1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 Mark III Phase II

1967 Austin Healey 3000 Leather Description

Up for consideration is what I consider the nicest 1967 Austin Healey BJ8 in the country.

The Austin-Healey was born from the Healey Hundred, first shown at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show. British Motor Industry legend Sir Leonard Lord, soon convinced Healey that Austin should build the car and thus gave birth to the Austin-Healey 100. The Austin-Healey's design and appeal as a true British Sports Car, resulted in strong sales across the globe in the late 1950's and early 60's. Over time the design and drive train matured to the 6-cylinder Austin-Healey 3000, which featured a more comfortable interior, improved braking, and suspension. 1967 would marque the last production model year of the Austin-Healey 3000, the last of the great "big Healeys" and is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the Austin-Healey brand.
This 1967 Austin Healey was first purchased new by its original owner (before myself) in Ohio in late 1968. I have a copy of the original title, from the original owner. Interesting fact here is that these Austin Healeys were not a big seller and that sitting on a car lot forover a year was common. This Healey was built as a black car with red interior. I decided to change the color to Golden Beige Metallic during restoration which is a true color for the 67 model year Healeys. The red vinyl was also change to amore Maroon Connolly leather. The mechanicals are all numbers matching and they are indicated on the Certificate of Heritage.
They original owner drove the car regularly for a period of years, and then decided in the early 1980's to perform mechanical rebuild of the Engine and Transmission.Like many restorations, the idea seemed good. While the mechanicals were out of the car, the owner then decided to freshen up the interior.Most of the interior was then pulled out.While the interior was out, it was then decided to give the car a quick paint job. Well, you know how that goes.....this project stalled and the car sat in the dry garage for a period of about 25 years. As you can see by the pictures of the car on the trailer, it was not a rust bucket and everything was there. All of the parts were there in good shape and just needed a good comprehensive restoration.
This car waspurchased for the original owner inlate 2015 and started a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration. All of the original body panels were in good condition and used in the restoration. The engine and transmission were rebuilt by a Machine shop in Pennsylvania that specializes in British Cars. Engine was balanced and line bored. Engine was built 20 over,with Performance cam.Engine was built to beabout 175 hp. HD8 cabs were rebuilt and polished. 2" Stainless Steel Sport exhaust system (Europe), great sound. The stock starter andoil filter housingboth have beenrebuilt and are presently on the car. I do have a spin on filter adapter andgear reduction starter to go with the car. Original stock radiator was sent out and fitted with an additional core for cooling. I also have a thermostatic electric fan installed before the radiator (hardly visible). The stock 4 speed transmissionwith electric overdrive have been completely rebuilt and operate flawlessly.Differential have been fully restored with new ring and pinion,bearings and seals. New front coils. Rebuilt rear leaf springs. All brake and clutch hydraulics are new or restored. Steering column has been rebuilt. Heater box restored, pedal box restored. New horns, complete new wiring harness, all new lights and housings. Lucas yellow 576 fog lights (need to be wired), Lucas 24 hrs Lemans head lamps. Gauses rebuilt/restored by Nisonger, New York. All new triple plated chrome (Europe). All new glass, even the vent windows. New old stock Triplex Windshield. Restored Convertible top frame. 5 New Dayton 72 spoke Wheels and adapters. Tires are Vredestein 185 Sprints. Tires and wheels havebeen balanced by Hendricks speed shop ($800 balance). Carpet wool is light Maroon Wilton Wool. The full interior is light Maroon Connolly leather. There is no vinyl in this interior, even the door caps and dash have been covered in leather. Set belts are Maroon and period correct lap belts. All tools have been bead blasted and re-plated cad. The Convertible top, Boot cover and full Toneau cover and all Mohair and were manufactured in Europe. The paint isGlasurit, Germanbase/clear paint.All body panels, inside of the tub and bootas well as the under side of the car has all been sprayed in base and then clear coat. The paint on this car is flawless. The fit of the body panels is remarkable. The body panels were fitted probably 8 times throughout the restoration to ensure a great fit and perfect gaps. There was no expense spared in this restoration work. The total restoration efforts for this car exceed $100K.
I am not a dealer, just a individual that loves to restore these British cars. My participation in this restoration was limited. I like to restore Triumph TR6's, TR250's and MGB's.The average person cannot restore a Big Healey to the level outlined in this auction. I have restored many cars that havetaken awards in both local shows as well as Concours.ThisHealey is in my personal collection and I will only be offering it for sale once. I could use the room fora current TR6 that I am restoring. I don't like to use thewords Perfect or Flawless because it is always up toopinion.However, I do consider this Healey one of the nicest restored Healeys in the Country. The paint is 9.99 out of 10. The Interior is 9.99 out of 10. The engine bay is 9.5 out of 10.
In my personal opinion, you can purchase these Healeys at a wide range of Values. If you just want a daily driver #3, you are in the range of $30-50K. If you want a nicer#2 Healey, you will spend between $70-90K, or higher. If you want and canafford one of the best in the Country, you will consider this Austin Healey. This is truly aHigh #1 car, and worth the investment. I do know that these Big Healeys ave increased in value more than 35% since 2015 and 475% in the last 12 years. This car was restored and Showed/Judged at the 2017 British Invasion Concours Show in Stowe Vermont. The car finished 1st place in the "Concours Premier Group" and overall "Best in Concours". The car hasonly been drives about 150 miles since the show, and stored in a climate controlled garage. I am offering this carat $130,000 for your consideration. I would considerreasonable offers. I am also looking for a good Pre 68 XKE.I would advise a 3rd party inspection of this car. I do have lift in my garage for inspections. I am willing to help with the coordination for transporting after purchase. This car will make a great Christmas present. There are no implied or statedwarranty. Have a great auction. Have a Great Christmas.Jim 518.429.6094