1963 Austin-Healey 3000 MK IIA (BJ7)

The Austin-Healey 3000 is the very epitome of the classic British sports car and one of the very few cars that can be said to have attained classic status whilst still in production. Quite an achievement then, but not an altogether unexpected one considering Austin-Healey's heritage coupled with its achievements in motorsport. Growing more civilised with each new model, the second generation Healey, the 3000 Mk II (BN7), was introduced in March 1961 with a higher performance camshaft and initially, a trio of SU HS4 carburettors which turned out to be difficult to balance and were replaced with twin HS6s with the arrival of the BJ7 in January 1962. Known as the MK IIA, the BJ7 differed by having wind-up windows and a wrap-around windscreen and could be identified externally by a vertical barred front grille. A total of just over 6,000 BJ7s were built.

According to its BMIHT Copy Factory Records, the beautiful 3000 on offer here was built as a UK, right-hand drive, home-market example on 19th/20th March 1963, finished in Colorado Red with a black hide interior and a black hood and despatched to the dealership on 2nd April 1963. It was optioned from new with wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, servo brakes, laminated screen, an mph speedo, dip-left lights and Avon Roadspeed tyres. The original UK logbook indicates that it was first UK-registered on 2nd November 1964.

The current indicated mileage is less than 68,500 and it remains a matching chassis, body and engine numbers example. Paperwork with the car confirms that the bodywork and chassis were fully renovated in 1989 and a new hood was fitted along with a re-trim in 1991. Subsequently, £7,632 was spent with a respected gearbox specialist having a whole new overdrive box, clutch and flywheel fitted along with side-pipes and components. Our vendor has fitted sensible upgrades including modern Spax adjustable rear dampers and electronic ignition.