HISTORY OF THE AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000
The Austin-Healey story began with Donald Healey's visionary Healey
Hundred, unveiled at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show. Austin
leadership immediately recognized its potential, and a partnership
was formed overnight at London's Dorchester Hotel-launching one of
the most iconic British sports car marques of the era.
As the line evolved, the simple four-cylinder roadsters grew into
the more refined and powerful six-cylinder grand tourers. By the
mid-1960s, the Austin-Healey 3000 had reached its zenith. The final
iteration, the Mk III (BJ8), offered the most luxurious interior,
roll-up windows, improved torque, and beautiful burl walnut dash
trim. Widely regarded as the "last of the big Healey's," the BJ8
remains the most sought-after of the range.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Presented here is a 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (BJ8) finished
in striking Ivory White with Golden Beige coves, complemented by
its largely original black interior and matching black convertible
top. According to its British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate,
this example was completed on January 18, 1966 and dispatched to
St. Louis, Missouri the following month.
In June 1967, Continental Cars-the region's leading BMC
distributor-sold the car to its long-term owner. His original sales
invoice showing a $2,650 purchase price still accompanies the car
today, along with his 1967 Missouri title, the BMC radio warranty
card, and BMHT documentation verifying that engine no. 29K RU H
9412 is original to the chassis.
During more than five decades of ownership, the car was actively
enjoyed and well-loved. It participated in numerous club events,
including the 1999 Austin-Healey Club of America Conclave in St.
Louis, where it even appeared in video footage lapping Gateway
International Raceway. In May 2005, it was proudly featured on the
cover of the AHCA's Healey Marque magazine, and the issue remains
with the car.
We acquired the Healey from the original owner's trust after his
passing-poignantly, from the same St. Louis suburb of Bridgeton
where IT'S ALIVE! is headquartered today. The odometer shows 51,000
miles, believed to be actual from new.
Though the exterior has been refinished, both the engine bay and
interior retain much of their original charm. The seats still wear
their authentic herringbone-piped upholstery, now beautifully faded
to a warm gold tone. A 2013 invoice documents the complete
restoration of the convertible top assembly, including
powder-coated frame components, fresh padding, and a correct
"crush-grain" vinyl top.
This is an unusually well-documented, long-term example of one of
the most collectible British roadsters of the 1960s. IT'S ALIVE! is
proud to offer this cherished Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III to its next
caretaker.
For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact us at
314-710-6600 ext 140 or email us at
[email protected].
