2021-07-10 17:03:52 | Chris writes:

www.fantasyjunction.com/sold/1967-austin-healey-mk-iii-3000-bj8/overview

SOLD 02/19 by FANTASY JUNCTION

1967 Austin-Healey
Mk. III 3000 BJ8

Phenomenal No Expense Spared Restoration by Rudi Koniczek of 300SL Fame. Near Perfect Presentation and Performance.

With a quintessential British sports car presence both on the streets of England and North America, and winning in rallies all over the world, the Austin Healey 3000 reached the pinnacle of development with the Mark III. And while more than 90 percent of these wonderful open cars were shipped to the US, they continued to race all over Europe, establishing win after win, long after production had ceased in 1967. Wonderfully appointed with the powerful 6 cylinder engine and twin SU carburetors, and a comparatively luxurious interior, the final iteration of the "Big Healey" (also known as the Phase 2) achieved a stout 150 bhp via a new higher lift camshaft and SU HD8 carburetors. Power assisted brakes were also added as was a new dashboard with extensive instrumentation and wood trim. Collectors all over the world have continued to seek out the very best examples of these cars for their visceral driving manners and beautifully evocative open air aesthetic.

With so many collectible cars these days being stored instead of driven, it is interesting to note that this example served as a daily driver for over 20 years for a previous owner. Having been so favorably rewarded with such great service, this former owner decided to have the car comprehensively restored in a no-expense-spared fashion. The finished car is the result of an extremely thorough high quality restoration by the highly-regarded specialist Rudi Koniczek. Often referred to as the "Mad Canadian Genius", Koniczek is a world restoration leader particularly for Mercedes-Benz, specializing in award winning 300SL Gullwings and Roadsters. This particular restoration highlights Koniczek's attention to detail, which is visible when inspecting the engine compartment, undercarriage, and fit and finish throughout the car. Plating, polished finishes, and factory details were performed to the highest level when the restoration was completed in the early 2000s. Between 2000 and 2010 this exceptional car won numerous trophies and ribbons including two First in Class awards, two People’s Choice Awards, and several other second and third place awards.

The current owner has recently performed about $4,000 of mechanical service tending to the engine, seals, and various other items in order to maintain an enjoyable driving experience while still maintaining the originality and wonderful detailing of the Koniczek restoration. Finished in stunning colors and beautifully detailed, this BJ8 is ready for enjoyable use and tours, while still being suitable for further top-level British Concours events.

Today, the award-winning condition of this car continues to impress, both cosmetically and mechanically. The paint still retains a beautiful gloss and deep luster, showing beautiful detailing around the trim and accessories. All of the chrome is still beautifully reflective with excellent finish and luster. The body integrity is excellent, with consistent shut lines and tight closures on doors, trunk, and bonnet. All trim, script, and piping have been applied with care and precision and carefully detailed. The brilliant wire wheels are shod with Michelin tires, both of which are in superb order and give the car a sporting and purposeful stance.

The interior is in excellent condition, having been both thoughtfully and expertly redone with high quality materials and trim, including leather upholstery, excellent quality carpeting, and a pristine lacquered wood dashboard. Instruments and switches are meticulously detailed with clarity on the faces and glass. Fit and finish and attention to detail continues to be evident even when inspecting the area behind the dashboard, which reveals proper wiring, correct finishes, and clean detailing - all hallmarks of the same quality workmanship seen in Koniczek restorations of million dollar cars. The trunk area has been equally well-detailed and properly finished with correct materials including a proper silver painted spare wire wheel and factory tools.

The engine compartment presents spectacularly, with exceptional finishes and detailing throughout to all components, hardware, hoses, and lines, which are correctly prepared. Not only is the engine itself impressively restored, the engine compartment and surrounding accessories are exemplary in fit and finish. The crispness and clarity of finishes cannot be overstated. In fact, the underside of the hood gleams so much that it’s possible to see the reflection of the engine in it when the hood is lifted.

As one might expect, the undercarriage is also in excellent condition, with all structural panels sound throughout and impeccable attention to detail including excellent finishes under the bottom of the car and very clean chassis and body panels. All finishes and components viewed in the undercarriage appear as tidy as the rest of the car, further validating the high quality of restoration and diligent ongoing care this car has received since the restoration was completed.

In addition to the beautiful cosmetic condition, this BJ8 runs and drives extremely well, starting easily under choke and idling properly when warm. Recent adjustments have been performed as needed in order to maintain the driving qualities in keeping with the high presentation standards. The engine has great oil pressure, makes excellent power and torque, and pulls strong in all gears. The car accelerates to freeway speeds rapidly with no shudder or hesitation under load. Carburetion is excellent and the famously wonderful exhaust note is a pleasure to listen to. At highway speeds, the car tracks well, brakes predictably, and moves along confidently with modern traffic. Truly in keeping with the heritage that supports this car, one need only drive on a quiet mountain road to reveal the wonderfully responsive and visceral manner, ease of steering, and delightful handling these cars offer. Accompanying the car are recent records for mechanical service, a complete tool kit, car cover, and a host of spare parts. Also included are boxes of awards and ribbons the car as won, chronicling many years of successful shows and events.

Austin Healey 3000 Mk. IIIs are sought after for their elegant sporting nature and delightful driving experience. Rarely seen with such a superlative no-expense spared restoration and restored by a premier restoration expert, this phase 2 late series example reveals a wonderful car ready for the next fortunate enthusiast to drive, show, and enjoy for years to come.