Description
This is a beautiful Older Restored example of the most desirable iteration of a great classic. We have here a 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk. III BJ8. These last models have wind up windows and a proper folding hood and were the most developed of the line. Our car is a Factory RHD version finished in the best colour scheme of Healey Blue over Cream with Blue Leather Interior. She has been with the previous family for 25 years and is now ready for her next home. Our car, like the vast majority, was shipped new to the USA, albeit ordered new in Right Hand Drive, and retuned to these shores in the Nineties. It has only had one family owner for the last 25 years who have cherished it until recently.
The final and the best development of the Austin Healey 100/ 3000 range, the 3000 MkIII arrived in 1964, some 11 years after the first Healey 100 had been unveiled to a rapturous reception from press and public alike. By now a thoroughly sorted sportscar with all the early niggles attended to, it was a better car in all respects than its charismatic predecessors. The MkIII now had even more power (150bhp) and a much more civilized interior compared to earlier models. Known internally as the BJ8, the standard mechanical equipment now included a brake servo, bigger front brake discs, strengthened splined hubs and twin trailing arms for the rear suspension for the post-May 1964 MkIII Phase 2 which improved handling and gave the car much-needed extra ground clearance.
The extra power came courtesy of a new camshaft and uprated valve springs, breathing being further enhanced through a new exhaust system and twin 2” SU carburettors. The most obvious changes appeared inside, including a wood veneered dashboard, a centre console/ gear surround and better seats. Production finally ceased in late 1967 by which time some 17, 712 MkIIIs had been produced.
This example of the ultimate MKIII iteration hails from June 1965. Noting that the MKIII cars’ chassis numbers started at 25315, places this one (chassis number 32051) at number 6, 736 of 17, 712 MKIII cars built between 1963 and 1967. This example is slightly unusual in so much as it was built for delivery to New York, but in right hand drive for personal export. This Big Healey left MG’s Abingdon plant, where they were built, in British Racing green livery with a black interior, extras included heater, overdrive, adjustable steering column and wire wheels.
Little more is known of the car’s stateside life but by 1988 the Healey was back in its motherland and was first registered here in July of that year. The MKIII was acquired by the previous keeper’s father-in-law in 1998 with the mileage at that stage being around 102, 000. On the sad passing of his father-in-law, the previous keeper, Grant, became the Healey’s proud custodian. DVLA records suggest that the colour change occurred in 1989 which is, likely, when the MKIII was last restored. The last MOT ran out in 2024 and it had No Advisories at all, a rare feat for an old car! Having covered very few miles in the last few years, today this Austin Healey 3000 MKIII offers a generational family provenance and sensible original mileage that is vanishingly hard to now find and at a great price to boot!
