1965 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8

Description

The last of the "big Healeys", this 1965 Austin Healey BJ8 Mark III is a beautifully restored and impeccably preserved British sports car that also happens to be the most desirable of the bunch. Finished in a traditional Colorado Red color combination that sparkles, as well as a gorgeous Saddle interior, it offers a feisty 3-Liter twin-carburetor Inline 6 engine mated to a quick-shifting 4-speed gearbox that delivers more smiles-for-miles than just about any other vintage British roadster out there.

Bright colors are always a must-have and flashy roadsters, and there's no more appropriate color on a big Healey than Colorado Red, although this one was originally British Racing Green, which might be a close second. Professionally painted to a very high standard around five years ago when the vehicle was restored, the color swap was done the right way, with no signs of the former color anywhere to be seen. This big roadster still looks great today with only minor signs of use, although you'd be hard-pressed to find them without some thick glasses. It's an even, and miles-deep application that's uniform throughout, and the tiny little knicks that are found here and there are barely noticeable with the naked eye, which is too busy adjusting to the excellent glossy shine. A long life lived easy means that the usual rust demons were kept at bay with this one and it's one of those rare cars that has been properly maintained all its life and therefore never needed a full frame-off restoration. Clean bodywork has factory-style gaps and great panel alignment so it looks properly assembled and the way it feels is unique to cars that have never been torn apart. Healeys have always projected an aura of power and refinement, and this one is no different, hunkering on its haunches like a cat about to spring, it's every bit as entertaining to drive as it looks. Chrome and brightwork are excellent, including the lovely Healey grille, bumpers, and all the badges that adorn the car, and we love that the builders left off the usual fender-mounted side mirrors – giving the profile much smoother, cleaner lines from end-to-end. Although you'll love the original details that remain, from the lovely hood scoop, to the race-inspired gas cap, to the individual Lucas marker lights out back in their own pods.

Gorgeous is the only way to describe the inviting and beautifully restored, all-new Saddle interior. With high-end tan vinyl surfaces that are mistaken for leather by pretty much everyone, the resulting subtle color combination complements the bodywork extremely well. The Healey's longer wheelbase allows two small rear seats, and while they're best reserved for children or luggage, they are no less carefully stitched than the front buckets. New, plush carpets and the hand-crafted door panels offer utility as well as slick modern style. Super-clear Smiths gauges are in excellent condition inside the glossy and elegant woodgrain bezel, and they keep a keen eye on the snarling Straight 6 up ahead, while the steering wheel is a correct wood-rimmed unit that feels exciting in the hands of the driver. The center console and dash are both beautifully trimmed out, proving that this was a comprehensive and expensive overhaul inside, and the 4-speed shifter is so darn nice you'll hesitate to touch it without driving gloves. A matching Saddle folding top has been installed, and it includes a black boot to keep things looking tidy when it's stowed, and roll-up windows were finally standard equipment with the BJ8, so should you ever have the audacity to drive this roadster in the rain, you'll be well-protected. The boot (trunk for us Yanks) isn't exactly spacious but does include a full-sized spare and matching wire wheel, which is nice.

The BJ8 is powered by a 2912cc liter inline-six rated at a relatively brawny 150 horsepower, which provides entertaining performance in the lightweight roadster. Faithfully restored in with a matching Colorado Red valve cover and Austin's peculiar shade of metallic light green on the intake, the engine rumbles to life easily, inhaling through twin SU carburetors and emitting the most wonderful baritone roar at full throttle. The engine bay has been neatly detailed with a great many period-correct components, with new parts pretty much everywhere you look, meaning this Austin is ready to be driven and enjoyed right away. An upgraded stainless dual exhaust system provides that wonderful big Healey exhaust note and you'll relish running it through the gears of the 4-speed manual with overdrive transmission. Front disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and the period-perfect wire wheels with center spinners complete the look, shod with grippy 195/70/15 blackwall radials.

Big Healeys are all about driving, and this one with its fully sorted mechanics and gorgeous bodywork is a first-class ticket in true British fashion. Call today!