Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 MK III Phase II
s/n 67HBJ8U42447G, Engine No. 29K/ RU /H 16560
Red and Black with Black Interior

With its striking presence on the streets of England and welcomed for import to North America, the rally-winning Austin Healey 3000 reached the pinnacle of development with the Mark III. And while more than 90 percent of these stylish and sporting open cars were shipped to the US, they continued to race all over Europe, establishing win after win, long after production had ceased in 1967. Fully appointed with a powerful six-cylinder engine and multiple carburetors, the final iteration of the "Big Healey" (also known as the Phase 2) achieved 150 bhp via a new higher lift camshaft and SU HD8 carburetors. Power assisted brakes were also added along with a new dashboard sporting prominent instrumentation. Today, collectors all over the world continue to seek out Big Healeys for their rewarding driving manners and beautifully sculpted bodywork.

This particular example has been the subject of extensive restoration, which is supported by detailed invoices from 2010 and 2012, indicating more than $60,000.00 worth of mechanical and cosmetic restoration and refurbishment. The restoration work was performed by a range of British car specialists and includes itemized records supporting new or rebuilt assemblies, a few of which are listed here to highlight the restoration. The engine was removed and rebuilt, honing the block and fitting new pistons, new rod and main bearings, thrust washers, a new oil pump, a new timing chain, tensioners, and tappets. New engine and transmission mounts were installed along with new hoses, a new radiator core, various mounting brackets were cleaned and adjusted for fit, the heater core removed, cleaned and installed with new heater hoses, and the carburetors were boiled out, rebuilt, synchronized and balanced for operation. During this time the gearbox was also removed and sent out to a specialist for rebuild including a fresh 1st gear assembly and laygear rebuild, as well as rebuilding the overdrive unit and replacing the clutch slave cylinder.

Additional itemized work continued with a rebuild of the steering box, replacing the pitman arm and steering wheel hub, and a new wiring harness installed in the trafficator switch. Also, at this time new front brake rotors were installed, rear wheel cylinders were rebuilt, and the brake system flushed with all lines replaced as needed. New rear axle seals and front sway link bushings were also replaced. New rear springs were installed, and the original type shocks were converted to Bilstein shocks, while the front suspension was rebuilt including new king pins and Prothane bushings. Completing the restoration, a two tone repaint was applied along with a fresh interior including Dynamat insulation and Dynaliner ½” carpet insulation, deluxe black carpeting, new door seals, new retractable seat belts, new front seat kits, new vent seals, new seat pans, new seat foams, new door glass, and a host of fasteners, correct grommets, and interior hardware including a fresh dashpad, dashpad set, and trunk liner were also installed to complete the interior. A new top and tonneau cover was also installed.

Today, this Austin Healey presents as a fun and ready to enjoy Mark III with glossy paint showing good surfacing and driver level cosmetics. The chrome displays very good luster with light hazing in some areas and good fit overall to the body. The body integrity is generally good, with consistent shut lines and tight closures on doors, trunk, and bonnet. All trim, script, and various details have been tended with care and properly detailed for enjoyable use. The brilliant and more recently re-chromed wire wheels are an excellent accent to the two-tone paint, shod with tires of appropriate size, showing good tread. The stance, colors, and wire wheels deliver an appropriate sporting flavor to this low-slung roadster.

The interior is in excellent condition having been thoughtfully redone and used mildly since completion. Correct materials and trim, tight white accent piping, correct foam padding, excellent quality carpeting, and a handsome lacquered wood dashboard and wood rimmed steering wheel completes the interior in a cohesive manner. Instruments and switches are meticulously detailed with clarity on the faces and glass, topped by the combined rear view mirror and clock. The trunk area has been nicely finished in keeping with the quality of the interior.

The engine compartment has been restored to factory appearance with generally good detail applied to all components, hardware, hoses, and lines which show some evidence of use, although still very clean and properly tended to. The undercarriage displays finishes consistent with the restoration, including stainless steel exhaust, clean chassis panels, and rebuilt or refinished mechanical components showing typical aging. All finishes and components viewed in the undercarriage appear as tidy as the rest of the car, further validating the attention and care this car has received since the restoration was completed.

This Mark III roadster runs and drives quite well, starting easily under choke and idling properly when warm. The engine idles smoothly while the driving qualities are generally in keeping with the good standards achieved when the car was restored ten years ago. The engine has good oil pressure, makes very good power and torque, and pulls strong in all gears. The car accelerates to freeway speeds without hesitation and feels solid. At highway speeds, the car tracks well, brakes predictably, and moves along confidently with modern traffic. However, once escaping to the delightful country roads and quiet mountain passes the Mark III truly reveals the wonderfully responsive manner, easy steering, and delightful handling these cars offer. Accompanying the car are recent records for the restoration, a jack, spare wire wheel, and a full cockpit tonneau cover.

Austin Healey 3000 Mk IIIs continue to be sought after for the elegant sporting nature and open-air driving experience they so eagerly deliver. With their beautiful body design, sporting profile, and in the case of this example; a restoration just right for enjoyable use, this driver-ready Mark III reveals a wonderful car ready for the next fortunate enthusiast to drive, show, and enjoy for years to come.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608