2011-07-20 10:03:52 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction 7/11
classiccars.brightwells.com/viewdetails.php

Auction description:
Lot number 95
Hammer value
N/S (est. £31,000 - £33,000)
Description Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII
Registration GOB 225D
Year 1966
Colour Colorado Red
Engine size 2,912 cc
Chassis No. HBJ8/35341
Engine No. 29K/RU/H9998

This particular car is a rare UK market model that has had just three owners from new. It was originally delivered to the Evans & Kitchen dealership of Birmingham in April 1966, and was first owned by Michael Fenn of Dudley. He kept the car for 12 years, selling it in 1978 to Melvyn Fellows of Stourbridge who was to keep it for the next 28 years. The current vendor acquired the car in 2006.

Originally dark green, it was resprayed Colorado Red quite early in its life and the 79,800 miles on the clock is believed genuine and is backed up by most old MOTs back to 1979 at which point it had covered some 54,819 miles. It has a large history file from 1976 onwards including bills for a respray, new sills and new rear wings in 1977. In May of this year it had a very thorough overhaul by marque specialist Graham Goodall of Redditch including further remedial work to the sills, other localised body repairs, the fitment of an aluminium fuel tank and a full service at a cost of £4,300 (bills on file).

The overdrive gearbox was rebuilt in 2007 (about 7,000 miles ago) while other recent improvements include the fitting of electronic ignition, a spin-off oil filter and a rebuilt 3.5:1 differential for more relaxed cruising. A new hood has also recently been fitted and the walnut dash refurbished. The car is currently fitted with painted wire wheels but a set of chrome wire wheels are also available if required. The car now looks very smart with notably good panel fit and is said to drive very well with MOT and tax until January 2012. Altogether a very nice, original right-hand drive, matching numbers example with just three owners and a known history from new.