The accompanying Heritage Trust Certificate confirms that this Austin-Healey 3000 MkII A was dispatched from the Abingdon Works in July 1962 before being exported and first registered in New Jersey in 1963.

As one of just over 6, 000 examples produced, the MkII/ BJ7 has become increasingly popular among Healey enthusiasts due to being the first true sports-convertible model in the range. As such it benefits from combining many of the Healey’s best components which included the later style pull-up hood, wrap around windscreen, quarter lights and wind-up windows of the MkIII/ BJ8 while retaining the more attractive earlier style dashboard and interior.

Originally specified in Colorado Red with red trim and black hood, additional factory equipment at the time of order included overdrive, chrome wire wheels, interior heater and adjustable steering column together with a laminated windscreen and Roadspeed tyres.

With the Healey having arrived in New Zealand’s North Island some thirty six years later, the former keeper entrusted the skills and experience of Rik Rimmer of The Healey Shop to complete a total ground-up restoration in 1999.

Together with the body being taken back to bare metal, the original gearbox and engine were also completely rebuilt together with various enhancements being made. These improvements included fitment of an uprated camshaft together with triple Weber carburettors and the engine being modified to run on unleaded fuel. The paintwork was finally completed in the popular combination of Ice Blue metallic over Ivory with the interior trimmed in navy blue leather with white piping, navy blue carpets and blue mohair convertible hood.

Following completion of the restoration, the Healey then returned to the UK in October of 2000 where its new owner enlisted the skills of respected marque specialists Rawles Motorsport in Hampshire. Records on file show extensive service work having been completed before placing the car on their in-house dyno to ensure it performed to the best of its ability. With the triple Webers and fast road specification, the Dyno readings showed a healthy output of over 120BHP and torque figures of 144 ft/ lbs at 3, 000 RPM.

Following additional and thorough maintenance, Rawles supplied the MkIIA to its current owner and at his request converted the steering to right hand drive prior to him taking delivery in 2016.

Today, having recorded just 11, 300 miles since completion of the total restoration, this rare and matching numbers example remains in excellent condition throughout. The mechanical elements together with paintwork, interior trim and chrome are all in first class order and are testament to both the quality of restoration and how the car has been cared for throughout the intervening years.

Please enquire for further details and to arrange inspection of this excellent MkII Austin-Healey 3000.