Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8
s/n HBJ8L 38874, engine no. H13469
British Racing Green with Black Leather Interior

The ultimate development of Donald Healey's inspired joint venture with BMC's Leonard Lord, the six-cylinder Austin-Healey3000 epitomized the classic British sports car concept. Later examples of the \"Big Healey\" such as this one beautifully combine the classically distilled sports car ethos of the earlier cars with elements added over several production cycles in an effort to heighten the practicality, comfort and livability of one of England's quintessential sports cars. Launched in October of 1963, the Mark III cars were the most powerful and luxurious of the 3000 model-run. Designated the BJ8, these 2+2 cars were fitted with such luxury items as a standard walnut dashboard, wind-up windows and overdrive. Power in the Mk III cars was also raised from the earlier cars to around 150 horsepower through the fitment of twin SU HD8 carburetors, a new exhaust system and a new camshaft and valve springs. To counteract this newly added power, servo-assisted brakes were made standard on the Mk III cars, as they were optional on earlier models.

This particular example comes from the estate of its enthusiastic owner who performed a body-off restoration of the car himself over a 5 year period to attractive driver standards. As a result, there are no records available, however it is clear that the restoration included almost all aspects of the car, including new cloth wiring harness, modern starter, and rebuilt engine and transmission.

Cosmetically, the car makes a strong impression, with excellent paint over straight panels with good fit. There are a few door edge chips and superficial cracks, but the overall impression is quite strong. The chrome was selectively refinished, including the bumpers and front fender trims, which are excellent. Other areas, such as the grille, door top trims, and window frames were not redone and show light pitting and light surface scratches. The top was replaced and is excellent, and the wheels are also excellent. The lights and glazing are also excellent.

The interior is generally excellent, save for the wood, which shows blemishes. The leather upholstery is excellent, as are the carpets and dashboard upholstery. The center console was also nicely restored and the instruments and controls are excellent. The wood appears not to have been properly stripped prior to being refinished and is intact and serviceable but should be refinished to bring it up to the standards of the rest of the car. Certain details could be improved: the steering wheel has several cracks in it and some of the weather stripping does not fit properly.

The engine compartment is attractively restored to nice driver standards, and tidy and attractive but not completely spotless or over the top detailed. It is generally correct in its presentation, including metallic green finish to the engine. The trunk is very nicely restored, with excellent upholstery and new spare hold down. The spare was not restored but is serviceable. A top boot is also included with the car.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a restored Mark III 3000 Phase 2 that is cosmetically excellent but not so nice as to discourage its new owner from using it. Its initial impression is stunning, and the car has obviously received considerable work to bring it to its current condition.

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.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608