2023-12-01 10:23:45 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1964-austin-healey-3000-mk-iii-bj8-phase-i-n9kQX8

Seller's description:

1964 Austin Healey 3000

Colour Blue

Odometer 711 Kilometres

Engine size 2912

Seller Type Private

Town Livorno

Country Italy

Rare and desirable BJ8 Mk III ‘Phase 1’ model of which only 1,036 were made

Subject to a comprehensive restoration six years ago

Totally restored bodywork stripped back to bare metal and repainted

Rebuilt engine with only 2,000 kilometres covered since

Accompanied by a British Heritage Certificate and ASI Historic Significance Certificate

Matching numbers and restored to factory-correct colour scheme inside and out

The History and Paperwork

Left-hand drive

Complete restoration conducted six years ago

Supplied with a valid Italian roadworthiness certificate

The vehicle is not registered with the Automotoclub Storico Italiano

British Heritage Certificate and ASI Historic Significance Certificate present

Photographic documentation of the full restoration is supplied

 The Condition

During the restoration, the bodywork was completely restored from bare metal

The body and paint now present beautifully, displaying no notable imperfections

New tyres fitted to the gleaming chrome wire wheels

New carpet and new soft top installed

The doors, boot and glovebox locks retain the same key as originally fitted

Retains the original exterior and interior colours as per the British Heritage certificate

The vendor points out that this model boasted a walnut-root dashboard, black-bottomed instruments, a centre console and descending windows

We noticed some slight marks to the brightwork, but nothing significant 

The folding roof remains tight and free from any signs of damage

All presents really well underneath, having been refinished to an exemplary standard

Retaining what some regard as more graceful lines and elegant details than the relatively ubiquitous ‘Phase II’ BJ8s, ‘Phase I’ is often cited as striking the perfect balance between looks and usability - which is to say that it was the most advanced Healey produced before raising the ground clearance altered its appearance somewhat.

This example is in impeccable condition. Not only has it been restored to its original specifications and colours, but the standard of the work is exceptional and the vendor has clearly taken immense care of it ever since.

The Mechanics 

2,912 cc ‘Type 29K’ straight-six 

HD8 carburettors and a high-lift camshaft with uprated valve springs gave these later ‘Phase I’ Healeys a power increase from 136 horsepower to 150

The engine has been rebuilt with only 2,000 km covered since

Four-speed manual gearbox

Complete overhaul of the front and rear suspension with new shock absorbers all-round

Complete overhaul of the brakes, gearbox and overdrive

New petrol tank and electrical system installed

As if this car wasn’t special enough as a rare ‘Phase I’, it’s also one of the later examples which benefited from a significant power increase. Equipped with the coveted ‘Type 29K’ straight-six, it produced fourteen more horsepower and boasts power-assisted brakes.

Having undergone an engine rebuild and comprehensive overhaul of the remaining mechanicals, it comes as no surprise that this Austin Healey runs and drives very well indeed. The vendor reports that it produces ample power and continues to perform exactly as it should.