The Austin-Healey 3000 is the very epitome of the classic British sports car and one of the very few cars that can be said to have attained classic status whilst still in production. Quite an achievement then, but not an altogether unexpected one considering Austin-Healey's heritage coupled with its achievements in motorsport. The 3000 Mk III (BJ8) with 150bhp appeared early in 1964 to be followed later in the year by the Phase II version which featured a brace of HD8 SU carburettors, stronger valve springs, a revised camshaft, walnut-veneered dashboard, wind-up windows, a redesigned rear chassis, addressing a long-term criticism of the car's notoriously poor ground clearance, and revised rear suspension incorporating twin radius-arms instead of a Panhard rod. Top speed was now 121mph and the 0-60mph time dipped below 10 seconds. Despite the antiquity of the basic design, the 'Big Healey' remained as popular as ever, although increasingly stringent safety and emissions legislation meant that its days were numbered and by the time production ended in December 1967, over 16,000 Phase IIs - by far the most popular variant - had been built.

According to the accompanying Heritage Trust Certificate, this lovely, late-production BJ8 was despatched to Boston, USA on 7th December 1966 in left-hand drive format and was originally finished in British Racing Green with a black leather interior. It was specified from new with wire wheels, overdrive, heater, an adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen, Avon Road Speed tyres and a black tonneau cover which was pretty much the entire options list in 1966.

The Healey returned to these shores at the end of the 80s and was purchased by our vendor's late husband in 1989. It has remained in current private family ownership for over 30 years meaning that this BJ8 is excitingly on the market for the first time in over three decades. Now in right-hand drive and classically finished in the striking combination of Colorado Red over Jet Black with chrome wire wheels, red-piped, black leather seats and a Moto-Lita wood-rim steering wheel, this car has clearly been well looked after during its long-term ownership. Indeed, it has resided in a car bubble for the past five years ensuring it presents so well today.

Supplied with a history file, including the aforementioned Heritage Certificate, and a fresh MOT prior to the sale, this is a rare opportunity to purchase this delightful example of the final development of the venerable Healey 3000 from long term ownership and at a very sensible guide.