Highlights
- Excellent history & paperwork
- Runs & drives beautifully
- Previously restored example
- Ready to be enjoyed
The Appeal
“Austin Healey” is a name that echoes throughout British motoring history, dating all the way back to 1952. Produced as a joint venture between Austin, of BMC and the Donald Healey Motor Company, the Healey would offer consumers a spirited & characterful driving experience, all for a rather attractive price.
The Austin Healey did of course prove to be quite successful, and an exciting range of models would follow over the years, eventually leading to the Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8. The BJ8 stands as a rather rare vehicle in today’s market, and is, for good reason, highly sought after by enthusiasts & collectors.
This particular example has had a small fortune spent on previous maintenance & restoration work and now offers an excellent opportunity to secure one of these iconic convertibles, ready for the new year.
The History and Paperwork
- Produced in 1965, before spending its time in the United States
- Imported from California, back to the UK in 1989
- Previously restored in 1990, with plenty of follow-up restoration across the years
- Previously featured in an edition of “Practical Classics” magazine
- Fantastic history, detailing plenty of maintenance & repairs
- V5C document present
- 2 keys included
Like many of its kind, this Healey spent its early years in the United States, and wouldn’t see its homeland again until 1989, when it was imported from California. Not long after arriving in the UK, the vehicle would undergo extensive restoration in 1990, also receiving plenty of mechanical work and possibly an engine rebuild.
As the large collection of paperwork reflects, the vehicle continued to be cared for and maintained as required over the years, even receiving further bodywork & repairs in 1998, along with an impressive amount of mechanical components and more bodywork between 2003, and 2005.
Key work from this time period includes a new inner & outer sill, door hinge repairs, paint & bodywork, a new stainless steel exhaust system, a new fuel tank, renewed suspension components, and much more. More recent invoices from 2012, and 2016, detail yet more mechanical work, including plenty of both new, and renewed components.
The sheer extent of this vehicle’s maintenance record is truly impressive and can be found within the included paperwork folders. In addition to detailing thousands of pounds worth of work, the paperwork also includes previous MOT certificates, the V5C document, two handbooks, and various sundries, including an edition of “Practical Classics” magazine, in which the vehicle is featured.
The Interior
- Previously restored
- Navy upholstery
- Moto-Lita 3-spoke steering wheel
- Fitted with a CD radio, and front speakers
- Front & rear seat belts
- Excellent condition
Having likely received an array of new, or retrimmed components as part of its restoration in 1990, the interior presents itself in excellent condition, with rather few signs of its age.
As the images reflect, both front seats have seemingly stood the test of time rather well, with just the driver’s side now showing notable signs of wear. Having seen significantly less use, the rear bench also presents itself in excellent condition, with only the slightest of blemishes noticeable upon very close inspection.
The blue does of course extend to the likes of the carpeting and door cards, both of which are in excellent condition for their age. The rear sections of the floor would indeed benefit from a light detail, but otherwise, the carpeting is in tidy order, and seemingly shows only very minor wear.
Offering just the right amount of contrast against the Navy, are the wooden dashboard, and a gorgeous 3-spoke Moto-Lita steering wheel. The dashboard, steering wheel, and contact points such as the gearknob, show minimal wear, and are welcome touches to this classy cabin.
The Exterior
- Previously restored in 1990, with additional bodywork over the years
- Finished in the signature two-tone paint scheme
- Fitted with 15” wire-spoke wheels
- Navy soft top, to complement the interior
- Great overall condition
The Healey is undoubtedly one of the most handsome classics available today, and forever receives the admiration of onlookers wherever it ventures. This particular example proudly shows off the iconic design, with a gorgeous signature two-tone paint job, wire-spoke wheels, and a Navy hood.
As the images reflect, the vehicle looks great for its age and has evidently been quite well cared for since its restoration. That being said, as the majority of the paintwork is believed to be from the vehicle’s restoration in 1990, there are minor defects to be expected. These include minor bubbling, slight cracking, and the occasional chip & blemish on areas such as the boot, quarters, and bonnet.
Complementing the paintwork, are a set of 15” wire spoke wheels, complete with matching spinners. The wheels look excellent against the paintwork, and offer a respectable finish, with only minor blemishes and the typical stubborn staining between spokes. The wheels come wrapped in a set of Retro RC-001 tyres, with plenty of tread left to enjoy out on the open road.
The Navy hood presents itself in excellent condition, and folds away in a matter of mere seconds, allowing passengers to enjoy the Healey in style. All accompanying trim pieces, badging, and lights also present themselves well for their age, having likely been restored or replaced as part of the vehicle’s 1990 restoration. There are of course minor instances of pitting and age to be found with the brightwork, but hardly anything that detracts from the overall aesthetic of the vehicle.
Overall, the vehicle is in great condition for its age, benefitting from its previous restoration, and additional bodywork repairs. As mentioned, there are minor signs of age now showing, but this Healey remains a truly gorgeous reminder of British styling.
The Mechanics
- Powered by a 3L straight-six
- Fitted with electronic ignition in 2003
- New distributor cap, rotor arm, plug leads & plug caps in 2012
- New kingpins & renewed stub axles in 2012
- New fuel filter in 2012
- Compression checked in 2012
- New water pump pulley in 2015
- New steering box & idler in 2016
- Rebuilt radiator in 2020
- Fitted with a stainless steel exhaust
- Drives brilliantly, with no known faults
- Last serviced prior to the current keeper, last year
- Ready to be enjoyed on the road
There are few driving experiences that rival a classic British convertible, and even fewer that match the charm of an Austin Healey. You’re treated to a superbly analogue drive, buckets of character from the straight-six hiding under the bonnet, and of course, the wind in your hair.
As the extensive amount of included paperwork reflects, this particular Healey has certainly received a tremendous amount of maintenance and mechanical care over the years. With far too much to mention, key items of recent mechanical work include a rebuilt radiator, a new water pump pulley, electronic ignition, and renewed suspension components.
It should also be noted that whilst difficult to confirm, it would seem that the engine was likely rebuilt as part of the mechanical side of the vehicle’s restoration in 1990. A renowned specialist then checked the engine compression again in 2012 and happily reported nothing out of order.
Summary
Offered today is a fantastic opportunity to own an excellent example of one of the most sought-after classic convertibles on the market. This Austin Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8 benefits from previous restoration work, plenty of maintenance & care, and now offers a superb balance of classy styling and thoroughly enjoyable motoring.
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