Description
Austin Healey 3000 BJ7 BMC 13A
A Brief History
The Austin Healey 3000 models were the upgraded 6 cylinder versions of the short lived Austin Healey 100/ 6, which in turn superseded the Austin Healey 100 4 cylinder cars.
The 3000 model was announced in March 1959 and was an immediate success around the world, particularly in America. Apart from an uprated 2912cc 124bhp engine, the other main change from the previous 100/ 6 model was the addition of front disc brakes. Production ran until 1967.
The BJ7 model was the first to include the much improved centre change gearbox, wind-up side windows & a convertible hood. Engine power was increased to 132bhp.
To many, the BJ7 is the best of all 3000 models, because it has the best of both the Mk1 styling & the Mk3 improvements. They retain the early 3000 sculpted classic dashboard & instrument layout & the more subtle early lighting style, with the later grille.
The Car
BMC 13A is an original UK supplied right hand drive 1963 Austin Healey 3000 BJ7. Only 329 RHD home market BJ7s were built in 1963 & only 455 in total. Built between 16th & 20th May & despatched to Car Mart of London on 23rd May. Registered as BMC 13A on 1st June 1963.
BMC has had four former owners in its 63 year history & has covered some 28, 038 miles.
The first owner is understood to have been an American serviceman on long term secondment to England, as confirmed by the second owner.
Acquired by Mr John Digby of Woodbridge, Surrey on 25th October 1975. Mr Digby was the MD of Fairhead & Sawyer Ltd & son of ‘Digger Digby’ of BMC works fame. In Mr Digby’s ownership the car was ‘completely rebuilt with new wings etc. & re-painted in its original Colorado Red. The engine was rebuilt by Holbay’. This confirmed in the document file.
Acquired by Mr John Lansbury of Ipswich on March 28th 1981.
The current owner’s father Mr Edward Woods (Eddie) acquired the car on July 4th 1983 for £3, 100 (receipt in file). The car has remained unchanged apart from regular maintenance & servicing since then. The body was re-painted in 2016. Invoices & receipts for parts & work completed in the file date back to 1985.
Copies of previous registration documents confirming the above, provided by DVLA in January 2003 are in the document file.
Every MOT from May 10th 1986 to August 14th 2006 are included, the 2006 MOT confirms the mileage as 18695. The car has a current MOT valid until 20/ 05/ 2027 confirming the mileage as 27945.
A British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate dated 18th August 1983 confirms the original build specification & that the engine block has been changed.
Many of the British Motor Corporation factory demonstrators & press cars were registered by Car Mart in London, where the BMC registration prefix was possible. BMC 13A being one of these. We have not been able to confirm that BMC 13A was a factory demonstrator, but it is perfectly possible.
BMC is on the button & ready to be enjoyed. It is a very versatile car, to be enjoyed as a fun & fast road car.
A very detailed history file accompanies the car, with correspondence from previous owners, MOTs & invoices dating back to 1975.
Specification
• Original aluminium & steel outer body, with flared front wings which replicate the 1965 & 1967 works rally cars. It is thought that the wings originated in the BMC Competitions Dept. & were fitted as part of the refurbishment during Mr Digby’s ownership.
• Engine built by Holbay during Mr Digby’s ownership with a replacement cylinder block to faster road/ touring specification, very flexible & easy drive.
• Competition specification tubular exhaust system with side exit silencer.
• Original 4-speed + overdrive gearbox.
• 6” wide Cobra wire wheels.
• Period Motolita wood rim steering wheel.
• Original factory interior including dashboard, instruments, seats, trim etc.
• Hood cover & tonneau.
• Two sets of keys.
This is a unique Austin Healey, with very low ownership & mileage confirmed by previous MOTs.
I have personally known BMC 13A for over 40 years, Eddie Woods was a very long term friend. He was a very acomplished engineer & built a career at Turpins Packaging Ltd, finishing as Technical Director. Eddie & his wife Jan were very longstanding & active members of the Austin Healey Club. On Eddies passing, the car moved to his son who has used & enjoyed her for the past 6 years.
We are Austin Healey specialists with over 40 years experience. We can offer a full range of servicing & preparation services. We would be delighted to continue our relationship with BMC 13A for her next owner.
Call Paul to discuss the car in more detail or to arrange a viewing.
