1965 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 Convertible Georgia Car Project For Restoration

#1. 1970 Cougar Eliminator - "Car was exactly as advertised, maybe even better - THANKS Richard". <p>

#2. 1971 Jaguar XJ6 - "Great car - honest seller".

#3. 1960 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite - "Car was exactly as described, I would buy from him again".

#4. 1966 Austin Healey 3000 - "Awesome - Exactly as described - fully trust this seller." #5. 1974 TVR 2500M - "Great deal, fast shipping. Thank you sir".

#6. 1972 Jaguar XKE - "Perfect car from a perfect seller - thank you my friend".

#7. 1964 1/2 Mustang Convertible - "Car is in unbelievable original condition - very happy".

#8. 1974 Porsche 914 2.0 - "Great people! Have no doubts when buying from this seller. One of the best!"

My Son and I bought this Austin Healey from a retired Air Force Colonel in Atlanta Georgia in 1985.(He was originally stationed at Wright Patterson air base as shown by the sticker on the left front bumper). It has been in our warehouse storage since that time (35 years) and was brought out for selling this past week. An original matching numbers 1965 Austin Healey 3000 Mark 3 Phase 2 convertible that has never been restored. An early production phase 2 car with the small phase 1 front side lights. Very few were produced this way. The Heritage certificate confirms that it is a full matching numbers car. Everything is factory original - nothing ever replaced or restored. Chassis number is HBJ8L/28981. Manufactured October 20-21, 1964 and sent to the USA October 23, 1964. Original color was Colorado red with red Ambla interior and black convertible top. Factory fitted with wire wheels, overdrive transmission, heater, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen, whitewall tyres and black tonneau cover. An affordable low budget big Healey that needs a complete restoration. Perfect for a do it yourselfer. Scroll down for more photos.

ENGINE:

The engine is the correct numbers matching original. Number is 29KRUH4237. This was a running and driving car when we bought it but the engine is now stuck. We have not tried to free it - just do not have the time or energy to do this anymore so it is being sold as it stands. We put transmission oil into the cylinders and put the spark plugs back in so by the time the new owner gets the car this should make the job easier. We removed the valve cover just to inspect that area and the complete valve train is in excellent condition. Clean, unrusted and no sludge. Very nice.

TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH:

The transmission is the original matching numbers 4 speed with the Laycock Overdrive unit. Static shifting works very well. Goes through all 5 gears easily. It probably works. When the ignition is turned on and the overdrive switch is engaged you can hear the solenoid working on the overdrive unit.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT:

Excellent, original and straight as shown. Everything looks to be 1965 factory original and intact. Very good condition.

ELECTRICAL:

All original wiring looks to be intact and in good shape. Some loss of the cotton wrapping but can see no indication of any damage due to critters, cutting, splicing, butchering, etc. Almost all electrical items are working when a battery is installed in the car. (no battery)

BRAKES/SUSPENSION/WHEELS/TIRES:

Brakes look to be all original and intact but will need rebuilding. Suspension is all original and intact. 5 original wire wheels. Tires hold air only and need to be replaced.

SHEET METAL/BODY PANELS:

The sheet metal body panels are all in pretty good condition with the exception of typical lower/bottom panel rust through on all 4 fenders. Bottoms of both doors are very good and solid. Doors open and close freely. Floors are no longer there, needing complete floor panel replacement. Rear seat pans are no good. Drivers seat pan is no good. Passenger seat pan is very good.

INTERIOR/UPHOLSTERY:

Needs a redo. Amazed the original 55 year old upholstery is still there and looks as good as it does. The carpet, what little is left of it, is also original.

DASH AREA:

Nice all original gauges. Original wood dash with original finish. Odometer shows 57654 and is probably correct or close to it. I can't tell if any of the gauges work without the engine running but the gauges do look very nice. The ammeter and fuel gauge responded when we put a battery in the car. Ignition key works, red ignition light comes on, starter engages when key turns to the start position (engages but won't turn the engine over because it's stuck), wipers work, heater fan works, lights work, horns work, turn signals try to work, the turn signal switch is good, radio does not work but is not hooked up. Doubt if it would work anyway. The overdrive probably works. When the ignition is turned on and the overdrive switch is engaged you can hear the solenoid working on the overdrive unit.

BRIGHT WORK:

Chrome is all original. Grille and grille surround are very good. Bumpers are quite nice for being 55 years old. At least they are the originals, which are stronger than the cheap Chinese Reynolds Wrap copies and are rechromable.

PAINT:

What paint? One silver and burgundy two tone paint job done decades ago over the original Colorado red factory paint. They painted the entire car silver, then added the burgundy two tone on top of the silver. The silver area spots you see throughout is the burgundy paint coming off exposing the silver paint underneath.

TRUNK COMPARTMENT:

Original and decent - Some armacord still there. Dented but solid fuel tank. rear bottom is rusted through like the floors. Original on/off battery switch functions well. No battery.

UNDERCARRIAGE/CHASSIS:

Everything looks good from the bottom. Water sat on the floors/carpeting and that is what rusted out the floors and because of that there are some rust holes on the top of the frame as shown in one photo. The front and rear left side outriggers will need replacing. One is bad, one has a small hole. No rust through on the right side outriggers.

EXHAUST:

None. Original exhaust manifolds are there and good but no exhaust system past that.

GLASS:

Original glass is all intact. Windshield is good. drivers glass is good. Passenger glass is good except for some scratches.

TOP/FRAME:

The top frame is good and goes up and down easily. The wood in the front header bar is rotted out and will need replacing. Chrome attaching hooks are good.

FACTORY ID PLATES:

All Vehicle identification ID plates are intact and correct. The vehicle serial number is HBJ8L28981 - correct matching numbers.

PAPERWORK:

Free and clear title in my name. British Motor Heritage certificate confirming a matching numbers car is included.

REVIEW:

A documented matching numbers, titled, early BJ8 project that needs to be restored.

VALUE:

As of this date Hagerty Classic Car values lists the 1965 Austin Healey 3000's at: #1 - $118,000. #2 - $77,500. #3. $47,500. #4. $31,000. Add $1000 for overdrive.

INSPECTION OF CAR:

It is recommended that you personally inspect the car or have a 3rd party inspect it for you. I can accommodate anyone to show them the car. I have sold roughly 30 autos and motorcycles through ebay over the past 20 years with a solid 100 percent buyer satisfaction feedback. I give buyers an honest description, a better product and a better deal than they expect.

SHIPPING:

Having shipped cars to all parts of the world over the years I can assist the buyer with transport or completely arrange it, only if necessary. However the cheapest and most efficient method is for the new owner to call a transport broker in their area and have them put out bids for the job. The car is in a secure place at my home and it can be collected there. I can assist with loading.

PAYMENT & BIDDING:

Contact me prior to bidding if you have less than 5 feedbacks or your bid will be cancelled and you will be barred from any of my auctions. A $1000 non refundable deposit via Paypal is due immediately after the auction closes. No Paypal for the remaining balance and the balance is due within 3 days via wire transfer or express mail with a bank cashiers check or cash. No Paypal for the balance. Payment is to be made in advance of collecting the car. This is an auction and you have plenty of time to inspect the car personally or have a 3rd party inspect it for you - inspections are welcome and encouraged. Winning the auction does not mean that you now have the privilege of coming to inspect the car to see if you like it. (or haggle on the price). When the auction is over, it is your car and payment is due at the close of the auction per these instructions. No Paypal for the balance.

On Oct-03-20 at 15:18:51 PDT, seller added the following information:

UPDATE: Engine is now loose and turns freely with the starter with the solenoid bypassed (needs a new solenoid). Should start right up now.

On Oct-04-20 at 11:34:15 PDT, seller added the following information:

Engine is now free. Rotates nicely with the starter. Rotates evenly - compression seems very good on all cylinders. Cleaning out the cylinders of transmission oil, installing new plugs and points and it should start right up.

On Oct-05-20 at 18:11:01 PDT, seller added the following information:

If you see anyone with 5 or under feedback bidding on my cars, they have already been vetted/screened as good serious bidders and have permission to bid.

On Oct-05-20 at 18:14:11 PDT, seller added the following information:

There are some bids from a gentleman with zero feedbacks - normally a red flag but he has been screened and called and is a bona fide bidder.