Vehicle Description
West Coast Classics are proud to present a rare opportunity to
enjoy this exceptionally well restored and wonderful daily driving
and obviously always rust free example of this 1964 Austin Healey
3000 Mark III (very desirable Phase II) 2912cc 6 cylinder 2+2
Convertible, the final series (known as Phase III or the BJ8's and
built between 1964-7 and this is one of the early Phase II models)
are considered the best incarnation of this legendary marque, known
by enthusiasts worldwide quite simply as the 'Big Healey's - here
is a beautiful and highly striking example of a beautifully
restored with no expense spared on an already exemplary rust and
accident free example 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ-8 2+2
Convertible with with desirable factory overdrive! One of just
16,322 Phase II Healeys produced; desirable early example
Matching-numbers engine; recently sorted Includes books, tools, and
jack British Motoring Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT)
CertificateThe Austin Healey 3000 was the final development of the
Austin Healey theme with the original layout of the legendary
100-6, one of the most famous and perfect of sports car shapes ever
created, basically retained but with an enlarged engine capacity of
2.9L compared to the earlier 2.6L engine, front disc brakes and a
plush interior along with creature comforts such as a curved
windshield, a proper fully convertible top, wind up windows, a
proper fold down hood, push button door handles and even a lockable
glove box!The final Mark III was the culmination of the original
models combined styling forces but now boasted the most power of
all the models plus a walnut wood covered dash and a center
console, revised rear suspension and a less vulnerable exhaust
system due to the models better ground clearance. These last 'Big
Healey's' used modified cast iron engines with an uncomplicated
design which was both tuneable and very strong with a top speed of
120 mph and with acceleration to match. Impending U.S. safety and
emissions regulations scheduled to take effect after the 1967 year
model effectively killed the big Healey in its biggest export
market although a few left over's were sold in '68.The
Austin-Healey 3000 series, first introduced in 1959, was an
evolution of the celebrated Austin-Healey 100 sports car of the
mid-1950s. This 1964 Mk III BJ8 Phase II model is representative of
the highest and, unfortunately, final development of the celebrated
Big Healeys before the model was discontinued in 1968. For many
collectors, this car, along with the Series 1 Jaguar E-Type,
represents the pinnacle of the British sports car world.In almost
every area the 3000 Mk III Phase II was an improvement over the
earlier 3000 models. The 2,912-cc six-cylinder engine was boosted
to nearly 150 bhp and backed by a four-speed transmission, with
overdrive as standard. The handling was improved by including
radius arms at the rear axle. Front disc brakes were featured as
standard. Finally, the cockpit was made more luxurious by including
as standard a heater, adjustable steering wheel, windshield
washers, and wood fascia and center console between the seats. Even
though it was more comfortable than previous offerings, its top
speed of 120 mph made it the fastest of all the road-going
Healeys.This particular example was obviously always garaged and
has no signs of body damage or rust and was recently frame off
restored in its very striking 'Black over Red' color combination
with a matching all new leather interior and apart from its already
striking appearance, also boasts a lovely walnut dash and to top it
off 4 x 72 spoke Dayton chrome knock off wire wheels with a spare
wire wheel and mallet in the trunk!According to its accompanying
BMIHT Certificate, this Austin-Healey 3000 was built between 23
April and 5 May 1964. It was dispatched to New Orleans, Louisiana,
on 27 May and was equipped with overdrive, wire wheels wrapped with
whitewall tires, a heater, adjustable steering wheel, and black
tonneau cover. Presented today in its stunning and original color
combination of Black with Red interior, this car was the subject of
a professional frame-off restoration in 2004 and has been well
maintained since.The car is in great daily driving condition with
the engine smooth and responsive with the renown Healey rumble
identifying the Healey straight six as much as a Ferrari's sound
does it's V12! The 4 speed transmission shifts smoothly through all
the gears, including the reverse gear and the optional and highly
desirable factory overdrive function works as it should which means
it works through all the gears and not just as a fifth speed which
is great for highway driving! The car looks extremely impressive
and is certainly of 'show quality' presented in this highly
striking color combination with completely original specifications
throughout including the original 'Smiths' gauges which are all in
correct working order! The matching Black soft top is also
obviously in as new shape, both functionally and otherwise and the
cars chrome wire 'knock off' wheels are all in as new condition
also with no curb rash or marks and the spare wire wheel and knock
off mallet are in their right places in the trunk!This is a rare
opportunity to own a beautifully restored and perfect daily driving
1964 Austin Healey BJ-8 Mark III roadster with the highly desirable
factory options of overdrive and wire wheels - a perfect candidate
for the classic British sports car or Austin-Healey collector to
add to his collection or simply a perfect daily driver for any
British sports car enthusiast!
