1964 | Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (BJ8)

1964 Austin Healey 3000 MkIII

Finished in Jaguar British Racing Green with Burgundy interior. Restored and mildly modified, this pretty and nimble Austin Healey 3000 is fitted with alloy bodywork, rally style front wing vents and shrouded front grille. The rebuilt engine, now sporting a triple SU carburettor set up, is fitted with a gas flowed and lead-free cylinder head, a rally camshaft and 6 branch exhaust manifold system, exiting through side exit stainless steel silencer with twin exhaust pipes.

An older restoration example, expertly executed and now with a nicely patinated feel, this pretty and fun driving ‘Big Healey’ was imported and first registered in the UK in 1993, after which It’s major restoration was carried out by highly respected Austin Healey restorers, Orchard Restorations, for its first UK based owner, in 1993. The major works included restoration of the chassis with new components, a full body restoration with alloy panels and a bare metal repaint, a new interior trim set, new hood, tonneau cover and fabric hood cover. Full rebuilds were concurrently carried out to the engine, gearbox and overdrive unit, front and rear suspension incorporating lowered ride height with a suspension camber kit, a revised front anti roll bar and lowered ride height, with brakes and suspension front and rear rebuilt, all electrics were overhauled or replaced and the exterior chrome works all re-plated.

An iconic British sports car scene in the 1950’s and 60’s, the Austin Healey 3000’s found fame in international rallying and endurance motor racing, whilst being renowned for being both robust and relatively inexpensive to maintain for owners. First produced with 4-cylinder engines and 3-speed gear boxes, the ultimate production cars, the 3000 MkIII were equipped with an under stressed 3.0 litre 6-cylinder engine, mated to 4-speed gearboxes, equipped with overdrive.

This well specified and lightly modified 3000 MkIII, has had just 5 keepers since restoration, covering some 25k miles, whilst being regularly serviced and maintained by highly regarded Austin Healey specialists, Bill Rawles Classic cars. Supplied to the last owner in 2022 by Rawles, when it was priced at £74,500.

Inclusive of an extensive history and detailed restoration file accompanying extensive photography, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate and all MoT certificates from the restoration onwards, we are delighted to bring to market this evocative and fun driving ‘Big Healey’ at a considerable saving over its last asking price.

This evocative and iconic British Sports car is on show and available for viewing and inspection now, at our Hertfordshire showrooms.

Key Points:-
-Restored by highly respected Austin Healey specialists, Orchard Restorations, finished in Jaguar BRG with Burgundy interior and uprated during restoration to current RHD and mildly modified specifications of:

-Engine rebuilt with, Triple SU Carburettor set, tuftrided crankshaft, lightweight pistons, rally camshaft, 6 branch exhaust with stainless steel side exit silencer and exhaust pipes. Producing a dyno tested at 175 bhp, print out in restoration file.
-Rebuilt gearbox and overdrive unit. (recent)

-Fitted with alloy bodywork and roll edged wheel arches. Steel bonnet, doors and boot lid. Rally type front wing vents and front grille fitted. Chassis frame to BJ8 Phase 2 specifications.

-Lowered suspension front and rear, front suspension fitted with negative camber kit and uprated anti roll bar. Lowered rear suspension. Fitted with body coloured 5.5J wire wheels all round.

-Front and rear suspension and brakes, including new servo unit, overhauled. Vehicle electrics and chrome works overhauled, replaced or restored. Long range fuel tank fitted.

-Body, bare metal re-painted. New trim set and re-veneered dashboard fitted.

-New hood covering, tonneau and hood cover fitted.

-Restoration completed in 1993/4, since when the car has completed circa 25k miles, in the hands of 5 owners.

-Comprehensive restoration (Invoices and photo’s) and post restoration, service and maintenance history file. All mot certificates from 1993 onward.

•In summary:- This older restored and delightfully patinated ‘Big Healey’, is fitted with a number of well-established Austin Healey upgrades. The gas flowed cylinder head, triple SU carbs, rally spec camshaft and 6 branch exhaust enhance the 3.0 litre engines power and torque performance to 170 bhp and 150 ft lbs torque. The enhanced chassis specifications, with neg camber kit, lowered ride height and enhanced front anti roll bar, improve both road holding and handling.

•When combined with the added kerb appeal of the ‘Works Rally’ body enhancements, opened and ducted front grille and in being finished in the evocative colour combination, of Jaguar ‘D’ type BRG with burgundy interior, doubtlessly adds appeal to enthusiasts of classic British Sports cars and collectors alike, seeking a reasonably affordable and fun to drive, icon of the era.