Mark III - Great Driver or Solid Restoration Platform

1966 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III - BJ8

109K miles – 26K since engine rebuild @ 83K 20 years ago

This is a mechanically sound, numbers matching, drivable BJ8 that will provide an easy platform for a full or partial restoration, or will be a very presentable driver immediately. Looks good from 10 feet but closer inspection reveals flaws, mainly in paint finish with no obvious rot or rust. Garage kept for the last 20 years. I have, taken this car on 300 mile trips. I want to be very clear as to the condition of this vehicle because I bought this car on faith, 20 years ago and have never regretted the purchase. I invite anyone interested in this vehicle to contact me for additional information.

British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate Number 96/2456 (Provided).

An unfortunate incident caused by the uninformed new owner (me) in 1997 was the result of the application of an extra oil filter O ring and the expulsion of all oil, resulting in spun main and rod bearings and the necessity for an engine rebuild. In addition to replacing the bearings, the motor was mostly rebuilt, with new valves, rings, cam bearings and assorted motor and mounting bits.

The car has been repainted a non-original red over dove gray coves. This is a very appealing color for the car and appears to be modeled from the early Corvette, with the shade of red a bit more orange than the original. It is not an original Healey paint scheme. The original color was Healey blue. Black paint has been applied under the hood and trunk; undercoating has been applied on some areas under the car. The paint job has suffered from exposure in the past and has slight chips, bubbles and scrapes. I will try to capture these with the photos.

The frame and chassis appear to be rust free.

Upholstery (original Ambla Blue) is worn in places (mainly driver’s seat and door side panels) and could require some replacement or repair, but generally in good condition. There are a couple of places where there is some fabric tape. There is a small tear on the dash pad that has been patched with a piece of black duct tape

The original dash has been replaced with a varnished hardwood dash that is more like stained oak or walnut than the original burled wood, but very presentable.

There is evidence of body damage on the passenger side front. It has been repaired with evidence of body filler on the upper fender and the front bumper is a replacement. The passenger side area where the shroud and the grill meet is slightly deformed. If you want to fully restore the vehicle, this should be attended to. There is also evidence of some previous rusting (slight) on the right rear quarter lower quarter panel that has been repaired with body filler. There is no rust- through.

The tires are Michelin ZX 175R15 (no longer available), however they are 15+ years old. They look very good, with very little evidence of rot, have weathered well as they have been kept indoors for their entire life and have served well for around town driving, but should be considered for replacement if you are going to drive very hard or long. (spare tire is an old tire of undetermined origin which holds air and is mounted on a 60 spoke Dunlop chrome wire wheel)

1st gear is noisy.

The pull switch for the heater blower does not work, an inconspicuous toggle switch had been installed under the dash to run the fan.

The windshield wipers work fine – the windshield washer has all of the parts intact but does not seem to be able to spray. There is some haze in the windshield laminate, but it is entirely serviceable.

All electrics are good (original Lucas glass fuses in fuse panel) and all gauges work well including the gauge lights. All wiring is original and intact. I have added a non-original voltmeter which you can easily remove if desired.

Electric thermostatically controlled radiator fan installed (easily removed if you want) - for use in summer parades and stop and go traffic.

72 spoke Dayton Stainless Steel Wire Wheels

Koni Shock Conversion all around

Rear seats and fold down shelf in good condition.

Carpeting replaced in 1997.

Tonneau cover and back seat convertible top cover (black, replaced in 1997) in excellent condition.

Convertible top (Blue, replaced in 1997) in excellent shape with back window clear, and fully functional top frame system.

Exhaust system replaced with Stainless Steel in 1997.

Fully functional overdrive.

Lecarra steering wheel – this is a period correct sport wheel that has a 2 inch less diameter that makes it much easier to get in and out of the car. The original wheel is provided, but will need some work if you choose to reinstall it. Factory installed adjustable steering wheel.

Working (sort of) authentic British Motor Corporation AM Radio (won’t pick up much more than static). Retractable fender-mount antenna.

Both Keys provided. Ignition, Glove Box, Doors, and Trunk locks fully functional.

Recently rebuilt clutch master and slave cylinders, brake master cylinder.

New Lucas Fuel Pump. Back-up inline electric fuel pump mounted at carbs.

Spare starter and other miscellaneous bits, service manuals and associated literature included with car.