1966 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 Convertible

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Description

(SOLD) The Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III was the final variation of a handsome line of British sports cars that stared in 1953. It offered roll-up windows, a luxurious interior with a walnut dashboard, radio console, arm rest and arm bars, and an excellent folding soft top. Mechanical refinements included power brakes, the best center shift transmission and a 150hp engine. This vehicle offered for sale here is a very rare, factory black/red example. This stunning color scheme suits the car handsomely. Factory options include a 4-speed overdrive gearbox, upgraded 60-spoke chrome wire wheels with newer tires, adjustable steering wheel and a heater. The paintwork presents very well. Recent restoration work includes complete new leather interior, carpets, top, mostly new chrome and rubber, new windshield, detailed engine compartment and under carriage. A very good running and driving car with overdrive. This vehicle presents a good opportunity to acquire the most popular and desirable Austin-Healey production model, the late BJ-8 sports convertible. This car is sold with a file of receipts, knock-off hammer, and reprint of owner's manual, top boot and bag.

History

Austin-Healey’s handsome new 100/4 entered the market in 1953 with a 2.6 liter four-cylinder engine in a traditional chassis with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. A new grille and a 2.6 liter straight six yielded the 100/6 in 1957, which was in turn replaced by the 3000 of 1959. Big news for the 3000 included front disc brakes and a 124 horsepower 2,912cc straight-six. Available in two and four-seat versions, almost 14,000 were sold before it was replaced with the 3000 MkII in 1961. The big difference was a triple-carburetor engine rated at 132 horsepower. Late in 1962, the two-seater was dropped, roll-up windows were introduced and the revised twin carburetors added 2 horsepower. The final iteration of the Austin-Healey 3000 was the MkIII version of 1964. Power was up again, this time to 150 horsepower and the cockpit was extensively revised to make the 3000 MkIII the most luxurious of all big Healey’s. All Healey 3000s are powerful, good looking and very collectible. The two most popular models are the two-seat, three-carb MkII and the 3000 MkIII.