Vehicle Description
The last of the big Healeys, this 1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 Mark
III is a wonderfully usable British sports car that also happens to
be the most desirable of the bunch. Finished in a traditional color
combination that will never go out of style and offering a few
choice upgrades, it delivers on all the promises made by its
reputation and remains an A-list collectable today.
Repainted about ten years ago, this big roadster still looks great
with only minor signs of use, which it wears like badges of honor.
A long life down south means that the usual rust demons were kept
at bay with this one and it's one of those rare cars that has been
properly maintained all its life and therefore never needed any
major surgery to bring it back to its current condition. Clean
bodywork has factory-style gaps and great panel alignment so it
looks properly assembled and aside from a few nicks and touch-ups
that are all but invisible until you go looking for them, this car
is just beautiful from any angle. Healeys have always projected an
aura of power and refinement, and this one is no different,
hunkering on its haunches like a cat about to spring, it's every
bit as entertaining to drive as it looks. Chrome and brightwork are
excellent, including the lovely Healey grille, bumpers, and all the
badges that adorn the car. And you'll love the details that come
with these cars, from the sporting driving lights up front to the
practical luggage rack to the Lucas taillights in their own little
pods.
Gorgeous is the only way to describe the inviting and nicely
patina'd interior. With leather surfaces in basic black, it
complements the bodywork extremely well and offers a traditional
look. The Healey's longer wheelbase allows two small rear seats,
and while they're best reserved for children or luggage, they are
no less carefully stitched than the front buckets. New carpets were
fitted and the hand-crafted door panels are an exercise in
effective minimalism. The original Smiths gauges are in good
condition, showing only some light discoloration on their chrome
bezels, but that should polish away pretty easily, and the
speedometer will need to be checked since it's not currently
operational. Perhaps most remarkably, this car has an aftermarket
A/C system tucked in the dash, yet the work is so expertly done
that it's almost invisible and doesn't detract from the original
look. A black folding top has been installed, and it includes
matching black boot to keep things looking tidy when it's stowed,
and roll-up windows were finally standard equipment with the BJ8.
The trunk isn't exactly spacious, but does include a full-sized
spare and matching wire wheel, which is nice.
The BJ8 is powered by a 2.9 liter inline-six rated at a relatively
brawny 150 horsepower, which provides entertaining performance in
the lightweight roadster. Faithfully restored in Austin's peculiar
shade of metallic light green, the engine rumbles to life easily,
inhaling through twin SU carburetors and emitting the most
wonderful baritone roar at full throttle. The engine bay was
detailed during the restoration using period-correct components,
and while it shows some signs of use today, it's still got all the
right stuff. And do you see the A/C system? Nope. Nice work! A
recent dual exhaust system provides that wonderful big Healey
exhaust note and you'll relish running it through the gears of the
4-speed manual transmission. Shiny chrome wires wheels are a
pleasant change from the standard painted wheels, and it wears
suitably tall and skinny 165/80/15 blackwall radials that look
right.
Big Healeys are all about driving, and this one with its fully
sorted mechanicals and gorgeous bodywork is a first-class ticket in
true British fashion. Call today!