Looking to further appease the American market, Austin-Healey’s Mk III variant of the 3000 (internally designated the BJ8) saw the car retain its beloved, curvaceous styling while expanding slightly to allow for 2+2 seating with a handful of added luxuries. These new features included the fitment of a wraparound windshield, roll-up windows with swiveling vents, an all-new burl-walnut dashboard, with a quick-action folding soft-top. Upgrades were more than just skin deep with a high-lift camshaft, larger SU HD8 carburetors, and power-assisted disc brakes were fitted to ensure this new Austin-Healey drove as good as it looked.

Completed by Austin-Healey in June of 1966, this Mk III BJ8 was originally finished in British Racing Green alongside a black interior and convertible top. Built to LHD specifications for the North American market, according to the accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this car was dispatched to New York City when new. It was equipped when new with wire wheels with whitewall Roadspeed tires, a heater, an adjustable steering column, a laminated windscreen, overdrive, and a black tonneau cover.

Acquired by the current owner in 2008, upon his purchase the Austin-Healey was stripped to bare metal and repainted in a two-tone color combination of British Racing Green with Biscuit coves, alongside an interior retrim in matching colors. At the same time, some mechanical work was done to the car which included rebuilding the car’s front suspension, steering box, drum brakes, and dashboard instruments alongside new switchgear. All this work was completed in Massachusetts by the current owner before being shipped to Northern California, where it has resided ever since. Invoices are on file for this restoration work, alongside more recent invoices from 2018 and 2019 for remedying a coolant leak, an oil change, replacing the brake servo, and adjusting ignition timing.

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic British cars in its era, the “Big Healey” was a car lusted by many on both sides of the pond. The natural next step for those looking to upgraded from an MG or a Triumph, the 3000 Mk III BJ8 combined performance, style, and sophistication in one irresistible package. Presented in stunning colors, this example would certainly stand out from the crowd.