1962 Austin-Healey 3000 MkII BJ7

Description

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 six 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.  

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