1966 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 Mark III

1966 Description

Up for auction is a beautiful example of the iconic British sports car, a 1966 Austin-Healey 3000. The car is the BJ8, Mark III model and represents the most advanced and comfortable version that Austin-Healey made. Manufactured in December 1966, it was originally delivered to Newark, New Jersey. The California title stated that the mileage was accurate but the speedometer was not working when we got the car so actual mileage is unknown.

A complete set of pictures is available but eBay will not allow us to put the link here. Send us a question via eBayand we'll forward the link.

We purchased the car almost 4 years ago knowing it needed some bodywork done. Once we got into the car we decided to go ahead and have the car completely stripped and repainted its original Healey blue. We can state that there is ZERO rust in this car, as the pictures will support. Tom Black’s Garage, one of the best shops on the West coast, did all of the body and paintwork.

While the body was being repaired and painted we had all the mechanicals rebuilt. The engine was rebuilt with the crankshaft turned down 0.020” and new cam bearings installed. A heavy-duty crankshaft balancer and modern rear oil seal were added. The head was rebuilt with new, hardened valve seats, new valves and springs. We kept the car positive ground and had a modern electric fan and controller installed and also upgraded to a modern high torque starter and a spin-on oil filter. The original starter, oil filter assembly and valve cover will come with the car allowing the new owner to return it to a more original condition if they want.

The exhaust manifold was sent out to Jet-Hot and coated in ceramic. A new, stainless steel exhaust was installed. The spare tire is an original-style painted wire wheel with a new tire on it. The other four wheels are new as are the tires. A proper Shelley jack is included as well as a non-original tool roll with most the tools you might need on the road. The fuel tank is aluminum and a new battery was installed. A battery tender is included with the car.

The gearbox and overdrive were overhauled, as was the rear end. The brake and clutch master and slave cylinders were re-sleeved by Apple Hydraulics providing a lifetime of protection from corrosion. New rotors and rear brake drums were installed. A new wiring harness was installed and all of the relays were replaced. The heater core was replaced and the car has all new hoses for the engine, the heater air system and the fresh air piping. A newheaterblower assembly was installed. The car sports Lucas headlamps and driving lamps.

All the chrome was either re-plated or replaced and looks gorgeous. The paint job is magnificent with only a couple defects, one around the fuel filler and another by the bonnet opening. This car was meant as a driver, not a show car, but it could easily do well in any competition.

A new interior was installed that included an upgrade to leather for the front and rear seats, and the parcel shelf. We had the wood dash replaced and had a beautiful wood steering wheel installed. All the gauges are working; the temperature/oil pressure gauge was rebuilt. The car includes the convertible boot cover and top that were on the car when we purchased it, a new mohair tonneau cover was purchased. The car has a working, positive-ground AM radio.

We have a lot of money in this car, over $100K, more than we will be able to get back out, but we just purchased a 1965 Jaguar E-type and need to raise some capital for the restoration. This is a wonderful opportunity to get a beautiful example of the Austin-Healey sports car for less money then it would take to restore it yourself.

Why isn't it a #1 car? Mainly because there a several odds and ends missing to round it out. The car was taking forever to get completed andwhenthe weather got good we just took the car as it was and enjoyed it. Things that need to be completed: the convertible top is missing the installation of some pieces, including the springs (which come with the car), the right side door closes with about a¼" gap and needs to be tweaked, there are some missing trim pieces that are included. Other than that the car is almost perfect.

The winner bidder will be required to pay a non-refundable $1,000 deposit via PayPal within 48 hours of the action close. Full payment will be required within 7 days viabank to-bank transfer. All monies must be received and accepted by our bank prior to the release of the car.

This is a 50-year-old car and even though it has been thoroughly gone through it is still an old car. We have done our best to accurately describe the car but nothing will replace a personal inspection and test drive, which we highly recommend.

The car is sold AS-IS and WHERE-IS. The new owner is responsible for all shipping costs and we will work with whatever shipper you select, within reason. The car is for sale locally and we reserve the right to cancel the auction at any time.