2025-04-07 17:11:08 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 4/25

www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-35---1966-austin-healey-3000-mkiii/

Auction description:

9th Apr, 2025, Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

Lot 35

1966 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII

UK RHD Car low owners.

Estimate £48,000 - £54,000

Registration No: PAR 658D

Chassis No: HBJ835572

MOT: Exempt

Desirable RHD 'home market' BJ8 example

Just 3 Former keepers over nearly 60 years

Previously used for long-distance touring, with some subtle upgrades

First owned by Ms Judith Davies of Leavesden, ‘PAR 658D’ belonged to Maggi and Roger Byford for some forty-five years before entering the current (fourth) ownership via our June 2023 IWM Duxford auction. Garaged alongside the Byfords’ all-conquering, works-specification rally car ’32 EXT’ for decades, the BJ8 was used for numerous European Tours being subtly modified with a works-style overdrive switch to the gear knob, electronic ignition and 12v charging ports for sat-nav devices / mobile telephones. Entrusted to RobSport of Shepreth for a full inspection and minor recommissioning ahead of its last appearance under the hammer, the Big Healey had its fluid levels checked, nipples greased and spark plugs replaced etc. Described by RobSport proprietor Simon Hebditch at the time as “a car that runs and drives great, with overdrive (though a non-overdrive back axle has been utilised which is much better for touring)”. He also commented that “the mechanicals are great - the car really is a pleasure to drive with no noises that shouldn’t be there” before adding “the underside is excellent and not rusty” and “the trim has a nice patina and the dashboard is great, with the vinyl hood and tonneau also fitting well”. Deemed by the seller to be “running very well”, he has had the seat pads and door cards sympathetically smartened and the engine re-tuned. Well-known in Big Healey circles, this low owner, ‘home market’ BJ8 is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, handbook, workshop manual, jack and hammer etc.