Documented Frame Off Restored 3000 MK III BJ-8 Convertible 2 + 2 Leather 5 Speed

SUMMARY

The early '60s could quite possibly be considered the dawn of performance roadsters. Of course, hardcore racers had always whipped fire-breathing drop-tops around various tracks. But the majority of America's '50s convertibles were big, luxurious, cushy and way too civilized to take serious turns. That's why spry cars like this freshly restored Austin-Healy 3000 Mk III gradually redefined how the domestic market interpreted open-air motoring. Small, tossable and extremely fun right out of the box, this virtually spotless classic was professionally rebuilt in preparation for the 2014 Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d'Elegance. 1 of only 17,712 Mark IIIs produced, the car is innately exclusive. And, if you're looking for a fully sorted, fully pedigreed Austin that's also a blast to drive, it's the 'big Healey' of your dreams!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Roughly 2 years out of a detailed restoration, this impressive Mk III was completely rebuilt by Harrisburg, North Carolina's Carolina Sports Imports and Charlotte, North Carolina's Mike's Auto Body Repair. Finished in a fresh coat of PPG 2-stage, the car reflects smooth Toyota Sand Stone Beige that's extremely similar to its original Golden Beige Metallic single-stage. At the front of that pigment, a mirrored bumper hangs new overriders beneath chrome-trimmed headlights, bullet-style parking lamps and a textured grille that's topped by an ornate header emblem. Above that grille, a subtle hood scoop leads the eye to chrome-trimmed glass that's reflected in small mirrors and capped by clean cloth. At the sides of that scoop, classy fender toppers perfectly complement chrome door handles, polished profile inserts and sculpted style lines. At the back of those toppers, correct "Austin-Healey 3000" badging rides between chrome trunk trim, simple tail lamps, a small gas cap and a second bumper that props two reflectors outside two more overriders. And it all adds up to one lust worthy 3000 that puts most European metal to shame!

ENGINE

Mechanically, this Austin exemplifies top-notch detailing through a rare twin-carb engine that appears to have been completely rebuilt. Tilt the lightweight hood and you'll find 2.9 liters of 29A 6-cylinder that looks good and runs great! Based on British Motor Corporation's stalwart C-Series, Austin's inline mill isn't a grossly overpowered piece. But it's certainly proven its ability to jet this compact roadster out of many tight curves, and cruise comfortably in just about any situation its owners' demanded. At the top of the light green block, compact Coopers air cleaners sling air in to two familiar SU carburetors. At the base of those carbs, a stamped, factory-correct valve cover caps factory intake and exhaust manifolds. At the base of that cover, an old school points distributor sequences spark through fresh plug wires. Cooling is provided by a correct Coventry radiator. And the car's tight engine bay is dotted with many show-ready essentials, including a color-keyed generator, a requisite red finger guard and an old school Tudor washer reservoir.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Restored to be cool to look at and fun to drive, this micro roadster is founded on a nice mix of upgraded and factory-correct components. For starters, a fresh 5-speed utilizes a tough hydraulic clutch to compliment Austin's built-in canyon prowess with great highway manners that aren't afforded by original 4-speeds. Stops come courtesy of manual front disc and rear drum brakes. The car's chassis, which rides on a familiar set of coil and leaf springs, has been restored in a subdued mix of beige and black pigment. A factory manifold, replacement pipes and traditional mufflers handle exhaust duties. At the corners of the floor, correct wire wheels spin 185HR15 Vredestein Sprint Classics around fresh knock-offs. And, as far as appearance goes, the bottom of this 'big Healey' is exactly what you'd expect from a lightly used classic.

INTERIOR

Like its exterior, the interior of this 3000 was completely rejuvenated during the car's ground-up reboot. Front and center, small bucket seats sport upgraded leather hides. In front of those seats, a correct Walnut-veneer dash centers a retro mirror on factory heat, restored Smiths telemetry and a locking glovebox. Beneath that dash, a flowing console frames a petite shifter in front of an optional ashtray. Below that console, fade-free carpet provides a supple foundation for a polished hand brake and red-trimmed Austin-Healey floor mats. In front of the driver, a classy steering wheel laps a period-correct trafficator. At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels frame bright chrome hardware. And behind the cockpit, a small trunk hauls a fifth wire wheel and full-size tire opposite an Optima gel cell battery.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

Vintage European metal has aged with more grace than most, wearing designs that are still capable of turning heads in their basic factory form. And since they're becoming increasingly scarce, British offerings like this pedigreed Austin get snapped up almost as quickly as they hit the market. If you're an enthusiast who likes to put their hardware on the pavement, few classics deliver this blend of fun and exclusivity. And, being fresh out of a professional restoration, this roadster should fare very well at any gathering you choose to attend!