Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Comprehensively restored in 2019 with few miles since
- Luxurious Phase 2 with beautifully trimmed wood veneer dashboard
- Finished in the classic Ice Blue over Old English White colour scheme
- Bespoke interior trimmed to replicate Princess Grace of Monaco’s car
- Dutch TUV valid to January 2028
The Appeal
From its beginnings in the early 50s, the ‘Big Healey’ always lived up to its name, offering buyers oodles of power wrapped up in a handsome, swooping bodyshell. It was hugely popular, particularly in America, enabling it to remain in production for 14 years with over 65,000 finding homes.
The car evolved during that time, the final version being the MkIII Phase 2 of 1965 which combined a luxuriously trimmed cabin with beefy 150bhp performance.
This 1967 MkIII Phase 2 was comprehensively restored across the mechanicals, trim and body in 2019 and has only covered 500 miles since. The quality of that work is evident in the photos. Beautifully presented in classic Ice Blue over Old English White with an interior apparently modelled on the Healey driven by Princess Grace of Monaco, this is a rare treat for any enthusiast of classic British sports cars.
The History and Paperwork
- Netherland vehicle data shows this car was first registered on 28th February 1967
- We understand that the car was original sold into the USA and then re-imported prior to 2019
- Comprehensively restored in 2019 and first registered in the Netherlands on 11th September 2019
- A full record of the restoration is recorded in photographs provided with the car
- Unfortunately there is currently no history available prior to the 2019 restoration to verify the mileage
- 1 key
- Dutch TUV valid to January 2028
- Chassis records confirm that this car left the factory as a LHD Mk3 Phase 2
- Phase 2 cars are identified by the separate front indicators and slightly higher rear ride height due to revised suspension geometry
The Interior
- High quality interior fully retrimmed to carefully replicate the car driven by Princess Grace of Monaco
- Interior is in very good condition reflecting the limited use since completion
- Delightful mixture of Alcantara and leather trimmed in blue and cream to match the bodywork
- Attractive three spoke wood-rimmed wheel with Austin Healey centre boss
- Ford Taunus radio integrated thanks to classic styling
- Beautiful wood veneer dashboard in excellent condition with chrome-rimmed Smiths dials
Few cars so fully devote themselves to the quintessentially post war British sports car style as the 3000. It is all here - wood veneer dashboard, compact cockpit, chrome-rimmed Smiths dials and big three spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel. And it is delightful, a chance to immerse oneself in a particular and glorious moment in motoring history.
The interior of this car ticks all those boxes and some more. Apparently modelled during its restoration on the interior of Princess Grace of Monaco’s own Healey 3000, it is a symphony of quality materials, particularly leather and Alcantara. This combination trims the seats, door cards and centre console in a neat continuation of the exterior’s two-tone colour scheme. It has clearly been done to a very high standard and the condition reflects the limited use since completion. The only mark we could find was some discolouration to the centre console side trim.
The attention to quality is also reflected in the choice of radio - it is a modern Taunus unit but retro-styled to suit the interior. It certainly doesn’t look out of place.
The Exterior
- Classic Ice Blue over Old English White bodywork
- Restored during 2019 and documented in photographs provided with the car
- Painted wire wheels with Kumho tyres showing plenty of tread
- Dark blue fabric roof complements the bodywork and appears barely used
- Chromework in good condition with no visible tarnishing or deterioration
- Badges appear to be original and carry gentle patina of age
The essential rightness of the simple, svelte Big Healey shape explains why it remained in production virtually unchanged for 14 years through an ever-changing period in world history. Particularly associated with two-tone styles, certain colours do seem to suit the shape ell and Ice Blue over Old English White, as here, is certainly one of them.
This car began its life we understand in the USA and it carries a ‘L’ in its chassis number to denote its LHD status. It was imported to Europe prior to 2019 and comprehensively restored that year, for which there is a photographic record. The work has clearly been completed to a high standard, reflected in the consist panel gaps, clean, straight lines down each side and deep, lustrous paint finish. We were unable to spot any chips, marks or other signs of use around the car.
The chromework and glasswork follow a similar theme, being respectively bright and clear. Likewise the lights.
The car sits on painted wire wheels in good condition and shod with Kumho tyres showing plenty of tread.
Overall this is a very well presented car that reflects a high quality restoration.
The Mechanics
Engine:
- 2,912cc straight six BMC engine developing 150bhp
- 4spd manual gearbox with overdrive
- Full engine rebuild with 500 miles covered since
- Twin 2in SU carburettors
- Last serviced in 2020 with few miles covered since
- Brakes are ‘as new’ according to the vendor
The final iteration of the 3000 didn’t just get more luxurious, it added considerably more power too. Now with 150bhp on tap and relatively light weight, the MKIII Healey was a quick and capable.
We are told that this car received a full engine rebuild around 500 miles ago. The last service was in 2020 and it will have covered few miles since. It is fitted with a 4spd manual overdrive gearbox. We understand that the overdrive does work but it will require workshop attention to rectify. However it does not spoil the entertaining drivability of this great classic car.
Summary
The Big Healey is one of the icons of post war motoring, a shape so recognisable and beloved that it has spawned many copies and imitations.
This late model 3000 has been comprehensively and tastefully refurbished, its colour scheme and delightful interior being particular attractions. As such it looks ready to cherish and enjoy.
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.
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