1966 Austin Healey 3000
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Highlights
- Full engine rebuild in 2009
- 3 previous keepers
- Beautiful patina and bursting with character
- Transmission and overdrive fully rebuilt in recent years
The Appeal
The appeal of a 1966 Austin Healey 3000 lies in its classic and timeless design, exhilarating performance, and the sense of nostalgia it evokes. Firstly, the Healey 3000's iconic British roadster design is visually striking and instantly recognizable. Its sleek lines, low-slung body, and distinctive grille make it a head-turner wherever it goes. The combination of its curvaceous bodywork and open-top driving experience creates a sense of freedom and adventure that is highly appealing to enthusiasts.
Beyond its stunning appearance, the Austin Healey 3000 delivers an exhilarating driving experience. Powered by a robust inline-six engine, it offers impressive performance and a throaty exhaust note through a side exit exhaust modification. The responsive handling and nimble nature of the car make it a joy to drive especially when compared to its peers, whether it's cruising along scenic roads or tackling winding stretches. The manual transmission and overdrive adds to the engagement and connection with the car, enhancing the overall driving experience.
It is no wonder then why these cars are so sought after now, this example although showing signs of age is a perfectly reliable and very well maintained example of the marque, boasting large quantities of mechanical work to keep it physically fit but is a condition that allows regular use without fear of the odd mark. Excellent!
The History and Paperwork
- Just three previous keepers on the V5C
- Paperwork to back up the full engine rebuild in 2009
- Full transmission and overdrive rebuild around three years ago
Having been in the hands of a qualified mechanic for the last near two decades, this classic was part of a fleet of cars let out to enthusiasts to enjoy and drive around the scenic roads of rural Scotland and although doesn't hold much in the way of paperwork, it is evident talking to the vendor that reliability was a key factor in the upkeep of this fine car and it shows. Starting on the button with a fine rasp from the exhaust it is no wonder why people from all over would hire it.
Always garage-stored, the car holds a fine authentic feel despite being painted about ten years ago, the colour scheme is classic and befitting of the vehicle while also being quite unique for the marque.
Benefitting from an extremely thorough engine overhaul in 2009 and a full transmission overhaul around three years ago as we are informed by the vendor though there is no paperwork to backup the transmission rebuild or servicing.
The Interior
- Wonderfully original and solid throughout
- Fine red leather that contrasts nicely with the exterior
A real blast from the past, this interior exudes times gone by and despite its imperfections, feels totally comfortable and classy. The overall condition is good, but by no means show worthy, but has a cosy, used feel with plenty of genuine patina on the higher contact areas.
The wood rimmed steering wheel and gear knob are bursting with character but are solid and have years of life remaining. The supple red leather is in good order showing some cracking and surface wear but nothing out of the ordinary and the same too goes for the door cards and carpets.
The dashboard is in fine fettle with the odd mark but a high sheen and lovely clean clear dials that appear all operational.
In the boot there is an original spoked spare wheel, a new aluminium fuel tank and battery isolator switch.
All the interior polished surfaces are in great order, all show some slight surface blemishes as is expected but everything is there and in good usable order for years to come. Ultimately a nice tidy interior that has room for improvement but ideal for a daily classic.
The Exterior
- Classy and clean exterior with great brightwork
- Minilite style wheels with spin-on centres for easier maintenance
- Tonneau and convertible hood in good order
Fabulous two tone white on red exterior is a real winner for this 3000, the paintwork wears a good shine and has good straight coachwork all round.
The vendor tells us the car was painted about ten years ago, though despite imperfections on some of the wheel arches the panels are solid and very much in a usable condition.
The classic pressed registration plates and vintage badges up front add to the classic look of the car and the brightwork is in fine order, wearing some blemishes but all in perfect keeping with the cars overall aesthetic appeal and age. All the lights and lamps are clean and clear with no evidence of damage or moisture ingress to see and all the badges are present including the awesome 3000 logo on the rear boot lid.
While some may feel a full repaint is necessary, the bodywork is solid and presentable and a perfect candidate for using regularly. As a side note, the vendor has accrued some extra bodywork panels that could be purchased separately with the collection of the car and this includes:
- Two front fibreglass wings (Used)
- All four steel wings (New)
- Rear body shell (New)
All these can be seen in the images supplied.
The Mechanics
- 150 bhp In-line 6 with uprated starter motor, oil filter housing and negative earth
- Good set of matching tyres
- Side exit exhaust modification for ground clearance
There is no lie in that this is one incredible sounding Healey! The vendor adapted the exhaust due to bother getting on and off ferries around Scotland, and it sounds fabulous and looks like it has always been there too. Along with that, the vendor has had a high output starter fitted, aluminium radiator in the classic style and has adapted the car to run by negative earth.
Under the bonnet everything appears in good order with lots of originality and a generally tidy appearance, completely in keeping with the overall aesthetics of the car.
There was no evidence of any significant leaks that we saw, certainly no evidence of anything wiped away and hidden which is good! Also the benefit of a proper aluminium radiator for keeping the engine cool on long journeys was a welcome sight too (the original is available) and a screw-on type oil filter assembly is a huge plus for maintenance reasons.
Underneath the car all appears well, the bottom of the front wings would require attention in time but that’s about it. The general condition of the chassis is solid in appearance and wears a coating of underseal that has evidently been applied some time ago and the lack of surface corrosion compared to even modern cars is minimal. There were no apparent leaks to note from the underside of the engine, transmission or differential, just the usual misting of oils synonymous with older vehicles and we were also informed the shock absorbers were uprated numbers for handling purposes.
This Healey, then, is ready for the road. Kept and maintained in such a way so as to be reliable and usable without impacting on originality and looks.
Summary
A superbly well presented example of the marque being properly attended to and maintained by the vendor and garages.
Not without its charms and character, this would either be an ideal candidate for a light restoration or as a daily driven classic motor designed for driving briskly. With the availability of extra body panels for the next owner there is a great future ahead for this very sought-after car and sure fire investment opportunity.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1966
- Make Austin Healey
- Model 3000
- Colour Multicolour
- Odometer 7,633 Miles
- Engine size 2912
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Stirling
- Location Scotland
- Country United Kingdom
38
bids
- al•••• £30,750 18/10/23
- mu•••• £30,500 18/10/23
- al•••• £30,250 18/10/23
- mu•••• £30,000 18/10/23
- al•••• £29,750 18/10/23
- mu•••• £29,500 18/10/23
- al•••• £29,250 18/10/23
- mu•••• £29,000 18/10/23
- al•••• £28,750 18/10/23
- mu•••• £28,500 18/10/23
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