The Austin Healey 3000 is a prime example of what the British motoring industry did best. A drop top sports car with a four-speed manual transmission, barking straight-six engine and pleasant driving dynamics.
This model will look good whilst driving anywhere it goes thanks to a gorgeous paint job completed around 15 years ago and stunning Healey looks. Aimed at spirited driving with its racing harnesses and rally trip meter, this car is all about enjoying being behind the wheel.
And one can stay behind the wheel for ages thanks to the aftermarket electric fan that ensures the engine remains at a comfortable temperature, regardless of traffic or weather.
The History and Paperwork
First manufactured in 1963
Odometer reads 108,851 miles
Owned for half a dozen years by a Belgian collector
Purchased by the current owner in early 2022
Very little history
Assumed to have been used in classic car rallies at one point
French technical inspection features no advisories
French classic car registration
FFVE certificate
The Interior
Very nice interior specification
Lovely condition throughout the cabin
Signs of previous rally use
A drop-top sportscar open to the elements, this Austin Healey interior presents in very good condition throughout. Indeed, the black leather upholstery found on the seats, dashboard and door cards looks to be in great condition.
Elsewhere, the matching black carpet presents in a very clean way whilst the wood rimmed steering wheel looks to be almost untouched. Behind said wheel is the very original instrument cluster. The overdrive switch may be present on the dash, but the transmission is in fact linked to the switch conveniently placed on the gear knob.
Sparco harnesses and a Belmog 202 Classic rally trip meter are signs that this car was once used in regularity rallies. In fact, they are the final touches to a very welcoming cabin.
Open the boot and you will spot the full size spare wheel as well as an aftermarket battery cut-off switch. Under the boot lid, there are some signs of patina thanks to worn paint. But the condition is very commendable throughout.
The Exterior
Stunning Austin Healey design
Suspected respray around 15 years ago
Great condition throughout
The Austin Healey 3000 has always been a lovely example of a sports car that presents both aggressive and heartwarming styling at the same time. In fact, the overall shape flows from front to rear in a very pleasing way, but the many accents and fixtures give the car a purposeful look.
This particular car is finished in a lovely coat of silver paint with white two-tone accents that is the vendor suspects was resprayed around 15 years ago. It certainly presents in a very good condition with just the odd scratch in places to prove it wasn’t resprayed this week.
Chrome work throughout the body pairs well with the paint, despite somewhat blending together. Furthermore, the many fixtures expected on a BJ7 Austin all appear to be present in what is a very complete example.
The wire wheels all show nicely with very few scuff marks. They are fitted with a matching set of Vredestein tyres. As ever, this matching set of four tyres is a sign that this car has been well cared for by its most recent owners.
Finally, the underside presents in good condition. There are no holes evident in the chassis and surface corrosion is certainly to a minimum. There are signs of welding to the subframe, likely done during the respray.
The Mechanics
3-litre straight-six, 136hp
Starts and runs very well
Aftermarket additions for improved reliability
Powering this elegant British sports car is a 3-litre straight-six providing 136hp in its BJ7 form. Thanks to good maintenance throughout its life, the engine runs smoothly and reportedly caused no issues during a two-day drive when the current owner purchased the car.
The four-speed manual gearbox features an overdrive top gear and also works well, despite the marked overdrive switch on the dashboard not being linked to the system. Instead, one operates a fighter jet-esque switch on the gear knob.
Another particularity of this model is its electric fan that can be manually operated. Perfect for managing engine temperatures in traffic, it is sure to make one’s journeys stress free. A clear government inspection proves this car’s great overall condition.
Summary
A gorgeous British sportscar, this Austin Healey BJ7 features brilliant paint work resprayed just 15 years ago and has clearly been well looked after. Some onboard competition-inspired additions give this car an increased sporty feel whilst the straight-six’ temperatures are kept in check by the electric fan.
Overall, a very approachable car, this British icon is sure to satisfy its next classic enthusiast owner.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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