Austin Healey 3000 (1966)
for sale
Price: US $15,000.00
Price: US $15,000.00
1966 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III -
BJ8
109K miles – 26K since engine rebuild
@ 83K 20 years ago
This is a mechanically sound, numbers
matching, drivable BJ8 that will provide an easy platform for a full or partial
restoration, or will be a very presentable driver immediately. Looks good from 10 feet but closer inspection
reveals flaws, mainly in paint finish with no obvious rot or rust. Garage kept for the last 20 years. I have, taken this car on 300 mile trips. I want
to be very clear as to the condition of this vehicle because I bought this car
on faith, 20 years ago and have never regretted the purchase. I invite anyone interested in this vehicle to
contact me for additional information.
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust
Certificate Number 96/2456 (Provided).
An unfortunate incident caused by the
uninformed new owner (me) in 1997 was the result of the application of an extra
oil filter O ring and the expulsion of all oil, resulting in spun main and rod
bearings and the necessity for an engine rebuild. In addition to replacing the bearings, the
motor was mostly rebuilt, with new valves, rings, cam bearings and assorted
motor and mounting bits.
The car has
been repainted a non-original red over dove gray coves. This is a very
appealing color for the car and appears to be modeled from the early Corvette, with the shade of red a bit more orange than the original. It is not an original Healey paint scheme. The original color was Healey blue. Black paint has been applied under the hood
and trunk; undercoating has been applied on some areas under the car. The paint job has suffered from exposure in
the past and has slight chips, bubbles and scrapes. I will try to capture these with the photos.
The frame
and chassis appear to be rust free.
Upholstery
(original Ambla Blue) is worn in places (mainly driver’s seat and door side
panels) and could require some replacement or repair, but generally in good
condition. There are a couple of places
where there is some fabric tape. There
is a small tear on the dash pad that has been patched with a piece of black
duct tape
The original
dash has been replaced with a varnished hardwood dash that is more like stained
oak or walnut than the original burled wood, but very presentable.
There is
evidence of body damage on the passenger side front. It has been repaired with evidence of body
filler on the upper fender and the front bumper is a replacement. The
passenger side area where the shroud and the grill meet is slightly
deformed. If you want to fully restore
the vehicle, this should be attended to. There is also evidence of some previous
rusting (slight) on the right rear quarter lower quarter panel that has been
repaired with body filler. There is no rust- through.
The tires
are Michelin ZX 175R15 (no longer available), however they are 15+ years
old. They look very good, with very
little evidence of rot, have weathered well as they have been kept indoors for
their entire life and have served well for around town driving, but should be considered for replacement if
you are going to drive very hard or long. (spare tire is an old tire of undetermined
origin which holds air and is mounted on a 60 spoke Dunlop chrome wire wheel)
1st
gear is noisy.
The pull
switch for the heater blower does not work, an inconspicuous toggle switch had
been installed under the dash to run the fan.
The
windshield wipers work fine – the windshield washer has all of the parts intact
but does not seem to be able to spray. There is some haze in the windshield
laminate, but it is entirely serviceable.
All
electrics are good (original Lucas glass fuses in fuse panel) and all gauges work
well including the gauge lights. All
wiring is original and intact. I have
added a non-original voltmeter which you can easily remove if desired.
Electric thermostatically
controlled radiator fan installed (easily removed if you want) - for use in summer
parades and stop and go traffic.
72 spoke
Dayton Stainless Steel Wire Wheels
Koni Shock
Conversion all around
Rear seats
and fold down shelf in good condition.
Carpeting
replaced in 1997.
Tonneau
cover and back seat convertible top cover (black, replaced in 1997) in
excellent condition.
Convertible
top (Blue, replaced in 1997) in excellent shape with back window clear, and
fully functional top frame system.
Exhaust
system replaced with Stainless Steel in 1997.
Fully
functional overdrive.
Lecarra steering
wheel – this is a period correct sport wheel that has a 2 inch less diameter that
makes it much easier to get in and out of the car. The original wheel is provided, but will need
some work if you choose to reinstall it. Factory installed adjustable steering wheel.
Working (sort of) authentic British Motor Corporation AM Radio (won’t pick
up much more than static). Retractable
fender-mount antenna.
Both Keys
provided. Ignition, Glove Box, Doors, and Trunk locks fully functional.
Recently rebuilt
clutch master and slave cylinders, brake master cylinder.
New Lucas
Fuel Pump. Back-up inline electric fuel
pump mounted at carbs.
Spare
starter and other miscellaneous bits, service manuals and associated literature
included with car.
update: 2018-04-02
Used |
“109K miles – 26K since engine rebuild @ 83K 20 years agoThis is a mechanically sound, numbers matching, driveable BJ8 that will provide an easy platform for a full or partial restoration, or will be a very presentable driver immediately.” |
Year: | 1966 | Mileage: | 109,000 |
Number of Cylinders: | 6 | Make: | Austin Healey |
Transmission: | Manual | Model: | 3000 |
Body Type: | Convertible | Engine: | 6 Cylinder |
Warranty: | Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty | Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Exterior Color: | Red | For Sale By: | Private Seller |
Interior Color: | Blue | Drive Side: | Left-hand drive |