1964 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII Phase 2, 3.0l

Description

The Austin Healey 3000, one of the Big Healey’s and a relatively spacious British classic sports car. It is quintessentially sporting in both its good-looking appearance and joyful driving appeal.   

Announced officially In July 1959 the ‘Austin Healey 3000’ was launched as the (2-seater BN7, 4-seater BT7). It shared a visual appearance nearly identical to that of the 100 Six that came before it but featured many improvements; BMC had introduced their new C- Series 3 litre engine along with revised gear ratios, stronger gears and disc brakes on the front. The brief for the C-Series engine was to be easy to build and service, more refined than the existing big Austin four-cylinder power units. 

As Britain transitioned into the 1960s the Austin-Healey further evolved but stayed true to its simple yet elegant design and usability.  

Throughout its life cycle, the Austin-Healey 3000 enjoyed great success in competitive racing competitions and emerged as a firm favourite with car collectors around the globe. 

MODEL YEARS  

Mark I: 1959 – 1961 A two-seater and 2+2 model became available.  

Mark 2: 1961 Introduction of Austin Healey 3000 Mark II  

Mark 3: 1963, the 'Mark III' was released, this saw the further and final improvements in terms of performance and design to the model. The 2+2 'Mark III' was the most powerful version of the Austin-Healey 3000, with 148 bhp and a top speed of around 120 mph.  

Mark 3, Phase 2: 1964, a second phase version of the 'Mark III' began production, allowing for more suspension travel and sporting a modified rear-axle location. Altogether, 17,712 'Mark III's were created before production ceased in 1967. 

THIS CAR

This Austin Healey is one of the later iterations of the Austin Healey being a MK III Phase 2 BJ8. Chassis number H-BJ8-L/27509 was manufactured between 15th June and 2nd July 1964 and despatched on 16th July 1964 in the height of the English Summer it made its way to Philadelphia, U.S.A.  Sporting a vibrant Colorado Red and trimmed in Black (Ambla) throughout, the Healey was sure to hold its own alongside American equivalents with both its styling and performance.  

The British Motor Heritage Certificate issued in 1991 also confirms that the car left the factory with the following equipment: Wire Wheels, Overdrive, an Adjustable steering column, Laminated Windscreen, Road Speed Tyres, and a Black Tonneau. Quite the additions to any sports car! 

The Healey was first registered in 1965 and although first ownership is not entirely clear it is evident that the car was sold in October 1969 to a Mr and Mrs Stephen Suits, Miami Florida. A very quaint handwritten receipt in the history file confirms the sale at $500. Invoice history mostly from 1978 to 1984 shows the car enjoyed a life in Miami, Florida with a Body repaint shown in 1982.  

As the years went by and vehicles became much more advanced, some may argue that much of the charm of the 50’s and 60’s were lost, and these cars were beginning to be considered classic by those that could appreciate them.  It could be said that the mass export of British Sports Cars to the US during the 50’s and 60’s, be that; MG, Austin Healey, Jaguar or Triumph, can be thanked for bringing many quality cars back to the UK in the 80s and 90s for enthusiasts to restore. These enthusiasts would restore and convert these cars to RHD as was possible with their design for parts to be interchangeable. 

The evidence of these cars becoming valued again once more is shown in the price paid in 1989 by Mr P.L. Jones who purchased the car for £12,000 via ADT Auctions Surrey. Mr Jones’s ownership was brief and then the car was passed to Mr T. Marles who purchased the car from Jones privately in 1991. There is a copy of this receipt for £10,500.  

The drop in price from 1989 – 1991 may point to a slight deterioration of the vehicle’s condition. This however was not how the car was due to remain as in 1992 Mr Marles embarked on a project with D.J. Grove Restorations. This included a repaint of the car in its original colour of Colorado Red and adding the classic combination of Old English White to the lower sections of the car. During this process the wings were repaired, and many of the body panels were replaced along with a huge list of parts and components. One of the most important pieces of work carried out here was to fit a new chassis frame to the car. A weak point of many unrestored Austin Healey’s and clearly an area of failing of the car’s life. The new chassis fitted still presents extremely well with no concerns, testament to a thorough job completed in 1992. This is an important feature of this car, the next custodian can have the added peace of mind that this is unlikely to need any attention for a long time, provided care and attention is carried out to keep the underside in a good condition. Images of the current condition of the vehicle’s underside are available on request.   

Although Mr Marles spent a great deal of time and money bringing the car to the next level the car did not seem to see many miles. There is a suggestion that the car was placed in storage from 2004-2010 and seems to have seen a relatively large amount of re-commissioning work from 2011 with parts and work totalling over £6000. After long term ownership by Mr Marles from 1991 the car became the property of a gentleman in Somerset from 2011.   

This owner clearly also saw great potential in this Healey as went on to spend over £17,000 with Tim Lang Classics in 2014. During this work, the engine and gearbox were overhauled and reconditioned along with the carburettors. It is noted that the engine work required was not considerable due to attention from Rawles Motorsport back in 2011. To fully enjoy the car in British weather a new hood was fitted at this point.   

The History file is thorough and includes over 100 documents from the 1960s- 2024. This Healey has clearly been cherished by all who took ownership of it keeping such a great record of its maintenance and history.  

Currently the Healey is owned by a gentleman who purchased KBY 8BC in 2021 from Rawles Motorsport and has enjoyed many great days out in the UK with the car. This custodian has followed in the footsteps of his predecessors and kept records of the maintenance along with an ordered approach to other related documents.  An Austin Healey Club Membership has been retained throughout his ownership.   

The current owner enjoyed a number of great road trips in recent years, including a number of journeys through France for the Le Mans Classic event and although the time with the Healey has been enjoyable, he is looking to find a new owner for this car due to other purchases.  

Most recently the car has been subject to some attention from our team here at JD Classics to prepare for a smooth transition to the next owner.   

All in all, the car’s bodywork can be described as good with attention possibly required in the future to improve its cosmetic appearance. The chassis and engine bay condition are very positive. The car holds great strength when compared to others on the market with the main components cared for and work undertaken which should give the next buyer confidence to continue to invest in this Healey’s future as an enjoyable, approachable, and wholly appealing sports car.      

For further information and to receive a full summary of the car’s documentation please contact our Sales Team.