1967 Austin Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 Sports Convertible

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 Sports Convertible
Sold for $159,500 Including Commission
Monterey, CA. 2014
Chassis no. H-BJ8-L/41305
Engine no. 29K-RU-H/15892
Body no. 86216
150 hp, 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-elliptic leaf springs, and hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 92 in.
•Matching numbers; rare Metallic Golden Beige, as original
•Completely restored by Tom and Randee Rocke, of Healey Lane
•BMIHT Certificate and restoration photo-documentation
The model name 3000 Mark III and the series designation BJ8 are synonymous, and it is only this model in the entire range of Austin-Healeys that featured a luxurious cockpit, composed of a dashboard of burled walnut and a center console, as well as the curved windscreen with wing windows and the roll-up side windows, which were introduced shortly before on the series BJ7 model. It is clearly the most comfortable, most weather-tight, and most luxurious model among all Austin-Healeys.
The comfortable and fast, yet classically styled, Mark III, marked the epitome of the open British sports car, and it is widely considered an iconic example of the best of the era.
The example offered here, freshly restored by marque specialists Tom and Randee Rocke, of Healey Lane in Riverside, California, is simply exceptional. The car’s Metallic Golden Beige color, applied to just 553 examples of the BJ8 and all on late-production cars, highlights the muscular curves of the Big Healey as no other color can. The paint, applied with a two-stage DuPont Chroma base in two separate applications, features exceptional depth and luster, and it must be seen to be admired.
This car features new English Leather Bone upholstery, direct from Mathews and Son, of London, England, with matching English wool carpeting. The interior completes this car’s unique and striking color combination and imparts a high level of elegance that nicely complements the Big Healey’s classic design.
Mechanically, the engine, gearbox, and overdrive have all been completely rebuilt to correct specifications. New components include the fuel tank and lines; brakes, brake lines, and cables; a cloth-covered wiring harness, as original; electrical components; front suspension and springs; rear leaf springs; and a steel exhaust system. Along with these components, new door mechanisms and handles; an elegant matching wood steering wheel; rebuilt original instruments; a walnut burl dashboard; chrome 60-spoke wire wheels with 185x70x15-inch tires; a new convertible top with a parade boot; a new windshield and side windows; and all-new weather stripping complete the highly detailed and comprehensive restoration.
As this outstanding Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III has been expertly restored and is accompanied by photographic documentation of the work performed and a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, which verifies its original specification, its offering marks a tremendous opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of these British sports car icons.
Robert Myrick Photography