Restored 3000 Mk III BJ8 Roadster 2.9L 6cyl 4spd

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 cars like this spry 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 fully sorted roadster is a virtually spotless classic that was professionally rebuilt by premier marque specialist Von Patterson. 1 of only 17,712 Mark IIIs produced, the car is innately exclusive. And, if you're looking for a first-class Austin that's also a blast to drive, it's the 'big Healey' of your dreams!

APPEARANCE

Purchased by its current steward way back in 1976, this awesome Mk III is the beneficiary of a professional, ground-up restoration that was conducted by award-winning Healey expert Von Patterson. That 2-year rebuild, initiated just as the car accumulated a solid 40K miles, was applied to a solid, rust-free canvas that had never been mothballed or taken off the road. And today, stored in a climate-controlled garage since the completion of its acute rehab, this Austin looks appropriately dignified under a correct coat of Colorado Red 2-stage.

At the front of this roadster's tidy body, a mirrored bumper hangs polished 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 capped in clean black canvas. At the sides of that scoop, classy fender toppers perfectly complement chrome door handles, polished profile inserts and elegant, fender-mount mirrors. At the back of those toppers, a chrome-trimmed trunk centers a locking handle between a power antenna, a polished fuel cap and correct “Austin-Healey 3000” badging. And beneath that trunk, a second mirrored bumper centers two more polished overriders between simple tail lamps.

POWER

Mechanically, this Austin exemplifies top-notch detailing through a rare twin-carb engine that was completely rebuilt at the time of the car's ground-up restoration. Lift 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, vintage Coopers air cleaners sling wind in to two correct 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 between a Lucas coil and pliable plug wires. And the car's tight engine bay is dotted with many show-ready essentials, including a color-keyed generator a beefy Hovis radiator, and a requisite red finger guard.

RIDE & HANDLING

Designed to be basic and simple, this micro roadster utilizes a slew of factory-correct parts to create an exceptionally fun driving experience. Behind the engine, a rugged 4-speed serves up an awesome mix of curve-carving prowess and calm highway manners. Stops come courtesy of a combination of disc and drum brakes. The car's chassis, incorporating a slightly raised suspension, has been restored in a polar mix of red and black pigment. Exhaust duties are handled by replacement pipes and a traditional muffler. At the corners of the floor, correct wire wheels spin 165R15 Firestone F-560s around polished knock-offs. And, as far as appearance goes, the bottom of this 'big Healey' is exactly what you'd expect from a gently enjoyed restoration.

COMFORT

Like its exterior, the interior of this 3000 was completely rejuvenated during the car's ground-up restoration. Front and center, small bucket seats sport silver-piped Ambla. 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 centers a petite shifter behind a ProAudio CD player, which thumps through big Aria kick speakers. Clean carpet, protected by Healey-themed floor mats, provides a supple foundation for a polished hand brake. In front of the driver, a classy Moto-Lita steering wheel spins 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 spare opposite a modern battery.

VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Restoration receipts
* A Driver's Handbook
* A fire extinguisher
* Miscellaneous tools

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 choice 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, as the product of expert restoration, this roadster should fare very well at any gathering you choose to attend!

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SUMMARY

* Ground-up restoration conducted by premier marque specialist Von Patterson
* In the care of its current owner for the past 42 years
* Correct 2.9 liter British Motor Corporation 29A 6-cylinder / Correct twin SU carburetion
* Correct 4-speed manual transmission
* Correct Colorado Red paint / Correct wire wheels
* Black Ambla interior / Modern audio
* Slightly raised suspension
* Power front disc and rear drum brakes
* 1 of only 17,712 3000 Mk IIIs produced