1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8 - LOT 147

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8 - LOT 147
Here we have a 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8 imported from America in 1989 and only two owners since; restored about 10 years ago and subject to a process of gradual improvements and upgrades since; matching numbers.
As the Heritage Certificate confirms, this Healey 3000 MkIII was built between 26th May and 5th June 1964 finished in classic Healey Blue with a blue interior and a blue hood and tonneau cover. Equipment included wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen and overdrive gearbox. It was despatched to Hambro Trading Inc of North America on 17th June 1964.
Nothing is known of the car’s early history but a friend of our vendor shipped it back to the UK from Alabama in the summer of 1989 along with a Jaguar XK140 and a Jaguar E-Type, all three cars being in need of restoration.
An invoice dated February 1991 shows that the engine (which is original to the car) was rebuilt by Piston Services of Dudley, including a re-bore, reground crank, new pistons, bearings etc. Old MOTs show that the car was then in light use up until around 2000 when it was put into storage.
Our vendor acquired the car in 2011 and promptly set about a thorough restoration to bring it up to the standard he required, the bulk of the work being done over a three-year period. This included restoration of the bodywork with new inner and outer sills, floor sections, outriggers etc, followed by a repaint in the original Healey Blue. The brightwork was re-chromed by Castle Chrome Plating of Dudley. Brakes, steering and suspension were all overhauled as required.
Since then the car has been used and enjoyed and gradually improved over the years as time and funds allowed. The suspension was uprated in 2017 using parts supplied by Dennis Welch Motorsport including uprated dampers and polybushes. New wire wheels were also supplied by MWS in the same year.
The underside has been treated and undersealed by Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury along with some other works totalling just shy of £7,000.
Although tax and MOT exempt, MOTs have been carried out each year since our vendor’s ownership, showing steady mileage increase of around 500 miles per annum, any failures or advisories have been taken care of before a clean re-test. This year was no exception, the car passing advisory free on 9th May and it has covered around 120 miles since, the odometer now showing 93,420 miles.
Our vendor has also purchased a new hood, hood bag and tonneau cover, however was not confident in fitting the hood to the frame perfectly so some minor adjustments will need to be made to get it fitting snugly.
Sitting pretty in our classic car barn, it is easy to see the amount of work that has gone into this 'matching numbers' car. Now in good usable condition throughout, it looks most attractive but not so shiny that you would be scared to use it.
Any questions please contact Quinn at [e-mail]
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