Description
Offered for sale is a stunning 1967 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8 finished in striking Colorado Red over a Black leather and cloth interior. With Healey prices routinely fetching sales prices nearing six figures at auction, they represent a unique segment of the classic car market: highly collectible with good appreciation potential, but still priced somewhat accessibly so that you can actually enjoy driving them. Which is a good thing, because they are much too fun to drive to relegate them to garages or trailers on the way to shows. This car is no exception. An exceptionally beautiful, rust-free, mechanically strong and numbers matching example, it will undoubtedly provide its next owner with countless enjoyable driving experiences in an asset that will only increase in value over time.
The recipient of a cosmetic and mechanical restoration in 2007, the car is an absolute stunner. The finish is in excellent condition, deep, lustrous and marred only by exceedingly minor imperfections, none of which appear in any of the pictures. The body is completely straight without any dings or evidence of accident repair and all of the panel fits and gaps are excellent. The undercarriage is immaculate and the car’s brightwork is in excellent condition, as is the glass and rubber. The knock-off wire wheels are impeccable and are wrapped in tires with plenty of remaining tread. The soft top is in superb condition with clear plastic and a fantastic fit. The car comes with both its original full tonneau cover and a new boot cover. The car’s interior is flawless. At the time of the restoration, the prior owner had a custom cloth and leather interior installed in the correct Healey pattern. The offsetting colors and textures present beautifully and everything is clean without any signs of wear. The walnut dash inlay is perfect, as are the dash pad and the carpets.
Mechanically the car is fantastic. Starting without any hesitation or smoke, idling consistently and pulling with grin-inducing BJ8 force, the car shifts smoothly through each of its gears without any grinding or slipping. Driving and braking straight, the car handles beautifully, which is only enhanced by its low sports car ride height. It’s a joy to drive, a visceral rush whether roaring through the canyons or cruising down the highway, and there isn’t a better car for a weekend jaunt up the coast or an evening cruise to dinner on a warm summer night. That said, while we feel that it’s too nice for daily use, I have complete faith in the car’s mechanical ability to be a daily-driver if that’s the next owner’s desire.
This is a Healey that won’t disappoint. Aesthetically gorgeous, mechanically strong and the final year of the desirable Phase II BJ8.
