2022-11-27 11:18:05 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 11/22

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1963-austin-healey-3000-mk-ii-8brYG8_aaid=a5ce63ed-6419-48b8-adb6-8692f74daf04&bsft_eid=7601cb9f-125c-26d1-f41 ...

Auction description:

1963 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II

Colour Cream & Red

Odometer 1,904 Miles

Engine size 2912

Town Weesp

Seller Type Private

Location International

Country Netherlands

In lovely original condition

Repainted bodywork

Powerful straight-six engine

Built in 1963

Said to have been owned by an artist in Canada

The previous owner has reportedly produced a written record of the car’s maintenance

The car is now located in The Netherlands

Ownership documentation in the vendor’s name

The Interior

Beautifully patinated upholstery

Sixty years of careful use proudly on display

Wooden rimmed steering wheel

Opening the door to this Austin Healey is like revealing a portal to another world: the car wears its years of use with pride and looks to be in exceptionally original condition. We love to see an original and undisturbed car, which shows careful ownership and respectful preservation. Every switch, button, fabric and pedal embodies the thousands of drives this car has been on over the decades. 

The blue marbled-effect dashboard carries a full set of Smiths gauges, which remain in good condition, and the Lucas pull switches offer a very tactile way of controlling the lights and wipers. They show a gentle patina of wear through decades of use, and the wooden-rimmed steering wheel is always a nice finishing touch in a sports car.

The seats have reportedly been re-trimmed at some point, but they have mellowed gently and now fit in nicely with he rest of the interior. Two small seats are provided for small rear passengers. The carpets are showing some signs of wear, but they remain in good useable condition, and we particularly like the ‘Austin’ branded rubber section beneath the pedals. Vinyl covers the door cards as well as the dashboard top, this remains presentable but with a little built-up patina. 

The Exterior 

Two-tone red and cream paintwork 

Paint may have been applied with a roller

No reported damage or corrosion

With its sweeping lines, chrome trim and wire wheels, the Austin Healey 3000 is a great looking car from any angle. The car has been repainted at some point in its history, and it looks as though this may have been done with a roller. There are chips, scratches and blemishes throughout, but these don’t seem to detract from the car’s overall appeal. 

The wire wheels have also been painted, and some of this is coming off in places. But they nicely reveal the red painted brake drums behind and the tyres are said to retain good tread. 

Underneath, the car is said to be free from damage and corrosion. And on top, the hood raises and lowers, although it could apparently do with some attention. 

The panel gaps could benefit from being adjusted, as you would expect to see on a car of sixty years old, and there is light pitting to the chrome trim throughout. 

The Mechanics 

2,912cc straight six engine

Factory claimed top speed of 115 mph

Said to accelerate brilliantly

The C-series straight-six engine fitted to this Austin Healey provides it with great performance by the standards of the day. The manufacturers claimed the car could exceed 115 mph and it must have been a real head turner when it was new. 

The vendor tells us that the car still accelerates brilliantly and that it drives, changes gear and sounds exactly as it should do. The brakes will reportedly require attention as they are a little underpowered.

This Healey is in such original condition that its wiring remains positive earth to this day. A battery cutout switch is fitted for safety and convenience.