Chassis No. HBJ8L/33993

Engine No. 29K/RU/H8747

As the final iteration of the "Big Healey" 3000 MK III rolled onto the scene, the legendary British sports car manufacturer successfully retained the DNA of its classic curvaceous long hood/short deck sports roadster, while tweaking the cockpit to accommodate 2+2 seating and adding amenities directed towards the booming North American market. Designed as a sports car and indeed quite successful in rallying and racing, the 3000 MK III featured roll-up side windows and an easily operable soft top, and was equipped with the potent 2,912 cc 150 horsepower twin-carb six-cylinder engine. Mated to a four-speed manual overdrive transmission, and mounted with disc brakes in front, the 3000 MK III provided performance worthy of its sporting heritage.

Completed at the Abingdon-based Healey Works during the latter part of 1965, this 3000 MK III BJ8 was configured as a left-hand drive car destined for the North American market. The car benefits from a comprehensive restoration carried out about a decade ago by well-known California-based Austin-Healey restorer Kurt Tanner. According to Tanner, the Healey was a two-owner California car at the time, and a great candidate for restoration. The restoration was a full "nut-and-bolt" project, including a stripdown of the bodywork to bare metal where repairs were made as needed. The svelte Roadster bodywork was refinished as it appears today in Metallic Golden Beige, a custom mix and a very fitting color by Tanner.

The car was fitted with new chrome and body rubber, while the interior trim was renewed in black. The car's interior was finished off by a correct, black, crush-grain vinyl convertible top and matching top boot. A mechanical reconditioning was carried out as well, in addition to the fitment of a stainless-steel exhaust system and five stainless steel, 60-spoke wire wheels. Acquired by the late Mr. John Hartford, a renowned Jacksonville-based collector of performance cars, shortly after the restoration was completed, the stunning Austin-Healey has since been used sparingly while kept in Mr. Hartford's climate-controlled collection. Today, the BJ8 remains in beautiful condition, perfectly emphasizing the classic Healey look and feel for which these great cars are known. A photo album chronicling the restoration along with the Heritage Trust-issued certificate and a driver's handbook accompanies the sale of the car.

Addendum & Administrative Notes

Please note that this lot is titled as Model Year 1966.