1966 Austin-Healey 3000MKIII

The Austin-Healey marques genesis was that of the Healey Hundred, shown originally by Donald Healey at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show in London. While Austin was not involved in the concept, Board Chairman Leonard Lord saw the car and its reaction from the press prior to the public opening of the show. That evening a deal between the two men and their companies was formed at the famed Dorchester Hotel in London: giving birth to the Austin-Healey brand. The marques sleek design and proper British Motoring set up resulted in strong sales throughout Europe and North America. With time powertrains evolved from inline four cylinders to straight sixes displacing nearly three liters, the latter of which carried the name Austin-Healey 3000. The last of the 3000 models was the Mk III manufactured through the 1967 model year. Also known as the BJ8, the model is known for its luxuriously appointed interior with roll up windows and burl walnut dash inserts. BJ8s represents the last of the big Healeys and to many are the pinnacle of the marque! The Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (BJ8) Roadster featured here is finished in stunning Ivory White over Golden Beige coves with a largely unrestored black interior and matching black convertible top. Per the accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate this Austin-Healey 3000 was completed at the Abingdon, England works on January 18th 1966 and dispatched to St. Louis, Missouri the following month. The car was sold by the regions premier distributor of BMC products Continental Cars in June of 1967 to its long-term owner. The original sales invoice still accompanies the car today showing a sale price of $2,650.00. Additional documentation includes a copy of the Missouri title from 1967, the original BMC Radio warranty card, and the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate noting that engine serial no. 29K RU H 9412 is original to the car. During the owners tenure of over 50 years the Austin-Healey participated in numerous events including the 1999 national Austin-Healey Club of America Conclave held in St. Louis. A badge commemorating the event is affixed to the front grille today. Video footage of the event shows the car being driven at nearby Gateway International Raceway. In May 2005 the BJ8 also graced the cover of the AHCA Healey Marque magazine, a copy of which still accompanies the car. ITS ALIVE! acquired the Austin-Healey from the original owners trust after his passing. Fittingly the previous owner purchased the car while living in the St. Louis suburb of Bridgeton, the very same that ITS ALIVE! calls home. It seems appropriate that we have the opportunity to pass along this well-loved automobile to its next caretaker. Today the car displays 51,000 miles, a number which likely indicates the total mileage accrued since new. While the exterior cosmetics have been restored, the engine compartment and interior display a lot of originality. The seats feature the original herringbone piping throughout which has faded to gold, a staple of the original material. A 2013 invoice on file confirms that the entire convertible top assembly was restored with powder-coated frame components, new padding, and a replacement convertible top in the correct crush-grain vinyl. ITS ALIVE! is pleased to offer this cherished Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III with an exceptional level of supporting documentation. If you are the next caretaker of this classic then give us a call at 314-710-6600 or email us at Sales@ItsAliveAuto.com.