2026-09-22 09:03:42 | pauls writes:

Car offered in Hemmings:

www.hemmings.com/listing/1964-austin-healey-3000-mk-iii-lethbridge-ab-776980

Stunning One-Of-A-Kind 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MK III Convertible

Seller Tonewheel

Location Lethbridge, AB T1J 5S1

VIN HBJ8L25925

Odometer 20229

Engine 3000CC inline 6, dual carburetor

Body Style Convertible

Exterior Red

Interior Red

Trans Manual

The Restoration Behind This Car Is Everything

This 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 represents something genuinely rare in the collector car world: a complete, documented, nut-and-bolts restoration — body-off, bare metal — carried out without compromise, at a cost of $295,000 Canadian, by one of the most respected Healey specialists in North America. The hard work, the risk, and the expense have already been absorbed. What remains is one of the finest examples of this iconic model you are likely to find anywhere.

The restoration was executed by Todd Cathcart of Sports Car Parts, Calgary — a name well known to serious Healey collectors. It included a new frame sourced from Australia, replacement of all necessary body components including wheel wells, a complete engine rebuild, and thorough refurbishment or replacement of every mechanical system: brakes, clutch, transmission, and more. Critically, all metal components were bathed in epoxy — this car will not rust. Wire spoke wheels. New aluminum fuel tank. New black convertible top. All brightwork re-chromed.

The restoration was completed in 2015. Since that time, the car has been driven only 1,500 miles.

Provenance and Documentation

Few cars at any price point come with documentation this complete:

British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate — No. 2023/3416 — confirming factory build dates of 21 January to 14 March, 1964, with original dispatch to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Chassis: HBJ8L25925 Engine: 29K/RU/H1133 Gearbox: 735 Rear Axle: 24193 Key: FP.626

2.5 gigabytes of restoration photographs documenting every stage of the build — available to serious buyers

A multi-page detailed invoice record covering the full restoration

Original factory workshop manuals, original sales brochures, driver's handbook, and period literature

This is not a car you have to take on faith. The paper trail is exceptional.

The Interior

The interior was intentionally preserved in its original 1964 configuration — including the burled walnut dashboard — as a faithful expression of how this car left the factory. In 2025, the seat covers were replaced with matching leather sourced from Moss Motors, cushions renewed, all vinyl coverings, seals, and carpeting replaced or refitted using correct Moss components. It presents as original in every meaningful sense, while being fresh where it counts.

A small hardwood removable mirror riser with an analog clock inlay has been added, allowing a clear rear view over the folded top — a practical and elegant period-appropriate solution. Seatbelts added for modern safety. A Blaupunkt radio— a premium period option — is fitted. Lucas fog lights on a badge bar are included, along with brighter LED taillights (not yet installed, but included with the car).

The Drive

Michael Grant, Product Manager at Moss Motors and a BJ8 owner himself, offers this guidance to prospective buyers: "If you're determined to buy one, buy the best car you can afford. A car that was restored several years ago and has been maintained by someone who cared and knew what they were doing will be a much better buy."

This car was brought from Calgary to its current home in Lethbridge with the top down at highway speed — and drew honks and turned heads the entire journey. The engine pulls strongly and smoothly, the exhaust note is exactly what it should be, and the overdrive in 3rd and 4th is seamless. The car has been maintained at regular intervals by the original restorer, and periodically tuned by a trusted local foreign car specialist.

The 3000 Mark III was the pinnacle of the Big Healey line — 150 bhp, revised SU HD8 carburetors, a higher-lift camshaft, and a cockpit refined to be the most comfortable and luxurious of any Healey produced. Only approximately 1,390 of this specific model were built. The highest recorded recent sale for a Mk III BJ8 reached $585,000 USD (June 2025). Comparable, well-restored examples regularly trade between $50,000 and $90,000 USD. This car's restoration cost alone — verified by documentation — dwarfs its asking price.

Why This One

Buying a Big Healey at a lower price point means inheriting someone else's deferred decisions. A bare-metal, body-off restoration of this calibre — done properly, with the right parts, by the right hands — costs north of a quarter million dollars and takes years. That work has been done here, paid for by a previous owner who cared deeply about getting it right and left behind the documentation to prove it.

"If you want more — what is under the surface, what will need attending to, and the incredible cost of a nuts and bolts, quality restoration — that heavy lifting has been taken care of."

Running your fingers over the surfaces of this car is a genuine pleasure. On a hoist, it is as impressive as it is from any other angle. It almost glows.

Summary Specifications

Year / Model: 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 Phase 1

Engine: 3000cc inline-6, dual SU HD8 carburetors, 150 bhp

Transmission: 4-speed with overdrive in 3rd and 4th gear

Colour: Colorado Red with red leather interior

Convertible top: New black soft top

Wheels: Wire spoke

Miles since restoration: ~1,500

Restoration completed: 2015, by Todd Cathcart / Sports Car Parts Calgary

Restoration cost: $295,000 CAD (documented)

BMIHT Certified: Yes — Certificate No. 2023/3416

Location: Lethbridge, Alberta (short flight from Calgary)

Offered at $88,500 USD

This is a serious car for a serious buyer. We welcome inspections and are pleased to share the complete restoration dossier.