It is 1952 when Leonard Lord walks the trading floor of the Earls Court Motor Show before opening time. He stops at Donald Healey’s booth, who is presenting the ‘Donald Healey 100’ at the show. Lord is impressed and before the doors open to the public, Lord buys Healey’s rights. Together they present the Austin-Healey 100 that afternoon. And the rest is history, they say.
The adventure begins with the 100, fully designated as 100-4 BN-1. Admittedly, a little sexy name but the car makes up for everything. The design comes from Gerry Coker and is still regarded as one of the most successfully designed bodies available. After a few four-cylinder versions, the first six-cylinder came on the market in 1956, 2.6 litres in size and originating from Austin Westminster. After two years the time has come, the Big Healey makes its appearance, the heavy boy. A 2.9-litre BMC C-series six-cylinder that has a large number of enthusiasts. In 1962 the 3000 Mk3 BJ8 comes on the market, with a slightly modified dashboard and a different centre console. A modified camshaft and carburettor resulted in an increase in power, so the Big Healey is now 150 hp strong.
The 3000 Mk3 BJ8 you see here is from 1967 and is one to enjoy to the fullest. This can be done both by looking and by driving because this restored 3000 is a very beautiful and well-driving copy.
The body of the typical English green Healey has been professionally restored in the past. The result is very satisfactory. A beautiful body and ditto interior make it a beautiful overall picture. The green paint immediately provides the well-known classic Healey appearance, beloved spoke wheels complete the overall picture on the outside. Neatly maintained, and neatly cared for, everything about this car shows that it has been cherished down to the last detail.
The Healey is not one that has only stood in a corner to be beautiful, the car has also been driven. And you will notice that when you set off with this car. The nice and bright six-cylinder hangs well on the gas and the Healey shifts excellently. The brakes are responsive and perfectly prepared for their task.
Surrounding you is the stylish black leather interior, with beautiful wooden dashboard panels and beautiful Smith instruments and rocker switches. The bucket seats are comfortable and keep you in place during sportier rides. The upholstery is beautiful without appearing ‘too new’, so the ambiance is completely right. Did we already mention that the black soft top is in optimal condition? Hereby! If the car is parked, there is also a black tonneau cover with the car to cover it neatly.
The technology of this 3000 is completely up to date and very well cared for. The engine compartment is very neat, with carburettors, cables, and the block itself all looking excellent. The car is rock hard and rust is strange to the body and bottom.
This Austin-Healey 3000 Mk3 BJ8 is one we like very much: a beautiful colour scheme, the right engine and beautiful details such as the black leather and the wire wheels. A driver’s car in top condition!
