2019-10-11 16:51:45 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 10/19
online.handh.co.uk/m/lot-details/index/catalog/118/lot/45829/%2Fm%2Fview-auctions%2Fcatalog%2Fid%2F118%2F

Auction description:
Lot 44
1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII
Estimate: £40,000 - £45,000
Registration No:GKU550E
Chassis No:HBJ8-37757
MOT:August 2020

- A 'home market' car supplied new by Lookers Ltd of Manchester and first registered in Bradford on 16th February 1967

- Current ownership since 1984 and treated to an extensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration during 2002-2003

- 'Matching' chassis, engine, body, gearbox and even key numbers!

- Subtly uprated with overdrive, spin-on oil filter, electric cooling fan, period looking alternator, Denis Welch high performance cooling fan, alloy sump with baffle plates, stainless steel exhaust, nylon front suspension bushes, competition front anti-roll bar, 72-spoke stainless wire wheels, quick release fuel filler cap and upgraded shock absorbers etc

According to its accompanying BMIHT Certificate, chassis H-BJ8/37757 was despatched on 25th August 1966 to Lookers Ltd of Manchester. Issued with the Bradford registration number `GKU 550E' the following February, it entered the current ownership via Peter Smith Sportscars of Derby during April 1984. Taxed and MOT'd at the time, close inspection revealed that the Big Healey was free of major corrosion but somewhat tired. Driven to Le Mans in June 1988, the 2+2-seater was partially refurbished in time for a return trip to La Sarthe two years later. Garaged over the winter and enjoyed during the summer from 1990-2002, `GKU 550E' was then treated to a very thorough restoration `without any budget or time restrictions'. Fitted with new rear wings and sills, the body was painted in Colorado Red over Old English White. Converted to run on unleaded fuel with hardened valve seats, the engine also gained a new oil pump, rocker shaft, main / big-end bearings, honed bores and fresh piston rings. The dashboard top and centre console were recovered and a new hood, door panels and carpets installed. The speedometer and recounter were recalibrated too. New stainless-steel spoked wire wheels were added in 2004 along with an upgraded radiator and overhauled carburettors during 2006. The Big Healey's impressive specification includes: concealed electric cooling fan, oil cooler, spin-on oil filter, overdrive, period-looking alternator / alloy pulley, chrome air horns, Denis Welch high performance cooling fan, FM Motorola 727 radio, alloy sump with baffle plates, stainless steel original pattern exhaust, heat wrapped exhaust downpipes, cockpit heatshield insulation, alloy rocker cover, nylon front suspension bushes, competition front anti-roll bar, uprated shock absorbers, quick-release fuel filler flap, twin 7-inch Lucas spotlights, tonneau cover, hood cover and carpeted boot etc. Boasting matching chassis, engine, gearbox, body and even key numbers, `GKU 550E' has recently been recommissioned following six years' inactivity. Passing a MOT test on 13th August 2019 with `no advisories', this appealing `home market' Big Healey has covered some 15,000 post-restoration miles and will be driven to the sale.