Lot 147

Motor City 2016

1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8

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$60,500 USD | Sold

United States | Plymouth, Michigan

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Chassis No.
H-BJ8-L/35323
Engine No.
29K-RU-H/9974
Body No.
80143
  • Classic and sporting British Racing Green over Biscuit
  • Concours restoration that continues to present very nicely
  • British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
  • The ultimate “Big Healey” variant, with overdrive

150 bhp, 2,912 cc OHV inline six-cylinder engine with dual two-inch SU carburetors, four-speed manual transmission with Laycock de Normanville overdrive, independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs, rigid rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, and hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 92 in.

Introduced in late 1963 and built through December 1967, the 3000 Mark III, series BJ8, was the final version of the beloved “Big Healey” and represents the highest refinement of the marque.

With twin two-inch SU carburetors, the well-developed 2,912-cubic centimeter six-cylinder engine of the 3000 Mark III produced 150 horsepower, the most of any model of the Austin-Healey line. Acceleration from 0–60 mph took just 9.8 seconds, and top speed was around 120 mph. Other improvements of the 3000 Mark III included a revised exhaust system, a vacuum brake booster as standard, and, after the initial 1,390 examples, a revised rear suspension to increase ride height for improved ground clearance, as found on this example.

The model name 3000 Mark III and the series designation BJ8 are synonymous, and it is only this model of the entire range of Austin-Healeys that featured a luxurious cockpit combining a dashboard of burled walnut and a center console, as well as the curved windscreen with wing windows and the roll-up side windows introduced shortly before on the series BJ7 model.

This iconic Mark III 3000 was originally delivered to New York as a left-hand drive export model. Completed on 4 March, it was originally finished in traditional British Racing Green with a black interior and matching black top. Factory-fitted equipment included wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, laminated windshield, overdrive, whitewall tires, and a black tonneau cover. The Austin-Healey was dispatched to the United States a week later, on the 11th. The current owner acquired the 3000 in 2008, after it had been comprehensively restored by John Wilson of Healey Lane Austin-Healey Restorations in Marcola, Oregon. Finished in dark British Racing Green, the Healey now sports an elegant and contrasting Biscuit leather interior with a matching tip over Wilton wool carpeting. Finished to concours standards, this excellent example continues to present very nicely throughout and would make for an exciting tour car.

This is clearly the most comfortable, most weather-tight, and most luxurious model among all Austin-Healeys. Comfortable and fast yet classically styled, the 3000 Mark III marked the epitome of the open British sports car and is widely considered an iconic example of the best of the era.