2025-09-02 09:21:05 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 9/25
www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-209---1965-austin-healey-3000-mark-iii-bj8/

Auction description:
1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8

Estimate
£30,000 - £35,000
Registration No: MVG 93C
Chassis No: HBJ8L28977
MOT: Exempt

Desirable Phase II BJ8 version, supplied new in left-hand drive form and converted to right-hand drive upon import in 1990
Fastidiously maintained example offered with a substantial history file
Subject to a complete body and mechanical overhaul completed in 2005
Evey inch the quintessential British sports car, this beautiful Healey has benefitted from 28 years of single enthusiast ownership, during which it was always garaged and “fastidiously maintained.” Although registered as a 1965 car, we are advised that serial numbers and production changes, the specifics of which are detailed in Original Austin-Healey 100, 100/6 and 3000: The Restorer’s Guide by Anders Clausager, indicate that it was actually built in September, 1964.

This car was originally built for export but was reimported into Britain from Texas in 1990, after which it underwent a right-hand drive conversion. In 1997, it was purchased by the enthusiast who cared for it until earlier this year, and who undertook an extremely thorough overhaul and programme of discreet upgrades. This included the renovation of the engine and bodywork, and a full repaint, which was completed in 2005. The overdrive and brake servo were overhauled during his ownership, and a new pair of front tyres was fitted in recent years. The list of upgrades included a differential change from 3.9 to 3.65:1, a dynamator, uprated rear springs, a stainless front exhaust section, an electric fan, a USB port, a high-performance oil pump, a high-lift camshaft and electronic ignition. The owner always tried to run on it on 98-octane (E5) petrol, had the valves hardened to better run on unleaded, and invariably used an additive if running on E10.

The history file gives an excellent indication of just how fastidious the owner was. A photograph album illustrates in detail the stages of the overhaul, and further information is contained in a folder labelled “Restoration and Maintenance Expenditure: September, 1997, to June, 2023.” Recently serviced and described by the vendor as “very good” in most areas but with “good” interior trim, it is sold with its original V5, a large collection of MOTs and a long list of maintenance history and receipts. Numerous other items, including a tonneau cover, specialist tools, and assorted spares are also present.