2013-06-10 11:15:06 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:
www.worldwide-auctioneers.com/auctions/details.cfm

Sellers description:
1964 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII Roadster

ASKING PRICE: $69,900
CHASSIS NO: HBJ8L25732
This particular 1964 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII, represents a near-perfect example of Donald Healey's visionary sports car. It has been in the possession of the current owner for more than 22 years (acquired June 30, 1990) and was re-commissioned to a standard seldom attained by even the most careful restorers. The process took more than three years in total, cost was no object, and the results are awe-inspiring. The aforementioned owner harbors a strong suspicion that the reason Austin-Healey 3000s were never originally sold in black is that black paint would show the imperfections in the factory bodywork. While many Healey fans may argue against that assessment, few would readily compare the bodywork of their own car to that of the car on offer here. Its original panels were contoured and block sanded repeatedly until the surface was flawless. Sikens black color and clear coat were then applied and polished to mirror finish by James Wilson. The quality of the resulting finish is truly incredible.

After painting was completed, each piece of chrome trim and badging was replaced with its equivalent new part. Every component on the car including the windshield, signals, and headlamps has been either replaced or completely refurbished. The effect is dazzling. The mechanical aspects of the restoration are equally impressive. The frame and other structural elements were removed, painted, and undercoated providing an apt foundation on which to assemble a practically perfect Austin-Healey 3000. Wherever possible, original parts were retained and individually restored; with the notable exception of the added Pertronix ignition system. The engine, transmission, and driveline were completely rebuilt and detailed and are in better than new condition. New Dayton wire wheels are, of course included in the package, and it almost goes without saying that all four Vredestein tires retain the decals applied to their tread at the factory.

BJ8s are widely known to be among the most comfortable and luxuriously appointed Healeys. As can be easily inferred, this car is home to an interior that leaves nothing to be desired. A new burled elm dash was created to hold the new radio and gauges, among them the rebuilt and refurbished original Smiths tachometer. New carpets with thermal and sound underlayment were expertly installed throughout. The seats have been completely redone and upholstered in fine red leather.To complete the list of all the right soft parts, the 3000 was fitted with a black Hartzcloth convertible top.

While many automobile hobbyists and collectors are coming to appreciate the charm of unrestored, original cars, the few that attain this level of perfection will always command strong interest. In point of fact, to call this car restored is to understate the completeness of its rebirth. It has, through liberal applications of both time and treasure, become a sort of ultimate Austin Healey 3000 MKIII, a car that the factory at Abington could never build. What is maybe most impressive is that it has retained its original character and charm by retaining and renewing almost all of its original parts instead of simply casting them off and replacing them. While untouched cars may be all the rage now, the new owner of this BJ8 is sure to be more than satisfied in the knowledge that every single piece of his new car looks perfect and operates flawlessly.