Vehicle Description
Chassis No. HBJ8L/33993
Engine No. 29K/RU/H8747
As the final iteration of the "Big Healey" 3000 MK III rolled onto
the scene, the legendary British sports car manufacturer
successfully retained the DNA of its classic curvaceous long
hood/short deck sports roadster, while tweaking the cockpit to
accommodate 2+2 seating and adding amenities directed towards the
booming North American market. Designed as a sports car and indeed
quite successful in rallying and racing, the 3000 MK III featured
roll-up side windows and an easily operable soft top, and was
equipped with the potent 2,912 cc 150 horsepower twin-carb
six-cylinder engine. Mated to a four-speed manual overdrive
transmission, and mounted with disc brakes in front, the 3000 MK
III provided performance worthy of its sporting heritage.
Completed at the Abingdon-based Healey Works during the latter part
of 1965, this 3000 MK III BJ8 was configured as a left-hand drive
car destined for the North American market. The car benefits from a
comprehensive restoration carried out about a decade ago by
well-known California-based Austin-Healey restorer Kurt Tanner.
According to Tanner, the Healey was a two-owner California car at
the time, and a great candidate for restoration. The restoration
was a full "nut-and-bolt" project, including a stripdown of the
bodywork to bare metal where repairs were made as needed. The
svelte Roadster bodywork was refinished as it appears today in
Metallic Golden Beige, a custom mix and a very fitting color by
Tanner.
The car was fitted with new chrome and body rubber, while the
interior trim was renewed in black. The car's interior was finished
off by a correct, black, crush-grain vinyl convertible top and
matching top boot. A mechanical reconditioning was carried out as
well, in addition to the fitment of a stainless-steel exhaust
system and five stainless steel, 60-spoke wire wheels. Acquired by
the late Mr. John Hartford, a renowned Jacksonville-based collector
of performance cars, shortly after the restoration was completed,
the stunning Austin-Healey has since been used sparingly while kept
in Mr. Hartford's climate-controlled collection. Today, the BJ8
remains in beautiful condition, perfectly emphasizing the classic
Healey look and feel for which these great cars are known. A photo
album chronicling the restoration along with the Heritage
Trust-issued certificate and a driver's handbook accompanies the
sale of the car.
