Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 – 1966
Marca : Austin-Healey
Modello : 3000 BJ8
Versione : Mk III
Anno : 1966
Telaio N. : H-BJ8-L/35323
Esemplari prodotti : 17.712
Motore : 6 Cilindri in linea
Cilindrata : 2.912 cc
Distribuzione : OHC
Valvole Cilindro : 2
Aspirazione : 2 Carburatori SU
Potenza : 150 CV a 4.750 giri/min
Top speed Km/h : 188
Auction Result
2016 – Motor City – RM Sotheby's – $ 60.500
Introduced in late 1963 and built through December 1967, the 3000 Mark III, series BJ8, was the final version of the beloved “Big Healey” and represents the highest refinement of the marque.
With twin two-inch SU carburetors, the well-developed 2,912-cubic centimeter six-cylinder engine of the 3000 Mark III produced 150 horsepower, the most of any model of the Austin-Healey line. Acceleration from 0–60 mph took just 9.8 seconds, and top speed was around 120 mph. Other improvements of the 3000 Mark III included a revised exhaust system, a vacuum brake booster as standard, and, after the initial 1,390 examples, a revised rear suspension to increase ride height for improved ground clearance, as found on this example.
The model name 3000 Mark III and the series designation BJ8 are synonymous, and it is only this model of the entire range of Austin-Healeys that featured a luxurious cockpit combining a dashboard of burled walnut and a center console, as well as the curved windscreen with wing windows and the roll-up side windows introduced shortly before on the series BJ7 model.
This iconic Mark III 3000 was originally delivered to New York as a left-hand drive export model. Completed on 4 March, it was originally finished in traditional British Racing Green with a black interior and matching black top. Factory-fitted equipment included wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, laminated windshield, overdrive, whitewall tires, and a black tonneau cover. The Austin-Healey was dispatched to the United States a week later, on the 11th. The current owner acquired the 3000 in 2008, after it had been comprehensively restored by John Wilson of Healey Lane Austin-Healey Restorations in Marcola, Oregon. Finished in dark British Racing Green, the Healey now sports an elegant and contrasting Biscuit leather interior with a matching tip over Wilton wool carpeting. Finished to concours standards, this excellent example continues to present very nicely throughout and would make for an exciting tour car.