Introduced in late 1963 and built through December 1967, the 3000 Mark III, series BJ8, was the final version of the beloved “big Healey” and represents the highest refinement of the marque.

With twin two-inch SU carburetors, the well-developed 2,912-cubic centimeter six-cylinder engine of the 3000 Mark III produced 150 horsepower, the most of any model of the Austin-Healey line. Acceleration from 0–60 mph took just 9.8 seconds, and top speed was around 120 mph. Other improvements of the 3000 Mark III included a revised exhaust system, a vacuum brake booster as standard, and, after the initial 1,390 examples, a revised rear suspension to increase ride height for improved ground clearance, as found on this example.

The model name 3000 Mark III and the series designation BJ8 are synonymous, and it is only this model of the entire range of Austin-Healeys that featured a luxurious cockpit combining a dashboard of burled walnut and a center console, as well as the curved windscreen with wing windows and the roll-up side windows introduced shortly before on the series BJ7 model.

It is clearly the most comfortable, most weather-tight, and most luxurious model among all Austin-Healeys. Comfortable and fast yet classically styled, the 3000 Mark III marked the epitome of the open British sports car and is widely considered an iconic example of the best of the era.

The example offered here has had only two owners from new, with the first owner enjoying the car for 48 years. Dr. Richard Huntley, of Muskegon, Michigan, purchased the car on August 17, 1965, and took delivery in Holland, Michigan. The original purchase price of the car was $2,821, and added to that was $28 for a tonneau cover, $125 for an AM/FM radio, $40 for a luggage rack, $15 for a pair of fender mirrors, $5 for a locking gas cap, $40 for two three-point seat belts, $32 for two back-up lights, and $30 for undercoating. Included with the car are its original purchase order, sales invoice, and bill of sale.

Under the second ownership, the car has benefited from an extensive refurbishment, including mechanical, structural, and cosmetic improvements. The cost of this work was approximately $40,000, and all was carried out within the past two years. Mechanical work included extensive mechanical sorting of the engine, a rebuild of the hydraulics (brakes and clutch), replacement of the engine and transmission mounts, a check and repair of ancillary components, and the installation of a new exhaust system. Further body work included frame straightening, corrosion repair, and refitting of doors, fenders, and shrouds to achieve proper function and restore proper gaps. Interior work amounted to rebuilding and recovering the seats and fabrication of a new carpet set.

Finished in classic British Racing Green, as original, this big Healey is ready for any of the innumerable prestigious events to which it will be warmly welcomed. Extensively refurbished to assure reliable performance, it retains a patina not found on overly restored cars, and it is accompanied by its original Driver’s Handbook and a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate verifying its original specification.

The offer of this outstanding Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III marks a tremendous opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of these British sports car icons. It will be a wonderful addition to any collection and an excellent choice as an event car or simply for personal enjoyment.