1964 | Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (BJ8)

FNA 644C is a truly incredible Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 that has been upgraded to Works Rally Specification. Manufactured in 1964, the Healey headed for the US where it remained for 33 years before being imported to the UK from Sacramento, California. Upon its arrival a 25-year rebuild commenced to take the Healey to 1964 RAC Rally Specification, overseen by the treasurer to the Austin-Healey Club. The Big Healey arrived in our showroom with merely shakedown mileage added to the odometer since its comprehensive rebuild.

Richard Parker Race Engines Ltd of Derbyshire completed the engine build and upgrades. The impressive specification for the engine included an aluminium cylinder head, competition valve gear, a 300-degree camshaft, +0.040" Omega pistons, a high-capacity oil pump, a competition distributor, a high-capacity aluminium sump pan, a lightened and balanced flywheel. Providing the immense induction noise and fuel delivery is 3 fully rebuilt 45DCE Type 13 Italian Webber Carburettors which can be tuned by removing the cleverly placed removable side panel on the NS Wing. Supplying the carbs is an enlarged foam-filled aluminium fuel tank. The ensemble of beautiful audio is topped off with a six-branch exhaust manifold with a side exit exhaust. To keep the car cool, an uprated radiator was fitted. Furthering the impressive specification is the rebuilt transmission that utilises an SC Tulip gear set with competition overdrive operated on the gear lever which was rebuilt by the renowned specialist Overdrive Services of Sheffield. Connecting the gearbox to the engine is a heavy-duty clutch kit which bears a ball-race clutch release bearing. While the rear axle was rebuilt, it maintains the standard final drive ratio with a high deflection propshaft. With such increased power and delivery, the braking system saw new standard brake discs with just the fronts being assisted by a ‘High Knee Point' Servo with separate hydraulic lines.

The exterior restoration has been completed to the same high standard as the upgrades throughout the mechanical components. The Red paintwork holds a deep finish contrasted beautifully by the White aluminium hardtop. Blockley tyres are wrapped around MWS chrome wire wheels on competition hubs providing exceptional grip and a beautiful complement to the bright chromework found throughout the exterior.

Following the completion of the top-class rebuild, FNA 644C headed to marque specialist Dennis Welch Motorsport to be set up whom supplied the majority of the parts throughout the rebuild process. The car currently represents outstanding value for money as a superbly rebuilt Healey with an outstanding driving experience.