1966 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 MkIII
HIGHLIGHTS
One-owner car ordered new in 1965
Delivered new to San Diego, CA 1966
Beautiful recent refurbishment and ongoing care
2021 mechanical refresh of all fluids, brakes, carburetors, and other details
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - HBJ835966
Engine – 2.9L, Six Cylinder
Gearbox – 4 Speed Manual With Overdrive
Drivetrain - Front engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - SOLD
OVERVIEW
With its stylish design and nimble performance, the Austin Healey 3000 reached the pinnacle of development with the Mark III. Having won the hearts of UK and US buyers, the enjoyable performance and stylish looks were now fortified with 148hp and 173 lb-ft. torque. Coupled to the four-speed manual gearbox and outfitted with optional overdrive, the 3000 Mk III had spirited cornering and comfortable cruising capabilities on long open highways. The durable six-cylinder engine featured twin SU carburetors and higher lift camshaft which made all the difference in performance given the lightweight alloy center section and steel fender construction. Power assisted brakes were also added as well as prominent instrumentation in the new dashboard design.
Today enthusiasts continue to seek enjoyable driver-level examples of these cars for their engaging road manners and ease of use. And while many of these later series cars have been the subject of detailed restorations for concours events, it is all the more refreshing to find a proper original-owner British Racing Green example that has been genuinely enjoyed and driven with just the right amount of care and appreciation, without the pretense, fussiness, or need for perfection.
This particular example was ordered new by a Vietnam Weapons Officer on a US 7th Fleet destroyer, USS Bausell, who had just earned combat pay operating in the South China Sea. Granted an R/R with a visit to Hong Kong, the owner and three fellow officers decided to make their purchases that day. Two officers each chose Morgans, one a Land Rover, and, appreciative of the roll-up windows and six-cylinder engine in the Healey, our adventurous officer stepped up to order this 3000 MK III.
After nine months of waiting, the car arrived in San Diego, California in September 1966 where it was prepared and serviced by the local dealership and delivered to the first and only owner this car has ever known. The owner used the car throughout the next two years before driving up to Seattle in 1968 where he would get married and soon change jobs, moving to Kansas in 1970 and then again to Ohio, each time bring the Healey along. By 1978 the growing family had moved back to California, but European assignments caused the car to be stored for some years indoors in Danville, California. In 1986 the family relocated to the Seattle, WA area, engaging a retired Boeing engineer to refurbish the car. During the recommission from storage, the engine was fully inspected, all fluids changed, suspension components replaced as needed, new electrical components replaced, the exterior repainted, portions of the interior redone, engine components and engine bay overhauled and refinished, engine cosmetics improved, and other details enhanced as needed.
In preparation for sale, a new battery, fuel pump, and new choke cables were installed, both SU carburetors were rebuilt, and all fluids replaced. The brakes were properly overhauled including a new master cylinder, new front rotors, calipers, pads, hoses, and misc. hardware, with the rears inspected and shown to be in good condition after a more recent overhaul. Additionally, the wood dash was removed, and all new wood was installed along with additional attention to the instruments and glove box. New wheels, knockoffs, and a new set of Michelin XZX tires have also been installed. While the owner had been meticulous about his care and storage of the car, like so many items involved in multiple family moves, decades of service records were unfortunately lost or misplaced and remain unavailable at this time.
Viewing this car today, one can immediately appreciate the value of a one-owner car revealed in the history and authenticity of use and careful preservation. Beautifully honest with finishes that still impress, both cosmetically and mechanically, the paint still retains a beautiful gloss and deep luster, showing very fine fitting and detailing to the trim and accessories. The body integrity and closures are quite good for the doors, trunk, and bonnet. All trim, script, and fender piping have been restored with care. The new wire wheels are shod with new Michelin XZX tires, creating a composed, sporting stance for this low-slung Mark III.
The interior is in very good condition blending correct replacement materials and trim, managing the balance of original features with restored items. The newly finished lacquered wood dashboard, beautifully finished instruments and switches are properly detailed with clarity on the faces and glass. The speedometer reveals 92,017 miles, which is believed original, having been verified by the single and current owner. The integrity of the workmanship throughout the car is consistent and satisfying, once again, steering away from concours perfection, favoring the joy of genuine and passionate single-person ownership. The trunk area has been detailed and properly finished with correct materials including a proper silver painted spare wire wheel, factory tools, leather tiedown strap, and a newly installed battery.
The engine compartment is authentic in appearance and detail with all components, hardware, hoses, and lines cosmetically prepared to a pleasant level of detail. The engine compartment and surrounding accessories are reflective of factory finishes, including the original Coventry Radiator emblem and number. And while some contemporary concessions have been made for various hardware and a few electronic details, the engine compartment retains a very rewarding combination of original finishes and authenticity. The undercarriage is reflective of the enjoyable driving that has transpired over the half century of single ownership. The frame is solid and correct allowing the honesty of the original finishes and integrity of the structure to speak to the purpose and sporting nature of these cars, driven to be enjoyed and not restricted from the rigors of sporting adventure.
In addition to the beautiful cosmetic condition, this Mark III roadster runs and drives very well. The car accelerates to freeway speeds with no shudder or hesitation under load. At highway speeds, the car tracks well, brakes predictably, and moves confidently through modern traffic. The genuine joy of the Austin Healey experience, however, comes on a quiet mountain road, revealing the wonderfully responsive manner, ease of steering, and delightful handling these cars offered when first capturing the eye of the young American Weapons Officer compelled to purchase this car in 1965 and continue to protect and serve it for more than half a century.
Many restorations can bring the quality of a fine classic car back to life. But it’s all the more compelling to see a car that embodies the glory of its previous single ownership, ongoing care and preservation, and the promise of future enjoyment for its next owner. Austin Healey 3000 Mk IIIs are sought after for their elegant sporting nature and delightful driving experience. But this particular car will always tell a story of commitment and preservation, revealed in a wonderful car ready for the next fortunate enthusiast to drive, show, and enjoy for another half century.
Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1966 Austin Healey 3000 Mk III.
