1967 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8

Description

This 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 has that beautiful classic British look - right down to the color. As you look over the full package, you can see the kind of stylish classic that is doing its job of upholding your passion for driving.

This green is almost dark enough to be called British Racing Green, so it looks right on this proper English sports car. The Big Healey is one of the most tasteful designs of its time with a style line that starts at the headlight and has a gentle arc that flows through the door. The rear fenders are just as artistic as they rise above the trunk line. You can see all of this so well because of the quality panel fit of this example. There was just the right amount of brightwork to attract an American audience in places like the wide grille, wraparound bumpers, and detailed door tops. The whole package has the right look of a driver's car. That means hints of patina and pitting that make for a cherished classic that was also driven. So it's the kind of machine that looks like someone has cared for it over generations. This example retains all the great European details, too, like the fender-mounted side mirrors and bright trunk hinges. And of course, it's not a true classic European sports car without wire wheels with genuine knock-off hubs.

These cars are meant to be open to the world, and so the black interior looks stylish against the dark green exterior. The BJ8 series was the final run for this storied design, and these are sought-after today for some of the upgrades given to this swan song. The walnut veneer trim is exclusive to these later cars. So is the comfort of the center console in-between the bucket seats. You will see a few signs of use, including the driver's seat, but it feels more like the charm of a driver's car. Owning a later Healey also adds in plenty of practicality. After all, these have a full convertible top and roll-up windows. The rear seats are a nice occasional use for children or luggage. But even with this level of sensibleness, nothing gets in the way of the pure driving experience. The gearshift is in that perfect resting position for your right hand. And the thin/grippy sports steering wheel will make your pulse race at first touch.

Under the hood is the long block that makes The Big Healey really earn its name. The 2.9-liter inline-six offered more displacement than what you got in many other Europeans of its time. So this feels like much more of a real sports car than many contemporaries. It fires up eagerly as the motor inhales through the SU carburetors. And it exhales with the throaty sound you love from the dual exhaust. You can keep this sound going for as long as you want because the four-speed manual gearbox gives you complete control. Plus, the nimble handling, Pirelli tires, and front disc brakes make this a great back roads companion.

The sale comes complete with a service manual and a racing tonneau. This is elegant vintage style in a true driver's classic. So if you want to enjoy a European drop-top to the fullest, don't miss this Austin-Healey. Call now!