2018-01-15 21:55:59 | pauls writes:

Car listed as sold at:
www.fantasyjunction.com/cars/2031-Austin-Healey-3000%20Mk.%20II-2.9%20Litre%206- ...

Sellers description:
1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark II Tri-Carb
s/n HB57L16356
Black with Black Interior

This particular car is a rare tri-carb, center shift example, which is regarded as the more desirable series among Healey owners. The ownership history and records date back to the early 1970s in Northern California. The car was owned by a resident of Fremont, CA from 1973 - 1979, and then sold to "Concourse Car Center" in Hayward, CA. Shortly thereafter, the car was acquired by Oakland British Motors of Oakland, CA, who prepared a detailed service record from 1979 replacing the clutch, new rotor, points, plugs, thermostat, and various hoses, likely in preparation for sale. At that time, the car had 89,964 miles when it was sold to the current owner on November 20, 1979. In 1980, the current owner had the engine rebuilt. During his near 40 year ownership, the car was garaged at the current owners Oakland, CA home where it accumulated an additional 25,000 miles, reflected in the 12,438 miles currently showing on the car. In recent years marque expert Jim Groom has performed maintenance and general service on the car as needed.

Cosmetically, the car presents in good driver condition with older black paint over what appears to be a largely original and solid body. The current owner indicates that there were never any accidents during his ownership, however the passenger rear corner appears to have had minor body repair at some point prior to 1979. Further inspection reveals that the car was at one time previously painted red, likely the original color. The body panels are generally nice with no major issues noted. The doors have slight looseness in closure, but the hood and trunk are solid and fit well. The chrome is in good shape, with light pitting and some surface scratches on a few pieces. The bumpers and grill present nicely, with nice contrast against the black paint. The glass and lighting are in good condition, with minor road wear to the front windscreen.

The interior is a tidy combination of enjoyably used materials befitting the years of ownership. The upholstery itself is in good shape, particularly the seats, which have been recently recovered in high quality black vinyl. The carpeting is tidy and serviceable, while the dashboard, steering wheel, and instruments appear original and visually quite nice. There are no major deviations from stock inside or outside, in keeping with the preservation and leisurely use that has been the guiding theme over the past four decades.

The engine compartment is attractive and tidy, having been properly finished with attention to originality and finishes, with a few minor deviations toward modern motoring. The engine compartment certainly shows signs of use, but remains quite attractive and in keeping with the generally sound exterior presentation. The firewall and inner fenders show no immediately visible signs of damage or repair. The interior of the trunk was recently fitted with new correct upholstery.

The car starts easily and settles into solid idle. The gearshift lever has a bit of play, but gears are easily engaged and the clutch works smoothly without a great deal of pedal pressure. Brakes are essentially consistent with expectations of the period, and the lightness of the car makes steering rather easy even at slower speeds. The car tracks well on the road, with good manners exhibiting generally predictable sounds one might encounter from a tidy but capable car of this era. The car comes with various manuals, assorted copies of older editions of "Healey Highlights", a black soft top, a roll bar, a black tonneau cover, side curtains with window frames, a set of fog lamps, rear seat cover stays, jack, and a pair of new Austin Healey fender covers.

This is a great opportunity to acquire an attractive big Healey that has been enjoyed and maintained by a thoughtful long-term enthusiast. A rare tri-carb center shift car, this example is documented with 40+ years of history and care, making it an ideal driver, being cosmetically and mechanically sound such that the new owner will have no apprehensions about driving and enjoying it as originally intended.