Description
Austin Healey 3000 Replica – Sebring SX – 4. 2 V8 – 2009 – 8, 332 Miles
A superb Sebring SX Roadster, professionally built at the Sebring Works by Sebring International themselves and first registered in 2009. Finished in classic British Racing Green over Old English White, it’s a great-looking tribute to the Austin Healey 3000, with the looks and character of the original but with more modern performance and usability.
An important point regarding the car’s history is that it is shown on the records as an import, but the car has never actually left the UK. After being built at Sebring, the car was taken to Northern Ireland, where it was registered and kept. When it was later brought from Northern Ireland to mainland Great Britain, the difference between the Northern Ireland and DVLA registration systems meant that it was recorded as an import when registered here. So although it shows as an import on the paperwork/ history checks, it wasn’t imported from another country and has remained within the UK throughout its life.
Under the fibreglass body is a 4. 2-litre Rover V8 coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It has plenty of performance and, more importantly, sounds exactly as a car like this should. It has covered just 8, 332 miles since being built.
It also benefits from all-round disc brakes, 3-point seat belts, electric windows and a very good heater, so it’s a much more usable car than an original Healey while still giving you that proper open-top classic driving experience.
I’ve also spent money improving the car and keeping it reliable. It has recently had a new aluminium radiator supplied by Aaron Radiators, electronic distributor and coil, and a new alternator. The underside has also been treated with Lanoguard to protect and preserve it.
The interior is very nicely finished with quality carpets and leather trim, and the exterior presents extremely well. The British Racing Green and Old English White combination really suits the car, and with all the chrome and classic detailing it gets plenty of attention wherever it goes.
It’s a very low-mileage, Sebring Works-built example with the 4. 2 Rover V8, 5-speed gearbox and some sensible upgrades already carried out. It’s a car you can get in, use and enjoy, whether that’s a Sunday morning drive, a longer trip or taking it to shows.
For me, the best thing about it is the combination of the Healey looks and that V8 soundtrack. With the roof down, it’s just a great car to drive and always feels like an occasion.
I bought the car because I’ve always loved the look of the Austin Healey 3000, but wanted something I could actually use and enjoy without worrying too much about it.
This one stood out to me because it was built by Sebring International Works themselves and not a home-built car. It was registered in 2009 and has only covered 8, 332 miles since it was built.
The 4. 2 Rover V8 with the 5-speed manual gearbox is probably my favourite thing about the car. It sounds fantastic, has plenty of power and just makes it great fun to drive, especially with the roof down.
I’ve also spent money on the things that matter. It’s had a new aluminium radiator from Aaron Radiators, electronic distributor and coil, and a new alternator. I’ve also had the underside protected with Lanoguard to help keep it in good condition.
The green and cream colour combination really suits the car and it gets attention pretty much everywhere it goes.
For me it’s just a really enjoyable car. It has the looks and feel of an old Healey, a lovely V8 soundtrack and enough modern touches to make it easy to own and use.
