Desirable final iteration of the big Healey
Desirable final iteration of the big Healey
The joint venture between Austin (then part of BMC) and the Healey Motor Company was established in 1952, as a result of Leonard Lord (Austin) seeking a replacement for the not entirely successful Austin A90 sports convertible. Impressed with an earlier prototype Healey sports car, the Austin-Healey 100 was born in 1953, using the A90 mechanicals allied to swoopy bodywork built by Jensen. Sporting performance was ample, the car getting its ‘100’ moniker from its ready ability to reach 100mph. The ‘Big Healey’ was born and its future secured with competition successes.
In 1956, a new 6-cylinder engine (of the same 2.6 litre displacement) replaced the A90-derived 4-cylinder engine and brought more power together with a slightly revised chassis and appearance. This was then superseded in 1959 by the 3000 model, with a larger 3 litre engine providing more power and disc brakes at the front to slow things down. The 3000 remained in production until late 1967, benefitting from upgrades and improvements along the way – there being three recognised ‘Marks’ of the model.
The 3000 Mk3 BJ8 offered here was manufactured in April 1964, per the detail provided by the British Motor Industry Heritage certificate which accompanies the vehicle. This also records that the Healey was originally a left-hand drive, North America export model, finished in Healey Blue with blue trim. It was delivered to Mobile, Texas in May ’64, but we have no history for its time the US – records begin again in 2008 at which point the vehicle had returned to its country of origin, been re-registered in the UK and converted (presumably with extensive restoration work) to right-hand drive.
Over the next 10 years, the Healey went through the hands of two UK owners, with regular but sparing use, covering around 6,000 miles (we believe the odometer will have been reset to zero on restoration) whilst being well maintained and cared for (we have the UK MOT certification for 2008 to 17). In 2017 the car was purchased by a new Jersey-based owner, who has similarly enjoyed the vehicle whilst keeping it in very good condition.
This Healey runs and drives very well, the overdrive gearbox proving useful for modern conditions.
Following the restoration work carried out prior to 2008, the engine received new oil seals all round; the carbs have been renovated; the rear differential refreshed and rebuilt and upgraded rear suspension fitted. The car has a stainless steel exhaust and was last serviced in September 2025.
Very smart in its original Healey Blue finish, this car looks good from any angle. The bodywork is in very good shape and the underside of the car is equally solid and very clean. The brightwork and badging is all present and in very good order.
Very good condition throughout – with just one or two light marks reflecting the car’s use since restoration. All seating, including the ‘plus 2’ rear seats, doorcards, carpets etc. clearly having been replaced and the dashboard in full working order. The colour-matched hood and tonneau cover are also in excellent condition.
A cracking example of the very desirable final iteration of the big Healey. With limited, careful use since restoration, the car runs and drives exactly as it should.
The Healey is accompanied by a history file which includes an original Drivers Handbook; BMIHT certificate, MOT history 2008-17 and record of works carried out after 2008.
The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with (international) shipping and importation processes if required.
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