The Austin Healey is one of the more important cars in British motoring history, leaving a timeless impression in the hearts of the enthusiast who owned them. Donald Healey, the motoring mastermind behind the Big Healeys, originally was known for his spectacular abilities as a racing driver, and his performance in the 1931 Monte Carlo Rally. Racing a 4.5L Invicta with questionable handling, he hit a telegraph pole in Sweden knocking the rear axle out of alignment along with one of his brakes failing further into the rally but still managed to finish first in one of the most challenging motor sport events of the time. This triumph lead to the Healey name gaining momentum on an international scale and eventually Mr. Healey decided to manufacturer his very own sports car, which developed into the Austin Healey we know and admire, today. The 100-4 was introduced in 1952 and the first of the Austin Healey’s which would live on for another 15 years in two other variants known as the 100-6 and 3000. Today we are left with just under 43,000 units produced in total between 1959 and 1967. The most sought after, user friendly, and desired models is the MKIII, also referred to as the BJ8. These final specification examples offered roll up windows, weather tight construction, easy-to-use top, heater, front disc brakes, and a finely crafted wood dash, paired with other little accouterments that make a car enjoyable in nature and user friendly. As such, they remain at the top of the list for any serious British sports car collector or enthusiast looking to rekindle their youth.

 

The example on offer is a 1966 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII chassis number HBJ8L30025, engine number 29KRUH4810 boasting a complete frame off restoration by our friends and marque specialists at BRC of Philadelphia. The odometer shows a mere 24 miles since the restoration has been completed and this example certainly shows as such. Prior to the restoration, it is known that this car was purchased from a gentleman in Virginia and then brought to Philadelphia to execute the restoration. The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate indicates that this example was built between November 23-26 of 1964 and then dispatched to a dealer in the United States on December 17^th of that same year. Originally this example was finished in black with a red interior and equipped with wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, Roadspeed tires, laminated windscreen, and overdrive from the factory. Now let’s move on to this example’s current day condition.

 

Cosmetically, the car is in 1- condition with every panel free of dents, major scratches, or flaws with excellent shut gaps. The paint is deep, shiny, and in the condition as one would expect from a fresh restoration as are all of the emblems. All rubber components including windshield moldings, door, trunk and bonnet seals are all supple and brand new. Additionally, every piece of chrome including bumpers, windshield chrome, handles, grill, and door moldings are all newly re-chromed and are free of flaws minus the soft top hinges which have slight pitting and are perhaps original. Pulling the soft-top up you will find a new, correct cloth top with clear rear window free of fading or scratches and a brand-new boot cover for sunny, top-down days. All glass including headlamps, windshield, doors, and quarter windows are all excellent with no scratches or chips. All sitting on a fresh set of Dayton wire wheels and correct Michelin tires. Overall, the car presents as a show-quality example that is certainly hard to fault.

 

Opening the door reveals the beautiful interior that has clearly been redone by very capable hands. The door jams are cleanly and tidy with no quarrels to be had. The front and rear seats are in impeccable condition with the only item to note is the absence of the correct gold piping which has been replaced with blue piping. The fresh carpeting has not received any mistreatment with no blemishes whatsoever and the black rubber mats showing alike. The nicely redone wooden dash houses the rebuilt and refinished gauges, all fully operational. One will notice the omission of the larger, original steering wheel which has been replaced by a smaller, more usable 15” Moto Lita steering wheel. The face of the steering wheel does have some light surface scratching but could easily be resolved with a proper polishing.

 

An inspection of the engine bay will conclude a nicely sorted engine with all components neatly refinished, rebuilt, and/or replaced. The only noteworthy item is the use of the incorrect modern clamps used on a few essential hoses for safety reasons which can easily be replaced with the period correct style clamps should the car undergo concours judging. Moving to the rear boot, all of the liner has been replaced with the spare wheel and hammer present. The underside is very much consistent with the superb condition of the rest of the car with the appropriate areas repainted, suspension completely gone through, and drivetrain tended to as well. Any flawing or inconsistencies were fully addressed during the restoration.

 

Mechanically, this example performs without fault, starting instantly and the engine idling comfortably. Once up to operating temperature the engine really comes to life with excellent throttle response and pulls nicely. The clutch operates as it should, with the correct 4-speed transmission shifting in and out of gear beautifully. Upon approach of a corner, the disc brakes promptly slow the car and bring you to a timely stop. Any fade, pull, or vibrations are nonexistent as the brakes operate as new. The steering feels tight and precise, with the aid of the Moto Lita steering wheel adding to the visceral experience.

 

In summation, this fully restored “Big Healey” is absolutely turn-key and ready for any show, rally, or tour. The extensive knowledge and dedication at BRC Philadelphia to proper craftsmanship is evident throughout this example. With over 500 restorations completed by BRC, this example was finished to the highest level. These astute Healey specialists have produced an example that even the keenest Austin-Healey enthusiast would find quite the challenge to justifiably critique. The example on offer has been thoroughly tended to in every aspect and has been prepared for its next caretaker and custodian to enjoy. Included in the sale are the jack, spare, hammer, Heritage Certificate (Incoming), and tonneau cover.

 

Available Documentation:(Please click on the links below to view the files)

 

• BMIHT Certificate