2023-08-06 12:00:59 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1964-austin-healey-3000-mk3-bj8-gLdyDg

Seller's description:

1964 Austin Healey 3000 MK3 BJ8

Colour Red

Odometer 71,922 Miles

Engine size 3000

Seller Type Trade

Town Aunay sur Odon

Country France, car previously known to be in Sun Valley, California as late as 2020

Very complete model, everything included with the car

Great base for a restoration project

Runs despite appearance

First registered in the United States in 1964 

Very little known history 

Purchased in the US as a restoration project by its current owner in 2021 

Imported to France soon after 

All the importation documents are present and complete 

Close to French registration – Only the technical inspection is missing 

Copy of the factory record present 

FFVE registration certificate with the car 

The Interior 

Very useable interior condition 

The car originally sold with many options 

From inside this 1964 Austin Healey, one would be forgiven for downplaying the extent of the restoration project laying before them. In fact, bar some damage to trim, the cabin appears to be in functional condition. 

In fact, everything one would expect to see in the car is present and from afar, it looks like a standard Healey cabin. However, there are certainly many tears and holes in the upholstery. Both the black leather seats and carpets show signs of wear and tear that would require work. Furthermore, the wood dashboard does present significant surface damage with noticeable lacquer damage. 

From the factory, the car came with the optional adjustable steering column and full heater system. Both are still present and will offer an additional positive to the Healey’s final offering once it has been fully restored.

The Exterior 

Good condition bodywork 

Great chrome throughout 

All fixtures are seemingly present 

Under the car’s coat of Colorado Red paint – the colour in which it left the factory – the bodywork certainly looks to be in presentable condition. The panels appear to be straight whilst only minor corrosion seems to rear its head. 

Furthermore, the chrome details throughout the car including the light surrounds, the grille, the bumpers and even the badges appear to be in good, shining condition for the most part. In addition, the owner informs us that every fixture one would expect on this 1964 Healey 3000 is present. 

It seems the chassis hasn’t experienced a healthy relationship with time. In fact, significant corrosion has led to holes and cracks in places. This will all require attentive welding and repair work as the owners recommend conducting a full body-off restoration. This will also provide the occasion to clean up all the paint peel, chips and cracks by carrying out a full respray. 

The car sits on a set of wire wheels which could visibly do with a refurbish and the tyres will also need replacing. The car’s drop top has also seen better days. There are several tears in the fabric and the mechanism will clearly require an overhaul, despite all the elements reportedly being present.

The Mechanics 

3-litre inline-six engine, 150hp 

Four-speed manual transmission with overdrive 

In running order 

Much like every Austin Healey 3000, this 1964 Mk3’s bonnet hides a 3-litre straight-six engine. The twin-carburettor setup is good for around 150hp which gets sent to the rear wheel via a four-speed manual gearbox. As a factory optional extra, this model’s transmission features overdrive.

Since purchasing the car in 2021, the current owners have done very little work to the model. The only job of note was completed early on in the ownership when attempting to get the car to start. A carburettor refurb means that it now starts and runs for short periods of time. 

However, in order to bring a new lease of life into the model, it will require some attention. We are informed that whilst the engine is in running condition, the rest of the model is in need of care. The brakes and suspension are at the top of the list whilst other issues may well present themselves following an unknown amount of time left unused.