Highlights
- In current ownership for approximately 23 years
- Right-hand drive conversion following repatriation from the USA
- High-performance engine build by a marque specialist
- Documented service history with one specialist from 2004 to 2025
- Overdrive-equipped four-speed gearbox
The Appeal
The 3000 Mk III BJ8 is the final and most desirable evolution of the “Big Healey”: the most powerful and refined of the breed, and a car that remains one of the great British open sports cars. This example was repatriated from the United States in 1989, converted to right-hand drive, and treated to a professional body restoration before being purchased by the current vendor at auction in July 2003.
After being acquired, the car was entrusted to Roger Ludgate of LDD Ludgate Design and Development for a thorough mechanical restoration focused on a high-performance engine build. The vendor states the engine produces 160 bhp at the wheels. The chassis was stiffened, the gearbox was overhauled, new wiring was fitted throughout, and five wider painted wire wheels were installed.
Over the next two decades, the car was regularly toured on the continent and consistently maintained by the same specialist, with documented work right through to 2025. The vendor is candid that the bodywork is now a little untidy, with some cracked paintwork, but the hood, hood cover, and full tonneau are reported to be in good condition. A spare used rear axle is also included. This is a car with serious mechanical credentials and a long, well-documented relationship with one specialist—offered now as its previous owner reluctantly steps back from spirited motoring.
Key Information
- Mileage: 80,497 miles (indicated)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
- Technical specs: 3.0-liter six-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual with overdrive
- Paperwork: service history file from LDD Ludgate Design and Development spanning 2004 to 2025
Service history:
- 07/25 – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 09/23 – 79,985 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 06/23 – 79,819 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 04/21 – 79,094 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 05/18 – 76,933 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 09/17 – 76,294 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 05/17 – 75,713 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 05/16 – 75,312 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 09/15 – 75,253 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 04/15 – 73,569 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 05/14 – 72,869 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 12/13 – 72,772 miles – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
- 05/04 – Mileage Unlisted – LDD Ludgate Design and Development
The Detail
- Most recent work carried out in 2025, including inspections, tracking checks, consecutive road tests, chassis greasing, gearbox fluid replenishment, and new HT ignition leads
- Engine misfire investigated and resolved in September 2023, including compression checks and carburettor adjustments
- Fuel delivery issues rectified in June 2023, with carburettor cleaning and adjustment, starter solenoid rebuild, and spark plug terminal repair
- New battery fitted in June 2022
- Post-delivery inspection carried out in April 2021, including new braided fuel hoses, exhaust alignment, new spark plugs, and distributor fault repair
- High-performance engine build completed in 2004, including rebore with diamond honing, balanced and tuftride-hardened crankshaft, Piper fast-road camshaft, gas-flowed and hand-ported cylinder head, lead-free fuel conversion, rebuilt twin SU HD8 carburettors with revised needle profiles, alternator conversion, uprated cooling system, and finned alloy sump
- Engine stated by the vendor to produce 160 bhp at the wheels
- Chassis stiffened and gearbox overhauled during the mechanical restoration
- New wiring and five wider painted wire wheels fitted
- Dynamo replaced with high-output alternator conversion
- Duralumin sump guard plate fitted to protect the alloy sump
- Custom engine breather oil catch tank with external visual fluid indicator
- Converted to right-hand drive following repatriation from the USA in 1989
- The vendor notes the bodywork is a little untidy with some cracked paintwork; nevertheless, the car remains exceedingly presentable throughout
- Smart under-bonnet and underside presentation
- Hood, hood cover, and full tonneau reported to be in good condition
- Spare used rear axle included
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