While opinion is often divided between first-of- breed purity and last-of-line refinement, there can be no such argument about the final iteration of the “big” Healey. The Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8, produced from 1964 through 1967, was simply the fastest, most powerful, most accomplished, most refined and best equipped of the illustrious model line. The final blooming to maturity of what started out in 1952 as a rustic and rugged but immensely capable 100 MPH sports car took form in 1959 when the 6-cylinder engine was enlarged to 2912cc to create the more potent 3000 model, which incorporated front disc brakes. The 3000 MkIIA introduced roll-up windows, a curved windshield, opening quarter lights and a proper folding convertible top, a huge improvement on the earlier effort that took two jugglers and a team of scaffolders 10 minutes to erect. Now you could reach back and raise the roof while waiting at a set of stop lights. Additionally, with the MkIII BJ8 2+2 of 1964, you got servo-assisted brakes as standard, a lovely wooden dash, a center console, better appointments and even more power. The 150 HP was a serious upgrade over the MkII’s 132 HP, making the last-of-line MkIII a genuine 120 MPH sports car. The result of a nut-and-bolt, bare-metal, rotisserie restoration completed in 2010, this 1966 Austin- Healey 3000 MkIII Sport Convertible is a wonderful specimen, one marker of the attention to detail being that the new burl walnut dash was sourced from England. The livery, too, of a British Racing Green and biscuit upholstery, top and boot cover is also a quintessentially English combination, only further complemented by the new chrome wheel with stainless spokes and blackwall tires. During the restoration, the engine and 4-speed transmission were both rebuilt, the chrome was replaced or rechromed, the trunk was refinished in original-style Armacord, and many suspension parts and the top bows were powdercoated. Overall, this 3000 is presented authentically and appears factory standard, yet comes with subtle and sensible upgrades, such as hardened valves and valve seats, adapted to modern usage and fuels. With just 200 miles on the clock since restoration, the open road awaits.
