Lot Ended
Description
RESERVE LOWERED
Fully restored in 2005 and only 21k miles
since; lots of bills; overdrive; recent service; a good usable car in the
classic Big Healey colour scheme
Introduced in
1959, the Austin-Healey 3000 replaced the broadly similar 100-6, getting a
larger engine and a useful boost in horsepower.
Blessed with a simple yet extremely robust chassis, compliant
suspension and an ever-willing 2.9 six-cylinder engine that could be tuned from
mild to wild, the ‘Big Healey’ was born to race and rally, winning a huge
variety of events in period and continuing to be a firm favourite on the
Historic Motorsport scene today.
The 3000 MkII
Sports Convertible (BJ7) came out in August 1962 and differed from the MkI by
virtue of a new wrap-around windscreen, wind-up side windows, swiveling quarter
lights and a quick-action folding roof. Twin SU carburettors replaced the
troublesome triple SUs and, with 136bhp on tap, it could sprint to 60mph in
under 11 seconds with a top speed 115mph.
Only 11,564 Mark IIs were made: 355 BN7 open two-seaters, 5,096 BT7
2+2s, and 6,113 BJ7 2+2 sports convertibles, 90% of them destined for the
American market. This is one of the many that have subsequently come
back.
As the Heritage Certificate
confirms, this MkII BJ7 was built in October 1962 and was originally Ivory White
with a black interior. Equipment included wire wheels; overdrive; heater;
adjustable steering column; laminated windscreen and a tonneau
cover.
Imported from Kentucky in
November 2003 with all duties paid, it was UK-registered with the number 787
UXD. Between 2004 and 2006 the car was treated to an extensive restoration, as
detailed by many invoices on file, much of the work being done by Healey racer
Richard Mason of Top Garage in Bromyard.
This
included: conversion to RHD; bodywork repairs as required (including new inner
and outer sills; floor sections; inner wing panels etc); new wiring loom;
brakes, steering and suspension fully rebuilt with many new parts; carbs
rebuilt; new fuel pump; full interior retrim with blue leather seat covers, new
seat foams and new carpets; new set of four MWS wire wheels plus much else
besides.
The engine was overhauled although it
didn’t need much other than a top-end rebuild. The gearbox, overdrive unit and
the back axle were also overhauled as required and the car was repainted in
classic Healey Ice Blue and white.
Since the
restoration was completed the car has been in light regular use, clocking up
some 21k miles over the last 18 years including a couple of continental tours in
company with other Healey owners. It has continued to be looked after by Top
Garage, including a full service about a year ago, although there are no
invoices for this upkeep.
As you can see in
the photos, it is in generally good order throughout with a nicely mellowed
interior. The rear seats were removed to accommodate the Luke racing harnesses
(the car has never actually been raced) but they are included with the car and
could be reinstated if inertia reel seat belts were fitted. A quality canvas
tonneau cover is also present and in excellent condition.
We are
told that it has always been a good starter even after long periods of
inactivity (a battery cut-off switch is fitted in the boot) and has always
proved very reliable, although we are advised that the fuel gauge can
be a bit temperamental. It has been starting
promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site with good 40psi oil
pressure.
For more information
contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com