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This 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 is the best of everything. After all, final version of the Big Healey in BJ8 form had the best upgrades of the series, and this one has had tens of thousands $$$$$ invested to make sure it showcases it all properly. A classic Austin-Healey is really a thing of beauty. It has a different attitude than the American cruisers, but that does not mean it missed out on the Coke-bottle styling or the chrome. This one is a comprehensively complete car down to all the right badges, excellent brightwork, and the correct wire wheels with knock-off center hubs. But what we really like best is the paint. You can see in the photos that this was given a proper restoration. So the light blue has a deep shine that will remind you of a Caribbean ocean. And the with the darker blue folding roof, this is the kind of timeless upper-class European color combo that you still see on brand new Bentleys. So no matter if you have the top in place, or just the boot cover when the roof is down, it always looks like pure British class. Overall, the reason why this is such a stellar total package is because it has been given all the right investments over the years. In fact, there has been enough spent in maintenance and servicing (including $16K in mechanical restoration) altogether that it could have purchased many lesser European classics. The reason why the BJ8 designation is so desirable is because there were such luxurious appointments only known to this final series. For example, while a nice dark wood fascia seems like a natural occurrence in British roadsters, this is the only version to have walnut veneer trim built into the dash. This provides the perfect framing for the Smiths gauges, and also is a nice complement to the wood-rimmed Lecarra three-spoke steering wheel. Not only is all of this looking fresh, but so are the door panels and carpeting. The BJ8 series also added a center console between the body-hugging leather bucket seats. While the back seats are best reserved for children or luggage, they are no less carefully stitched than the front buckets. The roof can be erected as easily as reaching back with one hand, and for added security, the MkIII cars came with roll-up windows instead of side curtains. Plus, the working heater means you can keep the top down even into the colder months - in the true British grand touring spirit. We mentioned the big investment in the mechanical components earlier, and you can really see the payoff from the moment you open the hood. Rarely do you find an engine bay that is this neat, tidy, and correct. But more than just look like a time capsule, this is desirable because final series Healey have the best motor. The 2.9-liter inline six was upgraded to twin SU carburetors. This yielded a 14% boost in power to push it to 150 HP - the most powerful Austin-Healey ever. The throaty baritone from this heightened motor is exactly why everyone wants a Big Healey. You can keep this sound going for as long as you want because the four-speed manual gearbox gives you complete control. But the best part is the last of the Austin-Healeys were also built for the long trips as well, so this is an overdrive transmission. Add in front disc brakes and exceptional nimble handling, and this make this a great back road companion. The sale comes complete with maintenance records, owner's manual, restoration photos, and service manuals. The mileage is believed to be actual from purchase documents. There have been great lengths to ensure that a true enthusiast can enjoy this Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8. So if you know how to take the long way home in style, call today!
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