1967 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8

Description

The last of the big Healeys, this 1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 Mark III is a wonderfully usable British sports car that also happens to be the most desirable of the bunch. Finished in a traditional color combination that will never go out of style and offering a few choice upgrades, it delivers on all the promises made by its reputation and remains an A-list collectable today.

Repainted about ten years ago, this big roadster still looks great with only minor signs of use, which it wears like badges of honor. A long life down south means that the usual rust demons were kept at bay with this one and it's one of those rare cars that has been properly maintained all its life and therefore never needed any major surgery to bring it back to its current condition. Clean bodywork has factory-style gaps and great panel alignment so it looks properly assembled and aside from a few nicks and touch-ups that are all but invisible until you go looking for them, this car is just beautiful from any angle. Healeys have always projected an aura of power and refinement, and this one is no different, hunkering on its haunches like a cat about to spring, it's every bit as entertaining to drive as it looks. Chrome and brightwork are excellent, including the lovely Healey grille, bumpers, and all the badges that adorn the car. And you'll love the details that come with these cars, from the sporting driving lights up front to the practical luggage rack to the Lucas taillights in their own little pods.

Gorgeous is the only way to describe the inviting and nicely patina'd interior. With leather surfaces in basic black, it complements the bodywork extremely well and offers a traditional look. The Healey's longer wheelbase allows two small rear seats, and while they're best reserved for children or luggage, they are no less carefully stitched than the front buckets. New carpets were fitted and the hand-crafted door panels are an exercise in effective minimalism. The original Smiths gauges are in good condition, showing only some light discoloration on their chrome bezels, but that should polish away pretty easily, and the speedometer will need to be checked since it's not currently operational. Perhaps most remarkably, this car has an aftermarket A/C system tucked in the dash, yet the work is so expertly done that it's almost invisible and doesn't detract from the original look. A black folding top has been installed, and it includes matching black boot to keep things looking tidy when it's stowed, and roll-up windows were finally standard equipment with the BJ8. The trunk isn't exactly spacious, but does include a full-sized spare and matching wire wheel, which is nice.

The BJ8 is powered by a 2.9 liter inline-six rated at a relatively brawny 150 horsepower, which provides entertaining performance in the lightweight roadster. Faithfully restored in Austin's peculiar shade of metallic light green, the engine rumbles to life easily, inhaling through twin SU carburetors and emitting the most wonderful baritone roar at full throttle. The engine bay was detailed during the restoration using period-correct components, and while it shows some signs of use today, it's still got all the right stuff. And do you see the A/C system? Nope. Nice work! A recent dual exhaust system provides that wonderful big Healey exhaust note and you'll relish running it through the gears of the 4-speed manual transmission. Shiny chrome wires wheels are a pleasant change from the standard painted wheels, and it wears suitably tall and skinny 165/80/15 blackwall radials that look right.

Big Healeys are all about driving, and this one with its fully sorted mechanicals and gorgeous bodywork is a first-class ticket in true British fashion. Call today!