took three years to complete. Working ‘hand in glove’ with marque specialist A-H Spares Ltd, the body was refurbished with new galvanised floors and replacement steel and aluminium panels as necessary. The suspension and brakes were rejuvenated, the wiring renewed and the engine extensively overhauled. New lights, indicators and reflectors were fitted and various instruments reconditioned. Finished in the unusual but very handsome combination of Midnight Blue with extended Biscuit leather upholstery and matching carpets (including the boot), ‘387 XVD’ remains highly presentable. Tuned by an engineer well versed in preparing cars for historic motorsport, the engine burst into life upon inspection sounding throaty and purposeful in equal measure. A-H Spares Ltd remain very proud of their involvement in the car and indeed have described it as ‘truly one of the best examples of the marque that can be found anywhere’. In the enviable position of having more sportscars than he can find the time to use, the vendor has decided to thin his collection down. Seemingly ideal for Continental touring and offered for sale at a fraction of its restoration cost, this decidedly special Big Healey comes with a V5C Registration Document and restoration details etc. For more information, please contact: Damian Jones damian.jones@handh.co.uk 07855 493737