2012-08-04 01:00:31 | AH Data writes:

The record was updated:

2012-08-03 10:48:47 | Chregu writes:

For sale on ebay for $47,500.00 buy it now: cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-RUST-FREE-69K-ORIG-MILES-BARN-FIND-CHROME-WIRE-KNOC ...

West Coast Classics are proud to present the ultimate candidate for a full restoration or simply a rare opportunity to enjoy this wonderful daily driving and rust free example of this original 69,900 miles last year of the 'Big Healey's' - a 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ-8 2+2 Roadster!

The Austin Healey 3000 was the final development of the Austin Healey theme with the original layout of the legendary 100-6, one of the most famous and perfect of sports car shapes ever created, basically retained but with an enlarged engine capacity of 2.9L compared to the earlier 2.6L engine, front disc brakes and a plush interior along with creature comforts such as a curved windshield, a proper fully convertible top, wind up windows, a proper fold down hood, push button door handles and even a lockable glove box! The final Mark III was the culmination of the original models combined styling forces but now boasted the most power of all the models plus a walnut wood covered dash and a center console, revised rear suspension and a less vunerable exhaust system due to the models better ground clearance. These last 'Big Healey's' used modified cast iron engines with an uncomplicated design which was both tuneable and very strong with a top speed of 120 mph and with acceleration to match. Impending U.S. safety and emissions regulations scheduled to take effect after the 1967 year model effectively killed the big Healey in its biggest export market. A few left over's were sold in '68 with this particular car being sold in '69 and therefore probably one of the last big Healey's ever sold!

Recently purchased from its long time southern California owner and obviously always garaged and covered with no signs of body damage or rust and in great daily driving condition with the engine, clutch, transmission, suspension and braking system all performing like a car with such low miles should! The engine is smooth and responsive with the renown Healey rumble identifying the Healey straight six as much as a Ferrari's sound does it's V12! The 4 speed transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears, including the reverse gear and the optional and highly desirable overdrive function works as it should which means it works through all the gears and not just as a fifth speed which is great for highway driving!

The car looks extremely impressive with an older but still acceptable and presentable re-paint in 'Olde English White' and the 'Blue with Gold piping' interior is in exceptional and in mostly original specification condition (apart from the after market CD player) with original 'Smiths' gauges which are all in correct working order! The soft top is in great shape, both functionally and otherwise and the car had five factory chrome wire 'knock off' wheels which are all in great condition with the spare wire wheel in the trunk along with the car's tonneau cover. As stated earlier, the engine is extremely strong and powerful and sounds absolutely magnificent - this is a rare opportunity to own a perfect candidate for an easy start full restoration of an already perfect daily driving BJ-8 Mark III roadster with the highly desirable factory options of overdrive and wire wheels - a perfect project for the British car or Austin-Healey enthusiast or simply a perfect daily driver for any British sports car enthusiast or collector!