West Coast Classics are proud to present a rare opportunity to enjoy this exceptional and always rust free example of this penultimate year 1966 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 rust and accident free 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ-8 2+2 Convertible 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 restored a few years ago in the gorgeous & ultimate classic 'British Racing Green' color with a black 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 has recently come out of long time storage and although its is currently a good driving car as it is with the engine running well; but it should be noted that it will be needing some attention shortly with regards to the clutch which is starting to slip. 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 car looks extremely impressive and is presented in this highly striking classic color combination of 'British Racing Green' with a Black interior which is also in as exceptional condition with completely original specifications throughout including the original 'Smiths' gauges which are all in correct working order! The matching to the interior and new Black soft top is also in very good shape, both functionally and otherwise and the cars chrome wire 'knock off' wheels are all in great condition also and the spare wire wheel and knock off mallet are in their right places in the trunk!
As stated earlier, importantly the engine is extremely strong and powerful and sounds absolutely magnificent - this is a rare opportunity to own a very striking penultimate year 1966 Austin Healey BJ-8 Mark III roadster with the highly desirable factory options of overdrive and wire wheels and in the ultimate all time classic 'British racing Green' color for the classic British sports car or Austin-Healey collector to add to his collection or indeed for any British sports car enthusiast!
