1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII

Lot details Registration No: LJN 786E Chassis No: HBJ8L40857 MOT: March 2025 Current ownership for the last twenty-one years Subject to extensive improvements while in the vendor's ownership including a bare metal repaint Specified with overdrive and wire wheels from new Used extensively while with the vendor touring the United Kingdom, Europe, and Scandinavia Offered with a large history file including the BMIHT Heritage Certificate A significant step in terms of 'Big Healey' evolution and foundation block for one of the 1960s' most charismatic rally cars, the 3000 MkI was introduced in March 1959. Powered by an enlarged 2912cc version of BMC’s C-Series straight-six engine that developed some 124bhp and 167 lbft of torque, it could be had in two-seater (BN7) or 2+2 seater (BT7) configurations. Progressively improved, the 3000 metamorphosed through MkII and MkIIa guises before the arrival of the ultimate MkIII BJ8 in October 1963. Boasting a centre console, proper convertible hood, wood veneer dashboard, redesigned exhaust system and wind-up windows, the 2+2 seater BJ8 proved a comfortable and fast grand tourer. With engine output boosted to 148bhp and 165lbft of torque thanks to a new camshaft and better valve springs etc, its reputed 124mph top speed was accessed via a four-speed manual gearbox. Last of the line, the Phase Two variant benefited from redesigned rear suspension, strengthened splined hubs and larger diameter front disc brakes. Chassis ‘40857’ was completed on the 13th of March 1967 as a North American export car and was dispatched on the 31st of March that year destined for a dealership in Baltimore, United States of America. Specified from the factory with wire wheels, overdrive, an adjustable steering column, heater, Road Speed tyres, a laminated windscreen and a Black tonneau cover. Finished from new in metallic Golden Beige paintwork, with Black interior trim and hood, the Big Healey was repatriated to Britain in 1991 as a restoration project and was subject to repainting and converted to right-hand drive before returning to the road in 1992, before being purchased by the vendor in 2003 from renowned Austin-Healey specialist Murray Scott Nelson. Extensively improved throughout the vendor's ownership, the notable works include a carburettor refurbishment, new rear hub extensions, renewed starting equipment in 2021; front brake pads and rear brake shoes in 2020; heater and cold air trunking in 2019; new fuel tank in 2017; new wiring harness throughout in 2016; complete bodywork restoration and repainting in metallic Golden Beige paint (in a slightly stronger colour than the original) in 2015; new rear brake drums and shoes in 2014; new rear shock absorbers and new wire wheels in 2013. Earlier work also included a reconditioned overdrive and unleaded cylinder head, cylinder bores honed and new rings, new big end bearings, and stainless steel exhaust, and the 3000 has been serviced annually during the vendor’s ownership. Used widely while with the vendor touring the Outer Hebrides, Ireland, the Black Forest, Berlin, France, Switzerland, Holland, Denmark, and Sweden, with some 50,000 miles covered during the twenty-one years with the vendor. Offered with a large history file that includes the BMIHT Heritage Certificate, a vast selection of invoices for improvements and parts, a large collection of MOT certificates dating back to 1992, numerous photographs covering the bodywork restoration and repaint, breakdown of the improvement works completed while with the vendor, and a current V5C document, as well as two sets of keys, full weather gear in Black, and a no advisory MOT certificate until March 2025. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, this Healey is a very well-sorted example offered in an attractive colour scheme. For more information, please contact: Paul Cheetham paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk 07538 667452