This beauty is one of the 3,532 BJ-7 Austin-Healey's built between Feb. 1962 and Nov. 1963 exported to the United-States from Great Britain. It is known as a "the Big Healey". The 'remarkable' features for this model would be 'wind-up windows', laminated curved windscreen (windshield), a 'proper boot' (actual folding convertible top), 2+2 seating (for legless children), luxury carpeting, return to the beloved twin SU carburetors (Skinners Union), increased horsepower, 'new' improved steering box, higher rated front springs, the 'new' servo brake cylinder, pressed steel dash and electric tachometer.
With a first year zip-out rear window the MkII bj-7's is instantly recognized at speed or sitting curbside by the vertical-slatted grille and badging.
This “stunning” car is finished in classic “Healey blue” with black bucket seats and soft-top. It carries the new Dayton Chrome Wire Wheels with stainless-steel spokes, Lucas Fog-lamps, Derrington style Moto-Lita Wood Steering Wheel, heater, Girling servo brakes, original Everflex brand top/ tonneau / boot ordered direct from England, adjustable steering column, 'Roadspeed-type' radial BW tires and overdrive, all excellent, as well as, the neatest 'decor' options in 1963.
It underwent a complete restoration in base coat/ clear coat including engine rebuild down to the suspension tie rods. It also got a new clutch, interior and top w/ boot. Incidentally, this car is 'a runner'.
The 3000 MkII bj-7 was fitted at Addington, England with the 2912 6 cylinders motor and 4-speed gearbox and provided remarkably super performance against its competition.
Overdrive was an extra cost option (60 English pounds). We are happy to report this car is not only fitted with o.d. but it 'works' (so many in America are now defunct). The result, with the optional overdrive, was a big Healey with a 5-6 speed gearbox. Maximum top speed recorded by Sportscar illustrated at 124 m.p.h. (4 mph above the speedo reading). 0-60 mph was 11.5 sec., all from 131 bhp @ 4750 r.p.m..., not bad for a six banger. It carried a 'new' feature this year: "servo assisted drum brakes" at all four corners.
This would be the last of the low-slung Healeys… In fact, there are those that would argue that the bj-7 models are " the last of the real rugged sports cars" as, by the next model (bj-8), an increased ride height with a lower spring rate gave the impression of a much larger car, as the 'cushy ride' was also instituted with more 'creature comforts' & doo-dads. Those included a hardback fold-down seat, padded gearbox tunnel, quieter exhaust, wood-like facia dash, added body lights, and 52 pounds more beef weight than its sister the bj-7, shown here.
This fine 55-yr. Old English sports car is chassis #25179 which would place it at 135 cars from last MkII produced, and titled in 1964, a common practice in that decade.
This beauty runs as good as it looks and it turns everyone's eyes on the beach when we take it for a ride once a month.
Attractively priced @ only $58,500 drive it home...
