West Coast Classics are proud to present a rare opportunity to enjoy this exceptionally well restored and wonderful daily driving and obviously always rust free example of this 1965 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 Convertible, the final series (known as Phase III or the BJ8's and built between 1964-7) and the best incarnation of this legendary marque, known by enthusiasts worldwide quite simply as the 'Big Healey's - here is a beautiful and highly striking example of a beautifully restored with no expense spared on an already exemplary rust and accident free example 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ-8 2+2 Convertible with with rare and desirable factory overdrive!!
The Austin Healey 3000 was the final development of the Austin Healey theme with the original layout of the legendary 100-6, one of the most famous and perfect of sports car shapes ever created, basically retained but with an enlarged engine capacity of 2.9L compared to the earlier 2.6L engine, front disc brakes and a plush interior along with creature comforts such as a curved windshield, a proper fully convertible top, wind up windows, a proper fold down hood, push button door handles and even a lockable glove box! The final Mark III was the culmination of the original models combined styling forces but now boasted the most power of all the models plus a walnut wood covered dash and a center console, revised rear suspension and a less vulnerable exhaust system due to the models better ground clearance. These last 'Big Healey's' used modified cast iron engines with an uncomplicated design which was both tuneable and very strong with a top speed of 120 mph and with acceleration to match. Impending U.S. safety and emissions regulations scheduled to take effect after the 1967 year model effectively killed the big Healey in its biggest export market although a few left over's were sold in '68.
This particular example was obviously always garaged and has no signs of body damage or rust and was recently frame off restored in a very striking 'Red & White' color with a matching all new leather interior and apart from its already striking appearance, also boasts a lovely walnut dash and to top it off 4 x 72 spoke Dayton chrome knock off wire wheels with a spare wire wheel and mallet in the trunk!
The car is in great daily driving condition with the engine, clutch, transmission, suspension and braking system all rebuilt and obviously therefore performing like a recently restored car should! The engine is smooth and responsive with the renown Healey rumble identifying the Healey straight six as much as a Ferrari's sound does it's V12! The 4 speed transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears, including the reverse gear and the optional and highly desirable factory overdrive function works as it should which means it works through all the gears and not just as a fifth speed which is great for highway driving!
The car looks extremely impressive and is certainly of 'show quality' presented in this highly striking two-tone color combination of 'Red over White coves' with a matching White interior with Red piping with completely original specifications throughout including the original 'Smiths' gauges which are all in correct working order! The matching to the interior and new White soft top is also obviously in as new shape, both functionally and otherwise and the cars chrome wire 'knock off' wheels are all in as new condition also with no curb rash or marks and the spare wire wheel and knock off mallet are in their right places in the trunk! Recent mechanical work includes newly rebuilt or replaced front suspension, brake booster, front calipers, brake pads, overdrive, radiator, timing, carbs, air filters, etc
As stated earlier, the rebuilt engine is extremely strong and powerful and sounds absolutely magnificent - this is a rare opportunity to own a beautifully restored and perfect daily driving 1965 Austin Healey BJ-8 Mark III roadster with the highly desirable factory options of overdrive and wire wheels - a perfect candidate for the classic British sports car or Austin-Healey collector to add to his collection or simply a perfect daily driver for any British sports car enthusiast!
