1966 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII

The Austin Healey 3000 Mark III was launched in October 1963, and remained in production until the end of 1967 when production of Austin Healeys ceased. Classified as the BJ8, the new model was the most powerful and luxurious of the "Big Healeys', with a walnut-veneered dash, wind-up windows, and a 150bhp engine. Improvements to the engine included a new camshaft and valve springs, and twin SU 2" HD8 carburettors, together with a new design of exhaust system. Servo-assisted brakes were now fitted as standard.

The Big Healey offered today was manufactured on the 18th of November 1966 and was subsequently exported to the US where it was sold through a dealer in St Louis, Missouri. The accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms its original colour combination was Ivory White with Red leather trim as it sports today, and its options were wire wheels, overdrive and a heater. Subsequently sold by Gullwing Motor Cars of New York in 2006 in a dilapidated state, it was purchased by a Brit and repatriated to the UK where it was then subject to a complete rebuild and converted from left to right-hand drive by The Northern Healey Centre.

This was a comprehensive rebuild during which the car was totally taken apart and reassembled around a brand new chassis. A photographic record was kept of all the work done including its repaint and re-trim in its original colours, and the result is a car that is equally as good underneath as it is on top, with the paintwork being described as excellent throughout as is all the bright work. All mechanical components were also rebuilt or replaced as required, and the whole project was finished after a total of some five years, when it was put back on the road in 2011.

Of particular interest, is the fact that this Healey has been rebuilt with long distance touring in mind. A new hard top has been fitted in contrasting Black and the rear seat option has been deleted in favour of luggage space, and that area has been re-trimmed beautifully. With red carpets, fabulous leather upholstery, and an unmarked dashboard with all the gauges functioning as they should, this really is a superb place to pilot this wonderful 60's motor car come rain or shine. Sold with an excellent history portfolio, this particular big Healey drives as well as it looks and would be a great contender for any long distance touring events thanks to its overdrive gearbox and superb all round performance.