2022-02-10 13:55:51 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

themarket.co.uk/en/listings/austin-healey/3000-mk-ii-convertible/70c7ac3a-2fc2-4 ...

Auction description:

Location: TEWKESBURY, United Kingdom

Seller Type: Trade

Odometer Reading: 355

Chassis Number: H-BJ7-L/25068

Engine: 2912

Gearbox: manual

Steering position: RHD

Colour: Red

Interior: Black

Estimated Price: £45,000 - £55,000

This particular BJ7 - like many of its production run - was delivered new to North America, where it remained for the majority of its life, being enjoyed and used to its fullest extent.

Imported into the UK during 2005 by its former keeper on 76,441 miles, this stunning example in the rare Reno Red (as delivered, confirmed by the all-important Heritage certificate which accompanies the vehicle) was subject to an extensive, body-off bare-chassis restoration, which commenced in 2008.

Initial work included the shell being stripped, repaired, numerous Kimartin replacement panels fitted, and a right-hand-drive conversion carried out, before being re-sprayed in Reno Red.

The chassis was also entirely stripped and acid-dipped, before being given an electrophoretic coating to protect it against the elements. Naturally, at this point, numerous suspension upgrades and parts were fitted, including new springs and uprated polyurethane bushes.

Up front, the C-Series engine was rebuilt by Coltec, and a conversion carried out on the cylinder head to enable the car to run on lead-free petrol without the need for additives, making it far more useable in today’s world, and ideally suited to touring without the need to carry expensive and bulky lead supplements.

This initial round of works (with extensive paperwork to detail the exact works and parts used included in the history folder) was completed in 2011, and an MoT certificate from this year was obtained. During the engine rebuilding, the odometer was reset to 0, and less than 500 miles have been accrued since the works were completed.

In 2019, the vehicle was purchased by the current owner - our vendor - and subject to a further £10,000 worth of restoration work, to - in the words of the vendor - push it over the last 10% of work required to make it a truly outstanding example.

This recent round of works included de-bumpering the body for a more aggressive look, fitment of the period-correct 180-section Michelin XAS tyres, more attention to the body and chassis, fitment of numerous reproduction interior parts and trims, new carpets, re-upholstering the seats, fitting of the heater fan and ducting, fit a new choke cable, and other minor adjustments and attention to various little issues around the vehicle.

The result of this work by both the current and previous owner is a factory-correct (other than the right-hand-drive conversion) and extensively restored example of the classic ‘big Healey’ that is ready to jump in and enjoy, presenting in fantastic condition both aesthetically and mechanically.

On the Outside

With its purposeful stance, high-profile Michelin tyres, wire wheels and gorgeous, sculpted bodywork, this BJ7 looks every inch the thoroughbred British sports car.

Presented in excellent condition throughout, there is no doubt that this classic 60’s design icon will still turn plenty of heads with ease, such is the standard of the restoration that has been carried out.

Naturally, there are some marks visible to the paintwork, owing to its age, rather than its mileage. These take the form of several small stone chips and minor wear marks, the worst of which have been filled in and are largely undetectable to the naked eye, unless you are specifically looking for them.

The chrome details throughout the vehicle are in fantastic shape, though there is some lovely age-related patina visible to areas such as the windscreen surround and capping on the doors, consistent with a vehicle that has seen little use since works were completed.

Up above, the folding soft-top is in excellent condition and engages/disengages without any resistance or issues, and the material looks to be free from any damage, whilst the plastic rear window bears only some creasing from spending extended periods stowed away.

On the Inside

Extensively restored and with numerous re-upholstered parts, the cabin of this 2+2 Sports Convertible is a true time-warp, taking the driver and passengers back to the golden era of British sports car design, with swathes of leather and vinyl making even short journeys in this BJ7 a true joy.

The seats, naturally, have no signs of any wear-and-tear thanks to their recent re-covering, whilst the carpets, door cards and dashboard are all of a similar condition, with very little - if any - signs of use making themselves known.

Ahead of the driver, the period-correct Moto-Lita steering wheel is in good order, with some light wear to the wooden rim and minor pitting and patina to the chrome centre spokes, offering some wonderful charm and character to the cabin.

As far as we could tell - and to the best of the vendor’s knowledge - all systems are working as they should be, with the oil temperature coming up as it should, and the oil pressure gauge showing a healthy reading.

It should be noted that the original mileage upon import was 76,441 but this was reset upon completion of the initial overhaul in 2011, thanks to the entire car being rebuild and refurbished, essentially taking it back to 0 miles.

Underneath

Firing up with ease despite having stood for a few weeks prior to our photo shoot, the inline-six engine in the front of this Healey purred happily when cold, and once warm settled into a happy, refined idle, with the exhaust note further enhanced by the fitment of a second silencer to the exhaust system, which was sourced from a later ‘8’ model car.

During our photo shoot, we noticed no untoward issues with the engine, no strange behaviours, and a refreshing lack of smoke from the exhaust, which amounted to virtually nil once the vehicle was warm - excellent news all round, then. The vendor also reports no known issues with the drivetrain, and given its extensive work in recent years, we certainly wouldn’t expect any problems to suddenly make themselves known.

Under the body, the chassis is in fantastic condition, with no sign of any concerning corrosion or issues that we could see, though as always there are plenty of underside photos included in the gallery below.

History Highlights

Included with this 1963 Austin-Healey is not one but two extensive folders of history, documenting the works both in current and previous ownership.

Naturally, all the documentation has been photographed and is available to view below, but highlights include the following:

The V5, showing 0 former keepers (the vendor has not registered the vehicle in their name, due to being a trade seller).

Extensive invoices from the recent round of works at Retromarques.

A DVD of restoration photographs from the 2008-11 restoration work.

Registration documents and confirmation of the car being correctly registered as a historic vehicle, thereby making it exempt from mandatory MoT testing and road fund.

An extensive level of invoices and documentation from the 08-11 restoration for parts, work and sundry items.

The all-important Heritage certificate, confirming its factory specification and NA destination.