Lot Ended
Description
Just one owner from import in 2003; 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; driven 30 miles to the sale
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
and has been owned by our vendor ever since. 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,
with the vendor also getting involved as far as he was able.
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 by Richard Mason, 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 three months 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.
The
vendor states 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, the only fault he is aware of being the fuel gauge which
can be a bit temperamental.
Driven some 30
miles to the sale, it has certainly been starting promptly and running well as
we have moved it around on site with good 40psi oil pressure. Only reluctantly
for sale due to an impending house move and consequent loss of storage, it is
ready for a new owner to enjoy over the long hot summer that lies ahead of us –
fingers crossed!
For more information
contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com
* All charges are subject to VAT