Make: | Austin Healey |
Model: | 3000 |
Trim: | MK2 |
Year: | 1962 |
Mileage: | 18,400 |
VIN: | HBT7L18337 |
Color: | Old English White |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Deal, New Jersey, United States |
The initial impression this car gives off is a consistent, well cared for and preserved restoration, boasting quality that has stood the test of time. The old English white paint has aged well, still possessing a glossy shine and depth. In terms of flaws, there are only a couple noteworthy items to include a small bubble on the passenger side door directly to the left of the door handle and a minute crack by the bonnet grill. Otherwise the paint shows well and could be considered show worthy and without needs. The rubber components are all intact, supple, and seal properly. The weather gear is in presentable condition but it should be noted that the plexiglass windows do have some moderate scratches and the rear plastic window has developed some clouding. An inspection of the panel fitment will conclude even gaps and seams throughout which can be attested to the quality of the restoration.
The chrome items including the bumpers, grill, bezels, windshield frame, and trim pieces are in good shape, absent of any significant flawing but some scattered subtle pitting can be seen under close inspection on various items. The wire wheels and tires are presentable however, the paint on the wheels has begun to fail in a few small areas. They could be left in their driving quality state or simply resprayed to remedy the issue. The tires are the period correct style for concours; they have however started cracking due to age. The glass components on the car are all free of any deep scratches, chips, or abnormalities showing, as a restored example should.
Pull open the door and the door jams appear clean and consistent with the rest of the car. The red interior shows beautifully with the front and rear seats complimented by the white piping. Given that this is an older restoration, one will note a few items have developed some patina. The side bolsters on the driver’s side seat, a common area of flawing, have slightly worn but are still very much presentable. Also, under the right lighting one can see the red vinyl on the front seats has begun to fade slightly with the rear seats slightly darker as they have most likely never been sat in.
The dash top and fascia is without flaws, housing the rebuilt gauges with crisp lenses and fully operational. The correct steering wheel is present versus the aftermarket Moto Lita steering wheels Healey owners commonly replace it with, allowing for a more authentic driving experience. The shifter and boot have held up well having incurred no damage. A peak down at the carpet and floor mats will show they are free of any stains, tears, or inconsistencies. However, after 16 years of going to shows and letting the car sit in the sun the carpets do show some fading in areas. It could easily be left but it perhaps the most obvious flaw.
Moving forward with My inspection to the engine bay, one will see a properly maintained engine that is accompanied by the correct hoses, clamps, markings, and all accessories. All components appear tidy with any servicing clearly completed by very capable hands. The rear trunk possesses many of the same qualities with the liner showings as new and the spare wheel, tool kit, and jack all present. An inspection of the underside shows no obvious issues as it is very presentable for an older restoration. There is some typical aging from use but nothing unexpected and completely in line with the rest of the car. The correct areas were painted the color of the body, suspension components all tended to.
A variety of items were tended to including
New wheel cylinders -
Fuel Pump -
Battery -
Miscellaneous hoses-
Choke cable assembly-
Clutch service-
And the list goes on. There are thousands in receipts from local Austin Healey Specialists servicing the car throughout the years. Needless to say, this car is very much a turn-key example that you can simply get in and enjoy!.
It does not take much to start and once up to temperature performs without issue.
The clutch operates as it should, the transmission going in and out of gear without any hassle. Put down your right foot and the engine springs to life, pulling well, and making that snappy Healey exhaust note. The steering feels tight and precise with no notable play. This example is equipped with overdrive which is fully operable, making highway driving much more pleasant for the driver and the car. The car feels settled in, sorted, and is a nicely aged restoration that has a solid feeling of reliability.
The restoration completed by the professionals at Fourintune set a great base for this Healey to provide many more years of enjoyment. This will not only be a fantastic car to take on tours, rallies, and show but also a feasible investment. This example is offered with the original owners manual, tools, spare, weather gear, and BMIHT Certificate.