1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8

1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8
Chassis no. FBJ8L/31868
Engine no. 29F/RU/H3817
2,912cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
150bhp at 5,250rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*The final iteration of the iconic 'Big Healey'
*Finished in factory-correct Healey Blue / Ivory White color
*Numbers matching example, documented by its Heritage Certificate
*Offered from long term ownership of 15 years

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

With the introduction of the final 'Big Healey' 3000 Mk III model, the legendary British manufacturer of sports cars successfully retained the essence of its classic curvaceous long hood/short deck sports roadster, but had grown the car to accommodate 2+2 seating, and loaded it with amenities directed towards the booming North American market.

Designed as a sports car and indeed quite successful in rallying and racing, the Austin-Healey 3000 had by the mid-1960s evolved into the fully civilized 3000 Mk III. Fitted with roll-up side windows and an easily operable soft top, the 2+2 tourer was quite enjoyable and safe for daily driving. Fitted with the potent 2,912cc 150bhp twin-carb six-cylinder engine, mated to a four-speed manual overdrive transmission, and equipped with disc brakes in the front, the 3000 Mk III also 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. Top speed was 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.

The subject Austin-Healey dates from mid-way through the production series for these cars. Delivered new to Chicago, it was built at the factory at the end of May 1965 and originally finished in Healey Blue over blue leather with a blue top. Fitted with a number of options, including wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, overdrive and more.

It is today finished in one of, if not the iconic paint scheme for them, with the main body being in Healey Blue, and the side-coves accenting it in Ivory White. Complementing the exterior is a royal blue top in fabric and vinyl interior in darker blue, with piping is what would originally have been termed as chrome, but has, as they do, faded to gold from exposure to sunlight. Close examination of the interior, particularly of the aging to the piping suggests that this may well be original to the car, it has worn commensurately with its age. While the paint and top appear to have been refurbished at some point in its career. Accompanying it are two full tonneau covers and its British Motoring Industry Heritage Trust Certificate confirming that it is a numbers matching example.
The car was acquired by the present ownership roughly 15 years ago in the spring of 2008, from a noted West Hollywood dealer, who had acquired it for stock in the fall of the previous year. Its odometer reading at the date of acquisition matches its figure today, confirming its lack of use in that ensuing period. In view of this, it should be considered as needing a thorough checking over and potentially mechanical attention before returning to the road. When it does, it will provide its next owner with the spritely performance, commodious seating and all-weather practicality that these cars are well known for.