1964 Austin-Healey 3000MKIII

West Coast Classics are proud to present a rare opportunity to enjoy this exceptionally well restored and wonderful daily driving and obviously always rust free example of this 1964 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III (very desirable Phase II) 2912cc 6 cylinder 2+2 Convertible, the final series (known as Phase III or the BJ8s and built between 1964-7 and this is one of the early Phase II models) are considered the best incarnation of this legendary marque, known by enthusiasts worldwide quite simply as the Big Healeys - here is a beautiful and highly striking example of a beautifully restored with no expense spared on an already exemplary rust and accident free example 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ-8 2+2 Convertible with with desirable factory overdrive! One of just 16,322 Phase II Healeys produced; desirable early example Matching-numbers engine; recently sorted Includes books, tools, and jack British Motoring Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) CertificateThe 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 vulnerable exhaust system due to the models better ground clearance. These last Big Healeys 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 although a few left overs were sold in 68.The Austin-Healey 3000 series, first introduced in 1959, was an evolution of the celebrated Austin-Healey 100 sports car of the mid-1950s. This 1964 Mk III BJ8 Phase II model is representative of the highest and, unfortunately, final development of the celebrated Big Healeys before the model was discontinued in 1968. For many collectors, this car, along with the Series 1 Jaguar E-Type, represents the pinnacle of the British sports car world.In almost every area the 3000 Mk III Phase II was an improvement over the earlier 3000 models. The 2,912-cc six-cylinder engine was boosted to nearly 150 bhp and backed by a four-speed transmission, with overdrive as standard. The handling was improved by including radius arms at the rear axle. Front disc brakes were featured as standard. Finally, the cockpit was made more luxurious by including as standard a heater, adjustable steering wheel, windshield washers, and wood fascia and center console between the seats. Even though it was more comfortable than previous offerings, its top speed of 120 mph made it the fastest of all the road-going Healeys.This particular example was obviously always garaged and has no signs of body damage or rust and was recently frame off restored in its very striking Black over Red color combination with a matching all new leather interior and apart from its already striking appearance, also boasts a lovely walnut dash and to top it off 4 x 72 spoke Dayton chrome knock off wire wheels with a spare wire wheel and mallet in the trunk!According to its accompanying BMIHT Certificate, this Austin-Healey 3000 was built between 23 April and 5 May 1964. It was dispatched to New Orleans, Louisiana, on 27 May and was equipped with overdrive, wire wheels wrapped with whitewall tires, a heater, adjustable steering wheel, and black tonneau cover. Presented today in its stunning and original color combination of Black with Red interior, this car was the subject of a professional frame-off restoration in 2004 and has been well maintained since.The car is in great daily driving condition with the engine smooth and responsive with the renown Healey rumble identifying the Healey straight six as much as a Ferraris sound does its V12! The 4 speed transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears, including the reverse gear and the optional and highly desirable factory 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 and is certainly of show quality presented in this highly striking color combination with completely original specifications throughout including the original Smiths gauges which are all in correct working order! The matching Black soft top is also obviously in as new shape, both functionally and otherwise and the cars chrome wire knock off wheels are all in as new condition also with no curb rash or marks and the spare wire wheel and knock off mallet are in their right places in the trunk!This is a rare opportunity to own a beautifully restored and perfect daily driving 1964 Austin Healey BJ-8 Mark III roadster with the highly desirable factory options of overdrive and wire wheels - a perfect candidate for the classic British sports car or Austin-Healey collector to add to his collection or simply a perfect daily driver for any British sports car enthusiast!