2017-10-15 12:51:22 | pauls writes:

Car listed as sold at:
www.sportscarshop.com/1964-austin-healey-3000-bj8/

Sellers description:
SOLD!
1964 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8
$36,500

Available is a two owner, 1964 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8. VIN# HBJ8L/ 25512. 99,117 miles. This is one of less than 1,400 Phase one BJ8 cars built. It has the late series creature comforts of roll up windows, wrap around windscreen, elegant factory wood dash and easy to operate convertible top. I actually prefer the phase one Healeys for their purity of shape and more natural flow of lines. The differences are subtle. Notice the pull door handle which flows into the side body line. It is much nicer than the later bulkier push button unit. The chassis has not been raised at the rear which allows the angle of the side body sculpture line to flow lower to the ground and makes car look longer and lower, and as iconic original 100/4 Healey. I prefer the minimal lights, turn signals, and taillight pods, that again enhance rather than interrupt the flow of the overall original design.

This particular car is also a rarity since it has been with its second owner since it was six months old. It has been refinished in the original Healey blue paint over a nearly totally rust free California delivered car. Most all of the car except the fresh paint is original, including the dash and original dark blue interior. It has been maintained, continuously in service, and driven conservatively by the now older couple since nearly new. The brand new chrome wheels, the new stainless steel exhaust, the addition of a 4-fuse fuse box for wiring safety, and a vintage CD box to extend point life are the are the only deviations from stock. The tires are newly fitted and spun balanced with proper wire wheel adapter so the car has a smooth ride. The car starts, runs, and drives very nicely. The overdrive functions well, the engine is totally original has good hot oil pressure, nice power, but according to the owner does use some oil as expected for just under 100,000 miles. Suspension and shocks are good, brakes are excellent. The all-important chassis is damage and rust free. The top is older with a crack in rear window. The interior is still very serviceable as is and could be tidied up and kept as a survivor with the most notable flaw being a tear in the vinyl on driver's seat frame cover where entering car exerts the most wear. This car while not totally restored is a very solid and good driver level car. A new owner into cleaning and waxing could easily elevate it's appearance. It is priced to sell, and is certainly fairly priced considering condition. This BJ8 has been fortunate to avoid the abusive drivers that these cars could encounter when they were merely $1,500 used cars.