Some cars restored to better than new standards, some even get re-restored over the years. And others proudly display their history, telling a story of use over the decades. This Austin Healey definitely falls into the latter category, having been left totally original in places, and repaired in other areas.
We particularly like the interior, which shows the decades of gentle use while remaining in good useable condition. Some owners would retrim the car with pristine fabrics and fittings, others would rather see the subtle marks of use and time.
So it will be up to the next owner to decide whether to continue along the path of preservation, or to use this car as an excellent starting point for a restoration. 5.jpg8.06 MB
The History and Paperwork
Built in 1963
Said to have been owned by an artist in Canada
The previous owner has reportedly produced a written record of the car’s maintenance
Opening the door to this Austin Healey is like revealing a portal to another world: the car wears its years of use with pride and looks to be in exceptionally original condition. We love to see an original and undisturbed car, which shows careful ownership and respectful preservation. Every switch, button, fabric and pedal embodies the thousands of drives this car has been on over the decades.
The blue marbled-effect dashboard carries a full set of Smiths gauges, which remain in good condition, and the Lucas pull switches offer a very tactile way of controlling the lights and wipers. They show a gentle patina of wear through decades of use, and the wooden-rimmed steering wheel is always a nice finishing touch in a sports car.
The seats have reportedly been re-trimmed at some point, but they have mellowed gently and now fit in nicely with he rest of the interior. Two small seats are provided for small rear passengers. The carpets are showing some signs of wear, but they remain in good useable condition, and we particularly like the ‘Austin’ branded rubber section beneath the pedals. Vinyl covers the door cards as well as the dashboard top, this remains presentable but with a little built-up patina.
With its sweeping lines, chrome trim and wire wheels, the Austin Healey 3000 is a great looking car from any angle. The car has been repainted at some point in its history, and it looks as though this may have been done with a roller. There are chips, scratches and blemishes throughout, but these don’t seem to detract from the car’s overall appeal.
The wire wheels have also been painted, and some of this is coming off in places. But they nicely reveal the red painted brake drums behind and the tyres are said to retain good tread.
Underneath, the car is said to be free from damage and corrosion. And on top, the hood raises and lowers, although it could apparently do with some attention.
The panel gaps could benefit from being adjusted, as you would expect to see on a car of sixty years old, and there is light pitting to the chrome trim throughout.
The C-series straight-six engine fitted to this Austin Healey provides it with great performance by the standards of the day. The manufacturers claimed the car could exceed 115 mph and it must have been a real head turner when it was new.
The vendor tells us that the car still accelerates brilliantly and that it drives, changes gear and sounds exactly as it should do. The brakes will reportedly require attention as they are a little underpowered.
This Healey is in such original condition that its wiring remains positive earth to this day. A battery cutout switch is fitted for safety and convenience.
In all, this Austin Healey 3000 presents itself as a great car to be improved upon. We love how there are still so many original features, and that it wears its history with pride.
A few mechanical jobs will need seeing to, such as a check of the braking system, and it will be up to the next owner to decide how best to preserve or restore the paintwork. But we’re sure this will make an extremely fun car to drive once complete.
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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Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
