Saleofcar.com :Austin

Austin Healey 3000 (1959)
for sale

Price: US $47,900.00

Description:

Vehicle Specifics: 1959 Austin-Healey 100-6 BN6. Serial number BN6L3300. Healy blue over navy leather. Current mileage is approximately 103k.
Vehicle History: I purchased this vehicle in the spring of 2015. The previous owner purchased the car from Price Automotive in Leeds, Alabama in 1992. At that time, he shipped the vehicle to Cincinnati, Ohio and had the vehicle cosmetically restored by Quality Automotive. In addition to the restoration, the engine was rebuilt at that time. Upon my purchase of the vehicle I had it serviced, a number of minor items attended to, and thoroughly detailed. The car is now ready for use with no immediate needs.
Cosmetics: Overall, the vehicle cosmetics are very nice. This is primarily due to the very high quality of the restoration performed in the early ‘90s and the subsequent care and careful use the vehicle has received over the past 23 years. The paint is exceptionally nice. I can find no evidence of overspray, orange-peel, or poor prep work, anywhere. There are a few chips and nicks due to use but that’s about it. The body itself is in very good condition. I have spoken to the restorer who indicated the vehicle was a very dry, solid car to begin with. The underside of the vehicle is very clean. Much of the Healey blue paint is still visible on the frame and the black paint on the floors is still in good shape. There is the typical surface corrosion you’d expect on a 20+ year restoration but that’s about it.
The interior is very good condition. The carpets and leather were replaced during the course of the restoration. As were the door cards. The leather was done in the correct pattern with the white piping. The dash was also recovered at this time. The convertible top and side windows are in excellent condition. All of the weather stripping, door seals, trunk gasket, and windshield seal are in very good condition.
The vehicle chrome is in good shape. The tops of the headlight trim rings show a slight amount of fading to the chrome. The trunk handle and base of the wiper arms show some pitting. Otherwise, the chrome is quite nice.
The engine compartment was thoroughly restored in conjunction during the restoration. The engine, radiator, and fan shroud were painted at this time.
Mechanical Condition: Mechanically, the car is in very good condition. All systems function as they should. All gauges are functional as well as interior and exterior lighting. The blower is operational and the push/pull levers for allowing heat and “cool” exterior air into the footwells function smoothly. The overdrive engages instantly with the flip of the switch. The traficator activates the turn signals left and right but it does not cancel when the wheel returns to center. This must be done manually. Fluid leaks are at a minimum. The car does not leak brake fluid, fuel, or coolant. There is some seepage from the engine and transmission. However, I would categorize these leaks as minor, even when taken in the context of a 56 year old British car.
Driving Impressions: The car drives remarkably well. It is one of the most solid Healeys I’ve ever driven. Even when going over rough pavement there are no clunks or rattles from the suspension, interior, doors, etc. The brakes are adequate in that they are about as functional as unassisted brakes can be. You can get them to lock up if needed. In the front, the rotors are smooth (not rusted or warped) and the calipers are free. In the rear, the drums are in good shape, the shoes are not worn, and the wheel cylinders are not leaky. The car starts up easily when cold or hot. Turn the key and allow the pump to prime. On a cold start, pull the choke and turn to lock into place. The engine fires quickly and immediately settles into a smooth idle. When accelerating from a stop, the car does not sputter or cough at all, even when cold. Power is progressive and there are no flat or rough spots on acceleration. The exhaust (though a little banged up from contact with some curbs) sounds great and does not have any leaks. The car has a great throaty roar with good intake suction noise. When letting off the throttle there are some nice little burbles and pops from the exhaust pipes. There is some play in the steering. This is not necessarily due to any excessive wear in the gearbox or front end but more just par for the course. There is a slight amount of wear evident in the king pins but not nearly enough to warrant addressing at this time. Overall, this is a great car to drive around town or even on a tour as all of its systems function so nicely.
A note about eBay sales: Please make sure all questions are answered to your satisfaction prior to making an offer. If your offer is accepted your are expected to complete the transaction quickly. Your accepted offer is a commitment to purchase the vehicle not the right to an inspection. Get prior spousal approval, line up funds, etc. before making an offer. Thank you.

_{update: 2015-07-21}