Make: | Austin Healey |
Model: | 3000 |
SubModel: | 3000 MKIII BJ8 |
Type: | Convertible |
Doors: | 2 Doors |
Year: | 1967 |
Mileage: | 66,776 |
VIN: | HBJ8L39874 |
Color: | White |
Engine: | 2.9L I6 |
Cylinders: | 6 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Manual |
Drive type: | RWD |
Interior color: | Black |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Santa Barbara, California, United States |
Offered for sale is a very original, entirely solid, mechanically excellent, numbers matching 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8 Phase II with a believed 66k original miles and finished in factory correct Ivory White over a black interior. Sold new by Imported Auto Sales & Service of Montgomery, Alabama to a Mr. James Davis of nearby Greenville, AL, the car would remain in his care for the ensuing 47 years, when old age finally forced him to part with it. Throughout his nearly five decades of ownership, the car was always garaged, well maintained and used sparingly, resulting in the handsome, structurally rust-free and strong running example you see here today.
Mr. Davis’ acquisition is exceptionally well documented, including the original B.M.C. (British Motor Corp.) window sticker, the original invoice from Imported Auto Sales, Mr. Davis’ original financing agreement with Greenville Bank (paid off in 1968) and old Alabama registration cards. The car also comes with the original Driver’s Handbook and Mr. Davis’ metal BMC warranty data card, as well as a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certified factory record and technical data sheet, confirming the car’s numbers matching status and factory correct color.
The recipient of one repaint some years ago in correct Ivory White, the Healey’s finish has held up quite nicely, marred only by a handful of minor imperfections, none of which are significant enough to appear in any of the photographs. Ivory White is a somewhat uncommon and eternally tasteful livery for a Big Healey, affording the car an understated appeal that’s in sharp contrast to the much more prevalent Colorado Red, Healey Blue and BRG examples. The chrome and glass is in excellent original condition, and the knock-off wire wheels are wrapped in tires with plenty of remaining tread.
The car’s interior is also clean, the front seats and interior panels showing only limited wear, the carpets in excellent condition after having been replaced, and the beautiful burl wood dash in exceptional condition, entirely flawless with absolutely no cracking or any other blemishes. The car’s original rear seats could be recovered (readily available from Moss Motors), but the top and boot cover have been replaced and show no discernible wear. The car’s trunk is clean and retains the spare tire, as well as a new knock-off hammer and wooden knock-off wrench.
The car is mechanically excellent, the original 2.9L I6 engine starting effortlessly, idling consistently and pulling strongly and smoothly through each of the transmission’s gears, with fully functioning overdrive. Oil pressure is consistent at 55-60 lbs., the engine runs cool (has a six blade fan) and ride quality is excellent. Aside from basic maintenance, the car has newer rear springs and front end suspension parts, brakes, a new brake servo and a new polished stainless steel exhaust. The car is a joy to drive with great power and handling, ideal for touring events or weekend cruises. The undercarriage is entirely solid and original to the car with no structural rust whatsoever - any surface rust that’s visible requires no attention, but is something that a dedicated afternoon with steel wool would nip down entirely.
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very original, entirely solid, numbers matching, mechanically strong, cosmetically clean, final year BJ8 finished in a refined livery with a great, essentially one owner provenance. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced Big Healey you can drive and enjoy, this car deserves your serious consideration.