1966 Austin-Healey 3000 MK III BJ-8 Frame Off Restored 2.9 Liter Inline 6

1966 Austin Healey 3000 -- Description

SUMMARY

* Nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration conducted by premier marque specialist Kurt Tanner
* Restored to Austin-Healey Club Gold Concours standards
* Roughly 1100 miles of road time since the restoration was completed
* Correct 2.9 liter British Motor Corporation 29A 6-cylinder / Correct twin SU carburetion
* Correct 4-speed manual transmission
* Golden Beige Metallic paint / Correct wire wheels
* Red Ambla interior
* Sale includes restoration photos
* Correct front disc and rear drum brakes
* 1 of only 17,712 3000 Mk IIIs produced

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The early '60s could quite possibly be considered the dawn of performance roadsters. Of course, hardcore racers had always whipped fire-breathing drop-tops around various tracks. But the majority of America's '50s convertibles were big, luxurious, cushy and way too civilized to take serious turns. That's why spry cars like this Concours-restored Austin-Healy 3000 Mk III gradually redefined how the domestic market interpreted open-air motoring. Small, tossable and extremely fun right out of the box, this freshly finished roadster is a virtually spotless classic that was professionally rebuilt by premier marque specialist Kurt Tanner. 1 of only 17,712 Mark IIIs produced, the car is innately exclusive. And, if you're looking for a fully sorted, fully pedigreed Austin that's also a blast to drive, it's the 'big Healey' of your dreams!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Roughly 1100 miles out of a detailed reboot, this impressive Mk III is one of Healy expert Kurt Tanner's fully documented nut-and-bolt rotisserie restorations. Finished in a smooth coat of Golden Beige Metallic, the car features top-notch rehab that was completed to Austin-Healey Club Gold Concours standards, with the ultimate goal being absolute authenticity. At the front of the car, a mirrored bumper hangs new overriders beneath chrome-trimmed headlights, bullet-style parking lamps and a textured grille that's topped by an ornate header emblem. Above that grille, a subtle hood scoop leads the eye to chrome-trimmed glass that's capped in clean black cloth. At the sides of that scoop, classy fender toppers perfectly complement chrome door handles, polished profile inserts and sculpted style lines. At the back of those toppers, correct “Austin-Healey 3000” badging rides between chrome trunk trim, simple tail lamps, a small gas cap and a second bumper that features two more overriders. And it all adds up to one lust worthy 3000 that puts most European metal to shame!

ENGINE

Mechanically, this Austin exemplifies top-notch detailing through a rare twin-carb engine that was completely rebuilt at the time of the car's ground-up restoration. Tilt the lightweight hood and you'll find 2.9 liters of 29A 6-cylinder that looks good and runs great! Based on British Motor Corporation's stalwart C-Series, Austin's inline mill isn't a grossly overpowered piece. But it's certainly proven its ability to jet this compact roadster out of many tight curves, and cruise comfortably in just about any situation its owners' demanded. At the top of the light green block, vintage Coopers air cleaners sling wind in to two correct SU carburetors. At the base of those carbs, a stamped, factory-correct valve cover caps factory intake and exhaust manifolds. At the base of that cover, an old school points distributor sequences spark through fresh Cobalt plug wires. And the car's tight engine bay is dotted with many show-ready essentials, including a correct Coventry radiator, a color-keyed generator and a requisite red finger guard.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Designed to be basic and simple, this micro roadster utilizes a slew of factory-correct parts to create an exceptionally fun driving experience. Behind the engine, a rugged 4-speed serves up an awesome mix of curve-carving prowess and calm highway manners. Stops come courtesy of manual front disc and rear drum brakes. The car's chassis, which rides on a familiar set of coil and leaf springs, has been restored in a subdued mix of beige and black pigment. A factory manifold, replacement pipes and traditional mufflers handle exhaust. At the corners of the floor, correct wire wheels spin 175/80R15 BF Goodrich Touring T/As around fresh knock-offs. And, as far as appearance goes, the bottom of this 'big Healey' is exactly what you'd expect from a lightly used restoration.

INTERIOR

Like its exterior, the interior of this 3000 was completely rejuvenated during the car's ground-up restoration. Front and center, small bucket seats sport silver-piped Ambla. In front of those seats, a correct Walnut-veneer dash centers a retro mirror on factory heat, restored Smiths telemetry and a locking glovebox. Beneath that dash, a flowing console frames a petite shifter. Below that console, plush red carpet provides a supple foundation for a polished hand brake. In front of the driver, a classy steering wheel spins a period-correct trafficator. At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels frame bright chrome hardware. And behind the cockpit, a small trunk hauls a fifth wire wheel and fifth Touring tire opposite a Lucas-branded battery.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* An Austin-Healey driver's Handbook
* Restoration photos

Vintage European metal has aged with more grace than most, wearing designs that are still capable of turning heads in their basic factory form. And since they're becoming increasingly scarce, British offerings like this pedigreed Austin get snapped up almost as quickly as they hit the market. If you're an enthusiast who likes to put their hardware on the pavement, few classics deliver this blend of fun and exclusivity. And, being fresh out of a Concours-level restoration, this roadster should fare very well at any gathering you choose to attend!