2007-12-28 23:59:29 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 12/28/07
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Austin-Healey-3000-MKII-BT7-2-2-Roadster-1961-Austin-Hea ...
Current bid $30,600 reserve not met, 23 bids, 1 day left in auction.

Sellers description:
This beautiful "Black Beauty" is a real example of the proverbial "Barn-Find" - with less than 29,000 actual miles on this original Mille Miglia. A previous owner decided that black/black was more stunning, so the original paint was changed. The paint-job was very well done, though it was done some 30 or so years ago, it does show her age, especially across the trunk which was left uncovered during her barn-years.

Remember this is NOT a restored vehicle, but an original! The canvas convertable top has long-since deterioted, but the original top frame is fully intact and functional - just needs to be covered. The side-windows are intact and in great shape, and the trunk mount luggage rack is here, yet not installed. She is a strapping young lady, sure to turn heads where ever you drive. Also coming with her are the original steel wheel set.

The chrome is presentable with some hazing and light pitting, and the wheels and knock-offs are both excellent, having been replaced within the last several years. The glass and lenses are excellent. The interior has a cohesive original feel, with well-preserved dash and instruments, and the original carpets and seat upholstery meet better than good standards. There is moderate patina to some of the trim. A pair of three-point seatbelts has been fitted as well. The trunk and engine compartment also have a predominantly original feel, with the original spare tire cover, as well as a knock-off hammer.

The engine compartment is quite clean and tidy. The engine itself sounds and runs great, and has every indication being strictly original, our records tend to confirm this. This is an opportunity to acquire a nice usable example of this, the ultimate iteration of Austin Healey's flagship model. Featuring the plusher interior, larger displacement version of the famously lusty inline-6, and front disc brakes, this car is very usable today, without sacrificing the inimitable British motoring experience. Moreover, with show condition 3000's reaching well over $100,000, and this car available significantly less than the cost of replication, this car makes financial sense as well, especially with the strong market that British sports cars are enjoying right now.