Vehicle Description
Chassis # HBJ8L34367
A Well Kept Older Restoration
Recently Serviced & Sorted
Original Colors & Numbers Matching
Offered With BMIHT Certificate
Hailed as one of Britain's most famous sports cars, the Austin
Healey has long deserved the recognition it gets today as an
upstanding collector car. These little sports cars incorporate all
of the right elements to bring back a real understanding of what
fun was like behind the wheel in the 1960's. If it were not for
Austin Healey's demise in 1968, there would certainly be a rather
interesting contribution to today's contemporary sports cars. Since
this is not the case, today we are left with just under 43,000
units produced in total between 1959-1967. Perhaps the most sought
after, desired, refined, and best variants is the MK III or BJ8 as
they are commonly referred to. These last production examples
offered roll-up windows, weather tight and easy to use top, heater,
front disc brakes and a finely crafted wood dash and other little
accouterments that make a car so user friendly and enjoyable. As
such, they remain at the top of the list for any serious sports car
collector or enthusiast looking to rekindle their youth.
The example on offer here is chassis number HBJ8L29131 fitted with
engine number 29KRUH14259, showcasing a nicely kept older
restoration. This particular Healey was restored in 1999 by the
world class specialists at BRC of Philadelphia to concours level
with every area of the car tended to. Currently, the early history
of this car is not known but a British Motor Industry Heritage
Trust Certificate has been requested and will provide more
specifics as to the car's origins.
Cosmetically, the red paint shows nicely and would best be
described as driver quality; not perfect but very much presentable.
Under close inspection one will notice a small chip that has been
touched up and perhaps a light scratch here and there along with
some signs of an aging restoration. However, it still holds an
eye-catching shine and maintains an element of depth that would
benefit from a good buff. Upon close inspection, there are some
inconsistencies that should be noted which include some chipping
around the front grill and door seams. All of the brightwork is
again, presentable but showing signs of aging. For example, on the
mouth of the front grill and bottom lip there are signs of flaking
chrome that could warrant re-plating. The bumpers show some mild
pitting as well as light surface scratching that could be remedied
with a thorough polishing. The windshield frame has developed some
moderate surface scratching, still presentable and consistent with
the driver quality condition of the car. In addition, the 72 spoke,
Dayton wire wheels do have some pitting but no severe flaws that
would require immediate attention. The black soft top is in great
shape, free of any tears, pulls, or flaws with the only item to
note being a small area where several scratches have been incurred
on the soft rear window. Nothing major but worth mentioning in the
interest of full disclosure. The glass on the car is of driver
quality with no significant scratches of chips.
This example received a new black interior in 2005 and shows as
such. The seats and door panels have not incurred any tears or
cracks whatsoever and are in great shape. The door jams are
presentable but have begun to reveal their age in some small areas
as the paint has begun to fail around the hinges. However, this is
consistent with an older restoration that has been enjoyed. The
wooden dash face has held up well with the only inconsistency being
a minor crack on the glove box door but nothing to quarrel over.
The chrome gauge bezels have acquired some mild pitting but the
gauges themselves show great and are fully operable. The dash is in
great condition and shows nicely. It is to be noted that the Healey
'3000' badge located in front of the shifter base has been omitted
and replaced with an aftermarket clarion radio. An inspection of
the rugs will conclude that they do appear a bit used but do not
possess any substantial stains or rips.
Moving to the engine bay, it has a welcoming patina and retains
several marks of correctness. The majority of the hoses, clamps,
and mounts show as period correct and all components consistent
with one another with evidence of regular maintenance. Make your
way around to the trunk and one will find no issues with the spare
wheel and jack present. The liner is in impeccable condition with
no notable flaws, showing very well. The undercarriage of this
example is very much in line with the quality of the rest of the
car. It appears as structurally sound with the frame straight and
true. There is no rust or evidence of any damage however, one item
the underside would greatly benefit from is a proper steam
cleaning.
In terms of the mechanical condition of this example, it runs and
drives adequately with no serious issues to be had. The engine
fires without hassle and settles to a comfortable idle rather
quickly. Once up to temperature, one can really start to indulge in
the usability of these cars and embark on spirited back road
driving. Depress the throttle pedal and the engine pulls nicely
letting out a lovely 'gruff' exhaust note. The engine produces
normal oil pressure but does tend to run a bit hot at times as
typical with many British cars of this era. This issue is currently
being investigated and will be remedied prior to the sale of the
car. The clutch functions as it should and the transmission goes in
and out of gear with ease. Apply the brakes and there is no fade or
pulling to note; functioning as expected. The steering feels tight
and precise displaying no evidence of any adjustments or repairs
necessary.
Estimate: $65,000 - $75,000