I am a Healey enthusiast and a long time Healey club member. I have owned and restored 10 Austin Healeys (I wrote the checks) over the past 25 years. What appealed to me about this car was the fact that according to the previous owner it had had the same service station owner for over 30 years. You can see and feel the care this car was given: SOLID AND TIGHT.
The Colorado red paint (original color) is excellent over a rust free body.
Complete expert $8,000 engine rebuild was done to insure great performance for years to come. All receipts are included for documentation. Engine is original as evidenced by British Heritage Certificate that new owner gets.
We chose to install a Toyota 5 speed transmission designed for the Healey that updates the driving performance. This is about a $6,000 value including installation and labor. She is now synchronized in FIRST gear and 5th gear serves as overdrive.This makes a tremendous difference in the car. Everything looks the same in the interior. This insures no more expensive transmission and over drive rebuilds. The original 4 speed transmission comes with the car.
We have put over 2,000 (sorting) miles on this car after finishing restoration to insure trouble free driving of this 54 year old British Classic.
Recent sales and auctions show bj8 Austin Healey values to be strong! Hagerty Insurance offers valuation of classic cars. Hagerty values include auctions, online sales, private sales, club sales, etc. Hagerty has become the Bible of classic car evaluations.
Hagerty data (April 2019) puts the value of this car in
Concours #1 Condition at $121,000,
Excellent #2 condition at $78,500
Recent auctions of big Healeys in comparable condition have exceeded $150,000, BJ April 2018 Palm Springs, and BAT auction of $86,000 April 2018. Classic cars continue to be great investments, (see Merrill Lynch Summer 2012) and Healeys are sure doing their part!
Below is a non-inclusive list of what was done to the car: All receipt documented
NEW $600 exhaust system
New LEATHER interior
New BACK SEAT SHELF; very intricate piece and this one is proper and as original. Over $1000 COST.
New Carpet
5 new 60 spoke chrome wire wheels that have received the attention of Hendrix Wire Wheels in Greensboro, N.C.
5 new tires
Suspension, brakes etc redone, new brake servo
solid frame and clean underneath; see pictures
New wiring harness
All gauges and turn signals work; trafficator has been rebuilt by Healey trafficator expert in California and works perfectly
Car has been converted to negative ground, modern Pioneer radio installed with mp3 port, CD player and 3000 logo plate fits when radio face plate is removed like for car shows, etc
Cell phone charger installed
New quality CANVAS TOP; far superior to vinyl as you avoid the cracking of vinyl problem
NEW top boot, purchased from AH Spares in England, this one fits, unlike those purchased in USA.
If you are looking for a properly and expertly restored Austin Healey 3000 then this is your car! Tons of documentation comes with the car. This car has been properly sorted and will make the new owner an excellent driver that will be reliable fun for years to come.