2013-09-20 17:11:27 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auciton 9/13
www.russoandsteele.com/collector-car/1965-Austin-Healey-3000/60102

Auction description:
1965 Austin Healey 3000 Sports Convertible
Las Vegas 2013
Consignment # 6107
VIN: HBJ8L29548

Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale September 26th-28th at Russo and Steele's inaugural Las Vegas, Nevada Auction.

This 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 has undergone a complete and painstaking body-off restoration and has covered only abut 3,300 miles since completion. The car was completely disassembled and refinished part by part, and the chassis and inner fender wells were completely stripped and powder coated to match the body color. The chassis was rust-free to start, as was the great majority of the body.

The front and rear suspensions were disassembled, blasted and powder-coated gloss black, including the brake drums, shocks, coil springs, and more. The shocks were professionally rebuilt, the rear leaf springs are new, and all bushings and kingpins were replaced. Virtually no expense was spared during this restoration. The engine was rebuilt by Healeymasters in San Fernando, California, with the block bored, new pistons, rings, and rebuilt rods. The camshaft, lifters, and pushrods are all new, as are the oil pump and of course, all ancillary items. A Delco alternator was installed for reliability, along with a new wiring harness, front to rear. All glass was replaced and the window-winding mechanisms were rebuilt. All brake lines were replaced with stainless steel, and the shoes, wheel cylinders, and calipers were replaced. The drums were turned. A complete stainless-steel exhaust system was installed as well.

This car was built to be driven and for that reason, a Toyota five-speed transmission was installed, using a kit made by Smitty for the Healey, which bolts directly in with no cutting of any kind required. The all-synchro transmission is a pleasure to drive with, and helps keep the car cooler inside due to the increased space under the transmission tunnel. Best of all, the car retains the stock look. Other modifications include a beautiful Nardi steering wheel and matching shift knob, "works" rally vents in the front fenders, an Aston Martin fuel-filler cap, and such engine upgrades as an aluminum rocker cover, finned aluminum oil pan and "Texas desert" cooling fan. The engine runs nice and cool and does not overheat.

The paint is top-of-the-line Glasurit urethane with a clear coat. All chrome on the car has been rechromed and the wheels are 72-spoke Dunlop tubeless chrome wires. The tires are Michelin radials and have about 200 to 300 miles of use since being installed this year. The dash and glovebox are book-matched burled walnut and all instruments were sent to British Sportscar Specialists for rebuilding. The top and full tonneau cover are both made from premium Stayfast material, the carpets are wool, and seat covers are custom-cut Connolly leather done by Tim at The Healey Store. According to the consignor, the only known items requiring attention are the trip odometer (the regular odometer does work), the radio is installed but not connected (he prefers to listen to the engine instead), and the horn.

The owner/consignor performed most of the work on the car himself with the help of two other Healey shops and a marque enthusiast who works for a Healey shop. He has retained the car for 20 years and it is not a "clean and paint" to sell car. This car has enjoyed many, many hours of loving care and more was done than space permits. Ready to drive anywhere and enjoy, this wonderful Healey is accompanied by a photo album documenting the restoration.