The Best of an Era: ‘67 A-H 3000 BJ8 Mark III
This Healey BJ8 Mark III is perhaps the nicest we have seen: a frame-off restoration by the renowned restorer of British cars—Garland Gentry--in Virginia in 1995-7. Bought new by the current owner, it has been treated to regular maintenance before and after it’s restoration as it is driven regularly. This is a car that currently would be equally at home on the show fields or in a museum, but instead it has been meticulously maintained and sparingly used since its restoration by its original purchaser.
The 1967 BJ8 Mark III was the final model in the 3000 series and the final year for Austin-Healeys. As such it represented some significant improvements over the introductory models:
A Beautiful Restoration
As noted, this Austin-Healey was the subject of a professional frame-off restoration in 1997 and garage-kept ever since. The car looks and runs much like it did when it left the showroom back in January, 1968:
The car is refinished in its original Healey Blue, complimented by a matching blue convertible top, and the quality of the paint rivals show car standards. An excellent paint job tends to show a car’s every flaw, but there are few flaws to see on this Healey.
The underside of this Healey reflects the quality of the restoration and is virtually free of rust and corrosion other than surface.
The interior was replaced as part of the restoration and is in like-new condition from the dash to the back window—and everything in between.
The Blue convertible top is in excellent condition and the rear window is clear and free of any discoloration.
The car is powered by the Healey inline 6 cylinder engine with a displacement of 3.0 liters with an output of 150hp. The engine and its twin SU HD8 carburetors were rebuilt during the restoration. The car starts right up and runs the way you would expect.
This Healey is equipped with factory overdrive.
All of the safety equipment works properly (lights, signals, horn, wipers), as do the gauges, warning lights, tachometer and speedometer although the fuel and tachometer sometimes need a finger thump. Seat belts are installed for additional safety.
The car has its original jack, jack handle, lead hammer, tonneau and top- down cover.
The owner has the records from the restoration. He also has the original metal service plate that he received when he bought the Healey new.
The 3000 defines British Sports Cars
While the Aston Martins and Jaguars may have set the bar for luxury in British sports cars, the Healeys have always been the “wish for” vehicle that owners of MGs and Triumphs aspired to. And for good reason: terrific styling, improved performance, and better comfort while still retaining the characteristics of a true British sports car.
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