Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark II BT7
s/n HBT7L17324, engine no. 29D/RU/H3680
Red with White Coves and Black Interior

The Austin-Healey 3000 cemented the company's reputation as a producer of serious, macho sports cars and epitomizes the idea of the \"Big Healey\". While the Mark III variant, with its four seat configuration, and wood dash, was sophisticated, the earlier cars, with their pared down metal dashes shared with early cars, have a purer sports car ethos. March of 1961, the Austin Healey 3000 Mark II brought several changes to the already excellent 3000 Mark. I. Interestingly, the Mark II exits in two forms, easily differentiated by whether the car has wind up windows or side curtains. That change also brought a wraparound windscreen. All Mark IIs featured a new front grille with vertical bars as well. Optional items on the car were much like those available on the MK I cars although the option of a factory hardtop was not made available until the introduction of the BJ7 cars in 1962. An optional brake servo was also available to improve braking performance from August of 1961. The BJ7 (2+2) remained in production until the introduction of the 3000 Mark III in October 1963. The Mark II cars offer a desirable blend between the performance and styling of the early \"big Healeys\" and the further practicality, livability and added performance of the later cars.

This particular car is a rare tri-carb center shift example It has known history back to the late 1970s, at which time it was owned by a fellow in the San Francisco Bay Area in Santa Clara. He retained the car until 1985, at which time he sold it to an enthusiastic long term keeper, who restored the car in the mid 1990s and ended up retaining the car for 28 years. Its current owner purchased the car in 2013 and there is a thick file of service records dating back 35 years. There are also photos from the body restoration, which was performed in 1995.

Cosmetically, the car is a nice driver with attractive glossy paint over a straight body with good gaps. The trunk lid sits a bit high as is common on these cars. The paint is attractive and was done to high standards. Aside from some swirl marks, it is in very fine shape. The chrome is in good shape, with light pitting and minor surface scratches. There are two holes in the grille surround, where it appears that auxiliary lamps were previously mounted. The glass and lights are in good shape, with minor road wear to the front windscreen.

The interior is in good shape. The upholstery itself is in good shape, although the installation of the kit could have been tidier and there are some wrinkles and puckering present. The carpets are in excellent shape, as are and the dashboard, steering wheel, and instruments. There are no major deviations from stock inside or out.

The engine compartment is attractive and tidy, having been restored to high standards in the past. It now shows some minor soiling and signs of use, but remains quite attractive and is well above the typical driver. The firewall and inner fenders are nicely restored and remain crisp and attractive, with correct cloth wiring harness insulation. The trunk was also nicely restored and has correct upholstery and restored spare.

This is a great opportunity to acquire an attractive big Healey. A rare tri-carb center shift car, this example is thoroughly documented with 35 years of paperwork and was obviously well-loved. It is an ideal driver, being cosmetically attractive but not so nice that its new owner should have apprehensions about driving and enjoying it.

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