2023-08-18 10:34:57 | pauls writes:

Car on BAT

bringatrailer.com/listing/1966-austin-healey-3000-bj8-mk-iii-55/

Auction description:

Seller: RM9700

Location: Carefree, Arizona 85377

Chassis: HBJ8L32968

2.9-Liter Inline-Six

Four-Speed Manual Transmission w/OD

Repainted Metallic Golden Beige

Red Vinyl Upholstery

Replacement Black Soft Top

15" Wire Wheels

Front Disc Brakes

Woodgrain Dashboard Trim

Dual SU Carburetors

Stainless-Steel Exhaust System

Tool Kit

Refurbishment Records

Private Party or Dealer: Private Party

Lot #117979

This 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 Mk III was acquired by the current owner in California in 2017 and subsequently underwent a multi-year refurbishment. Work involved rebuilding the 2.9-liter inline-six, resealing the four-speed manual transmission and overdrive unit, overhauling the suspension and brakes, repairing and refinishing the frame, re-trimming the interior with red vinyl upholstery, repairing rust, and repainting the car in metallic beige. Additional equipment includes a replacement black soft top, 15″ wire wheels, front disc brakes, wood veneer interior trim, a cabin heater, dual SU carburetors, and a stainless-steel exhaust system. The brake and clutch fluid reservoirs were repaired in preparation for the sale. This BJ8 is now offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner in Arizona with a tool kit, spare parts, refurbishment records, and a Washington title.

The body was removed from the frame, stripped, and reportedly repainted Metallic Golden Beige during the refurbishment. Rust was repaired in the quarter panels, floor pans, rear floor, and rocker panels before the repaint. A replacement black soft top was fitted, and additional exterior details include a hood scoop, a left-side mirror, vent windows, polished dual exhaust outlets, and chrome bumpers with overriders.

The 15″ knock-off wire wheels were installed during the refurbishment and are mounted with older Pirelli tires. The suspension and brakes were overhauled, and the rear leaf springs were replaced. Stopping power is provided by front discs and rear drums.

The interior was refreshed during the refurbishment, and the seats, center console, door panels, and side panels were reupholstered in red vinyl. The padded dashboard cover was also replaced and red carpets were installed. Additional appointments include woodgrain dashboard trim, a dash-mounted rearview mirror, a lockable glove compartment, rubber floor mats, and manual crank windows.

A banjo-style steering wheel is mounted on an adjustable column and fronts Smiths instrumentation that includes a 140-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and supplementary gauges for oil pressure and water temperature. The fuel gauge functions intermittently, and the seller states the speedometer does not function consistently. A spare speedometer cable is included in the sale. The five-digit odometer shows 23k miles, approximately 700 of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

The 2.9-liter inline-six was overhauled as part of the refurbishment and is equipped with dual SU carburetors. The brake and clutch reservoirs were repaired in July 2023.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive, and the transmission and overdrive unit were resealed during the refurbishment. Further work included stripping, repairing, and rebuilding the frame as well as replacing the clutch assembly and installing a stainless-steel exhaust system. Oil drips are noted from the rear main seal and the overdrive sump unit.

An “Antique” brand is listed on the Washington title.