1964 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8

The Austin Healey 3000 is everything a classic British sports car should be  - quick, beautiful and thrilling to drive. The MK111 was the final factory version of the iconic ‘Big Healey’ which meant power output was up from 136 bhp to 150 bhp and the cockpit was a far more civilised place to be for both driver and passenger. With the more practical 2+2 seating arrangement, wind up windows and wood and leather trim the MK111 is the model to have.

This home market right hand drive example is a rarity as over 90% of Austin Healeys were exported to the United States. The accompanying Heritage Certificate states the build date of the car was 10 - 14th August 1964 and it was despatched on the 17th August to Car Mart Motors of London. Early history is sparse but we do know it was dry stored since 1972 and was registered CGY 879B. Fast forward to January 2018 and the current owner bought the car as a ‘barn find’ project. He then entrusted the highly regarded team at Steve Cato Restorations to embark on a bare metal, nut and bolt restoration regardless of cost. Everything was removed leaving the chassis to be stripped, blasted and treated with etched primer to inhibit corrosion. The shell was mounted on a roll over jig and the body panels were stripped to the bare metal. Thankfully due to its earlier dry storage corrosion was minimal but repairs were undertaken to the sills where necessary and then the panels were epoxy primed before painting. The original back axle was stripped, checked, rebuilt, primed and painted. Likewise the suspension was completely rebuilt with new bushes throughout and new shock absorbers mounted. Brakes were also stripped and rebuilt with replacement parts. The wood veneer dashboard was removed and the rev counter rebuilt and a new wiring loom installed. A complete retrim of the upholstery in Healey blue leather was commissioned with new arm rest, front and rear seat covers and door panels. A fresh carpet set in matching blue was also fitted. To enhance the look and with a nod of recognition to the Austin Healey’s successful rallying heritage two Lucas spotlights were mounted on the new front bumper. New wing beeding was fitted alongside chrome wing mirrors and the re-chromed radiator grille.  The hood, rarely used, remains original.

The 2.9 litre straight six has been totally rebuilt with new internal parts. The two 2’’ SU carburettors tuned to deliver a smooth power curve. Starting first time with the freshly installed electronic ignition it delivers reassuringly good oil pressure at idle. The deep burble from spotless stainless steel twin pipes inspires confidence and the sonorous engine note as the revs climb soon tempts you to take to the B roads and extract the maximum joy from this legendary sports car, snicking through the 4 speed gearbox and allowing the Healey to stretch its legs with the rebuilt overdrive. The steering box, rebuilt with all new bearings delivers a refined certainty to the handling removing all sense of vagueness.

The original wheels were powder coated and resprayed and shod with new Michelin tyres. Chrome work was replaced where the pitting was deemed unacceptable and new bumpers mounted front and rear. Resprayed in the classic Healey colours of ice blue metallic over ivory white this superb MK111 presents itself beautifully. Only 600 miles have been put on the car since restoration. All the original parts that were removed have been kept and will be sold with the vehicle.

This is quite honestly one of the best Austin Healey 3000’s we have seen.

The numerous invoices in the history file reflect the massive investment that has been put into this vehicle. Over 85 photos document the restoration of this project alongside the heritage certificate and V5 form. Everything has been done on this car and it’s on the button. The vendor has done all the hard work and it’s now ready start its next chapter with the new owner.