Description
This car is Lot 161 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Goodwood Auction on Saturday September 13th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday September 12 from 09:00 until 17:00, Saturday September 13 from 09:00 at The Goodwood Revival.
Lot 161
1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III Phase II Convertible
Registration no. DNR 109C
Chassis no. H-BJ8/ 30875
Only three owners from new
Professionally retrimmed in 2017 (bills available)
Five-speed manual gearbox (original with car)
New hood in 2019
What would turn out to be the final 'Big Healey' variant, the 3000 Mark III BJ8 with the 148bhp engine, appeared in March 1964, to be followed later in the year by the Phase II version with increased ground clearance addressing a long-term criticism and revised rear suspension incorporating twin radius arms instead of a Panhard rod. Top speed was now 121mph and the 0-60mph time dipped below 10 seconds. Despite the antiquity of the basic design, the 'Big Healey' remained as popular as ever, although increasingly stringent safety and emissions legislation meant that its days were numbered. By the time production ended in December 1967, over 16, 000 Phase IIs - by far the most popular variant - had been built.
This particular Phase II was first registered to Mr Thomas Andrew Parratt on 3rd March 1965 and next owned by Mr Tim Clowes (from 5th November 1983). Mr Clowes ran an insurance company of that name which was closely associated with Formula 1 and other specialist motor sports and aviation brokerage. He was frequently on the circuit, as accompanying photographs show. Our vendor is only the car's third owner in 60 years; it has been used exclusively as a road car and never in competitions.
In 2017 the Healey was reupholstered by David Thomas Trimming: the door and dashboard panels were rebuilt and covered; and the floors and seats stripped back, rust protected, repainted and covered. In 2019 the hood was renewed and the frame stripped and repainted. Associated bills totalled circa £10, 000.
In 2018 Rawles Motorsports fitted a modified five-speed gearbox, while at the same time the brakes were upgraded and the shock absorbers converted for a smoother, safer drive. The cost was circa £10, 000 (bills available). In 2021 specialists Gower & Lee rebuilt the carburettors at a cost of £700; other than that the car has been maintained by Colin Cripps of Marley Way Garage. The original gearbox is included in the sale and the car also comes with a V5C document and the aforementioned bills.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
