The Austin-Healey marque's genesis was that of the Healey Hundred,
shown originally by Donald Healey at the 1952 Earls Court Motor
Show in London. While Austin was not involved in the concept, Board
Chairman Leonard Lord saw the car and its reaction from the press
prior to the public opening of the show. That evening a deal
between the two men and their companies was formed at the famed
Dorchester Hotel in London: giving birth to the Austin-Healey
brand. The marque's sleek design and proper British Motoring set up
resulted in strong sales throughout Europe and North America. With
time powertrains evolved from inline four cylinders to straight
sixes displacing nearly three liters, the latter of which carried
the name Austin-Healey 3000. The last of the 3000 models was the Mk
III manufactured through the 1967 model year. Also known as the
BJ8, the model is known for its luxuriously appointed interior with
roll up windows and burl walnut dash inserts. BJ8's represents the
last of the "big Healey's" and to many are the pinnacle of the
marque!
The Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (BJ8) Roadster featured here is
finished in stunning Ivory White over Golden Beige coves with a
largely unrestored black interior and matching black convertible
top. Per the accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage
Certificate this Austin-Healey 3000 was completed at the Abingdon,
England works on January 18th 1966 and dispatched to St. Louis,
Missouri the following month. The car was sold by the region's
premier distributor of BMC products Continental Cars in June of
1967 to its long-term owner. The original sales invoice still
accompanies the car today showing a sale price of $2,650.00.
Additional documentation includes a copy of the Missouri title from
1967, the original BMC Radio warranty card, and the British Motor
Industry Heritage Trust Certificate noting that engine serial no.
29K RU H 9412 is original to the car. During the owner's tenure of
over 50 years the Austin-Healey participated in numerous events
including the 1999 national Austin-Healey Club of America Conclave
held in St. Louis. A badge commemorating the event is affixed to
the front grille today. Video footage of the event shows the car
being driven at nearby Gateway International Raceway. In May 2005
the BJ8 also graced the cover of the AHCA Healey Marque magazine, a
copy of which still accompanies the car.
IT'S ALIVE! acquired the Austin-Healey from the original owner's
trust after his passing. Fittingly the previous owner purchased the
car while living in the St. Louis suburb of Bridgeton, the very
same that IT'S ALIVE! calls home. It seems appropriate that we have
the opportunity to pass along this well-loved automobile to its
next caretaker. Today the car displays 51,000 miles, a number which
likely indicates the total mileage accrued since new. While the
exterior cosmetics have been restored, the engine compartment and
interior display a lot of originality. The seats feature the
original herringbone piping throughout which has faded to gold, a
staple of the original material. A 2013 invoice on file confirms
that the entire convertible top assembly was restored with
powder-coated frame components, new padding, and a replacement
convertible top in the correct "crush-grain" vinyl. IT'S ALIVE! is
pleased to offer this cherished Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III with an
exceptional level of supporting documentation. If you are the next
caretaker of this classic then give us a call at 314-710-6600 or
email us at
[email protected].
