Description

1966 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8

Owned by vendor for the last 52 years and kept in top condition; interesting history and provenance; choice upgrades including gas-flowed unleaded head, high lift cam, balanced flywheel and clutch etc

Known affectionately as the ‘Big Healey’ the 3000 was produced 1959 to 1967. The bodies were built by Jensen in West Bromwich and the vehicles then assembled in the BMC factory in Abingdon.

The Mark III, introduced in October 1963, saw a considerable upgrade with power increased from 136bhp to 150bhp by a new higher lift camshaft. SU HD8 carburettors replaced HS6 units increasing the choke size from 1.75 to 2 inches increasing power by 30%. Servo braking with front discs became standard instead of optional and the new car's fascia was now walnut.  The Mark III had considerable competition success including Monte Carlo Rally, Le Mans and Sebring.

The Mark III BJ8 remained in production until the end of 1967 when manufacture of the Austin-Healey 3000 ceased with some 17,712 Mark IIIs produced.

GRX288D is no ordinary Healey with considerable provenance and history. The odometer reads 17,473, though is 117,473. It is in great overall order, has an MOT to March 2023 with no advisories and a Heritage Certificate confirming its authenticity.

It was first registered on 8^th January 1966, being with the first owner for just 9 months and was with three different garages trying to sell the car before the current owner purchased the car in 1970 - that's 52 years ago. So, effectively it has only had two owners from new.

It was purchased from Mike Spence’s garage in Henley on Thames, which was closing down. Mike Spence was a Formula 1 driver who was killed while practising for the Indy 500. The car has never been subject to any major rebuild and the vendor’s aim has always been to maintain originality as far as possible. However, in 1983 a new boot floor, door posts and door sills were fitted, which although not essential, were felt desirable.

It has been used socially and in Austin Healey Club events with many rally events in UK and Europe including The Prix Des Alpes and the Monte Carlo Challenge, finishing without mishap in both. Touring has included visits to Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Italy and Greece! It also has been in and out of Colditz and driven to the Greek Island of Skathios. There are photographs showing some of these tours and rallies.

The car has overdrive on 3^rd and 4^th and modifications include electronic ignition, upgraded lead free head, high lift cam for fast road work, Kenlowe fan. In 2005, Denis Welch Motorsport fitted a new light weight starter, a HC rotor type oil pump, a heavy duty clutch, unleaded valve inserts, balanced flywheel and clutch, gas flowed and polished cylinder head ports and performance ignition kit. The invoices for this upgrade came to some  £3,892.

In February 2022 it had new brake cylinders and brake shoes on both rear wheels, new fuel pump, new clutch master cylinder and clutch rod and connections replaced by the Healey specialists, Rawles Motorsport as shown on invoices. Fitted with a race harness, it has tonneau, spare wheel and many accessories.

There is a comprehensive history file, with photographs, invoices, MOTs and green log book.

GRX is offered due to the advancing years of the owner, who is no longer able to enjoy the car as he has for the last 50 plus years and wants to pass on to another owner who will be able to make full use of this wonderful and rather special Big Healey.

Contact - nigel.mainard@brightwells.com