Vehicle Description
This 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 is the best of everything. After all,
final version of the Big Healey in BJ8 form had the best upgrades
of the series, and this one has had tens of thousands $$$$$
invested to make sure it showcases it all properly.
A classic Austin-Healey is really a thing of beauty. It has a
different attitude than the American cruisers, but that does not
mean it missed out on the Coke-bottle styling or the chrome. This
one is a comprehensively complete car down to all the right badges,
excellent brightwork, and the correct wire wheels with knock-off
center hubs. But what we really like best is the paint. You can see
in the photos that this was given a proper restoration. So the
light blue has a deep shine that will remind you of a Caribbean
ocean. And the with the darker blue folding roof, this is the kind
of timeless upper-class European color combo that you still see on
brand new Bentleys. So no matter if you have the top in place, or
just the boot cover when the roof is down, it always looks like
pure British class. Overall, the reason why this is such a stellar
total package is because it has been given all the right
investments over the years. In fact, there has been enough spent in
maintenance and servicing (including $16K in mechanical
restoration) altogether that it could have purchased many lesser
European classics.
The reason why the BJ8 designation is so desirable is because there
were such luxurious appointments only known to this final series.
For example, while a nice dark wood fascia seems like a natural
occurrence in British roadsters, this is the only version to have
walnut veneer trim built into the dash. This provides the perfect
framing for the Smiths gauges, and also is a nice complement to the
wood-rimmed Lecarra three-spoke steering wheel. Not only is all of
this looking fresh, but so are the door panels and carpeting. The
BJ8 series also added a center console between the body-hugging
leather bucket seats. While the back seats are best reserved for
children or luggage, they are no less carefully stitched than the
front buckets. The roof can be erected as easily as reaching back
with one hand, and for added security, the MkIII cars came with
roll-up windows instead of side curtains. Plus, the working heater
means you can keep the top down even into the colder months - in
the true British grand touring spirit.
We mentioned the big investment in the mechanical components
earlier, and you can really see the payoff from the moment you open
the hood. Rarely do you find an engine bay that is this neat, tidy,
and correct. But more than just look like a time capsule, this is
desirable because final series Healey have the best motor. The
2.9-liter inline six was upgraded to twin SU carburetors. This
yielded a 14% boost in power to push it to 150 HP - the most
powerful Austin-Healey ever. The throaty baritone from this
heightened motor is exactly why everyone wants a Big Healey. You
can keep this sound going for as long as you want because the
four-speed manual gearbox gives you complete control. But the best
part is the last of the Austin-Healeys were also built for the long
trips as well, so this is an overdrive transmission. Add in front
disc brakes and exceptional nimble handling, and this make this a
great back road companion.
The sale comes complete with maintenance records, owner's manual,
restoration photos, and service manuals. The mileage is believed to
be actual from purchase documents. There have been great lengths to
ensure that a true enthusiast can enjoy this Austin-Healey 3000
Mark III BJ8. So if you know how to take the long way home in
style, call today!