1963 AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 MK II BJ7

1963 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 MK II BJ7
Sold for US$ 41,800 Including Commission
Bonhams, Amelia Island, FL. 2015
Chassis no. H-BJ7L/24168
Engine no. 29F-RU-H5054
2,912cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
132bhp at 4,750rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
Front Disc – Rear Drum Brakes
*Charming example of the classic "Big Healey"
*Matching numbers as confirmed by Heritage Certificate
*Highly equipped with desirable options
*Older restoration still holding up quite well
*A great tour car or Sunday driver – with room for four
THE AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000
The "Big Healey" retained the essence of its curvaceous long hood/short deck progenitor, the Austin-Healey 100/4 Roadster of 1953. The enlargement of its C-Series six-cylinder engine to 2,912cc and the adoption of Girling front disc brakes differentiated the new-for-1959 Austin-Healey 3000 from the preceding 100/6. Austin's rugged six now delivered 124bhp at 4,600rpm, which was good enough for a top speed of 114mph with the optional hardtop in place. Otherwise, the 3000 remained much as the 100/6, though the more-powerful disc brakes were a welcome improvement.
Unveiled in March 1961, the MK II version with restyled grille and bonnet intake was the last 3000 available as a two-seater, the 2+2 option having been for years the more popular, while engine improvements in the form of triple SU carburetors and a revised camshaft liberated an extra 8bhp. From November 1961 the 3000 was equipped with a new gearbox, a development which at last moved the gear lever to the center of the transmission tunnel. In January 1962 the twin-carburetor MK II Convertible (or MK IIA) appeared: a 2+2-only model boasting long overdue refinements such as wind-up windows, swiveling quarter-lights and fixed foldaway top. MK II production ceased after 5,095 2+2s and 355 two-seaters had been built through 1963; the succeeding 3000 MK III was introduced that year.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This very attractive example of the 2+2 "Big Healey" BJ7 left the factory in May 1963 destined for the North American market, where it is recorded as having been dispatched in June the same year. Details of the car's early history are not known, though it is indicated as having been a "Personal Export Delivery" on its Heritage Certificate, indicating that it was likely toured in the UK and possibly on the Continent by its original owner prior to coming to the US. The 3000 was well-equipped with factory fitted equipment including wire wheels, a heater, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen, overdrive, a tonneau cover, and the desirable R902T radio.
At a later stage, the 3000 made its way to Japan, where it formed part of a Japanese museum collection. Eventually the 3000 returned to the US, where it was purchased by the consignor several years ago out of Southern California.
Attractively outfitted and well-optioned, the Healey presents quite well as an older restoration in its attractive two-tone dark blue over ivory with a neatly contrasting blue vinyl upholstery over red carpets. Much of the brightwork has been renewed, including the wire wheels, while it appears that the top's rear window was replaced. Offered with its Heritage Certificate, as well as its spare wheel, owner's manual, tonneau cover and top boot, the Healey is described by the vendor as a capable driver with solid and straight panels that still show well after over half a century. A charming example of the classic Healey 3000, this car should provide much more enjoyment to its next keeper.
Robert Myrick Photography