1965 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8

This 3000 went out of the Abingdon factory in January 1965. The last owner bought it through our current seller in late 2019, who after enjoying the car for more than two years thinks it is now time to move on.

Before being delivered in 2019, our seller - who is a restoration specialist of British cars - has done some work on the car. According to the invoice of the purchase of the car, some small jobs were included in the selling price such as the windscreen wipers and washers, the soft top spring, choke cable, gear lever knob, carburetor setting and so on. But, some additional work had been requested by the buyer, including a new soft top, a speedometer in kilometers, a new wood dashboard, new keys and more for a total of 3,813€.

Overall, what we can say is that the car has been well cared for during the last few years. Of course, being a 57 years old car, the new owner could choose to improve some things such as redoing the paint on the driver's door or synchronizing the carburetors and other minor things.

We are advised that the car’s body is in good condition, with some defects (as photographed). The body panels appear sound and are correctly adjusted and positioned and the door and boot openings work as intended.

The Colorado Red paintwork in said to be in good condition, with a chip on the passenger door, a dual scratch on the driver door and a chip on the rear trunk. We are advised that the car shows no evidence of rust and the window and door seals are in good condition with cracks or tears. However, it is observed that the rear bumper seals are missing.

The brightwork appears to be in good order and both the rear and front light lenses are clear of the usual age-related fogging or sun-bleaching caused by too much exposure to sunlight. The car rides on a new set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres which finish off the overall appearance of the car very well.

Again, in acknowledgment of the car’s 57 years, the interior presents in reasonable condition but would benefit from some TLC by its new keeper. Much of the interior brightwork is in good condition with one or two piece needing attention, particularly around the temperature boost controls.

The furniture is finished in black leather and all appears to be in good condition, although the passenger seat is showing more wear than would normally be expected. There are scuff marks on the driver’s door sill and lower door card.

However, overall, the interior presents in a ‘lovingly used’ condition. The convertible soft top was recently replaced with a new, bespoke unit and appears to be in excellent condition. In addition, the wooden veneered dashboard was replaced and a refurbished KPH speedometer fitted.

According to the provided photographs, the tidy engine compartment appears to be in good condition. The engine is said to start well and settle into a burbling idle with little encouragement. There is no smoke or extraneous noise at start-up and the oil pressure is stable and the engine does not overheat.

There is a four-speed gearbox with overdrive paired to the 3.0-litre engine. As the gearbox is original, the new keeper can look forward to a pleasing short-throw action through the gears when underway. The clutch is said to exhibit no hard spots or slippage. In addition, the brakes are said to show no abnormal wear or leakage through any area of its system.

The vendor reports that the steering exhibits no excessive play or hard spots in its use. The same is said of the running gear which is said to be in good working order, but with slight surface corrosion on the axles. It is noted that the rear axle is showing a visible oil leak on the body of the axle.

It is evident from its overall appearance of this Austin-Healey 3000 that the car has been driven and enjoyed on a regular basis and looked after to a good standard.

The car is currently located in Paris, France. If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

Since its introduction in 1959, The Austin-Healey 3000 has become one of Britain’s most loved and collectable sports cars, bringing stylish design, an exciting drive and everyday usability to thousands of drivers who were only too happy to switch from their socially sensible Zodiac’s, Cortina’s and Zephyr’s to something that put a skip in their step and delivered considerably more smiles-per-gallon.

This left-hand drive example of the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk3 Roadster is in good condition throughout and should serve its new owner for many more years to come – and, hopefully, not just on Sundays.

We estimate for this Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 to reach anywhere between €47,000 - €54,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and as stated this car is located in Paris, France; and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.