Austin-Healey 3000

Luxury Brokers International is pleased to offer this impressive, cosmetically restored, 1966 Austin Healey 3000. Recently out of long term ownership, this car spent much of its life as a very rust free original car up until about 7 years ago when a complete cosmetic restoration was completed to a very high standard. During this time, the car also underwent an engine rebuild and sorting of all driveline components. This produced a completely up to date car that is show quality cosmetically, but a reliable driver, mechanically. Since the restoration the car was occasionally driven for 4 years and more recently remained dormant for the past 3 years. As you see the car is how we acquired it, in excellent condition and very well kept. We believe this to be a fully matching numbers example finished in the original color combination. As per the British Motor Heritage Trust Certificate that will be included in the sale.

Cosmetically this BJ8 has seen some very high quality attention. 7 years ago when being restored, a complete bare metal repaint was completed. The paint quality throughout is show quality with no blemishes whatsoever. The panel, trunk, bonnet, and door fitment is very good with no chips of any kind in the jams. The body is straight with no waviness, and no indications of filler anywhere. The bright work shows very well throughout and was refinished during the restoration. The windscreen frame and door chrome does show some very minor pitting, but overall is very nice and hardly noticeable. The top is nearly new with no issues. There are many nice accessories such as headlight guards, a pair of rare Lucas fog lights, badge bar with an Austin Healey club badge and others. The glass is all present and fade free, the driver side window does show one very small chip. The rubber throughout is excellent, all trim and moldings are in good condition, as are the tires with plenty of life left on them. The interior shows just as well as the outside, except with a hint of use. Finished in its original and correct black with gold piping, the interior is nearly new and was also completed to a very high standard. The dash top is in excellent condition and the wood shows to be new as well. All gauges are in correct working order, and all switches and lights work as expected. Under the carpets shows solid floors and under the dash a very clean look at what appears to be original and very tidy. The door panels are of the same, very nice with no visible issues and window mechanisms in proper working order. All finished off by a well fitting boot cover.

Mechanically this BJ8 is superb in every aspect. It starts easily and holds 45 pounds of oil pressure at idle and 65 pounds under load and operating temperature hardly exceeds 190 degrees. Throttle response and power is impressive and responsive while the shifting and clutch feel is flawless with no issues and a working overdrive. Upon acquiring the car we were given brief information regarding the engine rebuild, but do not doubt this as the car runs very strong, smooth, and much better than most. While the engine bay may not be up to par with the rest of the car, it is functional as a driver. With some tidying up and correcting, the engine bay would easily bring this car to another level, but certainly not necessary anyone looking to enjoy a Healey on a weekly basis. The suspension feels tight, handles well with no rattles or unknown noises. The brakes are very strong with good pedal and no pulling under heavy braking. The exhaust is slightly modified and is simply lacking the rear muffler to finish it off. Instead the previous owner ran straight pipes from the center mufflers back. This makes for a very harmonic exhaust note. The fuel pump and gas tank sending unit appear to be new as well as a recent tune up prior to our offering it.

The trunk shows well, is rust free, mostly correct, and comes with a spare and non-original jack. The undercarriage is our only other complaint with the car as it has received an undercoating. The previous owner had this completed as part of the cosmetic restoration as his intent was to drive the car often and wanted to protect the underside. We have investigated the underside and have not found any issues, only straight frame rails that have never been cut with solid outriggers and floors. The undercoat is somewhat consistent in the engine bay, but spots of red show that this car was correct prior to the undercoating and not rusty.

Ultimately this 66’ Austin Healey 3000 MKIII offers an excellent turn-key opportunity for any enthusiast or collector. As a well cared for, cosmetically restored, and mechanically superb example this car will not disappoint. Please inquire with any additional interest.