This 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 Mk III is a North American Export example initially delivered in the UK as part of the company’s Personal Export Delivery program, and was the subject of a seven-year refurbishment completed in 2014. Work performed included a repaint in its factory Healey Blue following replacement of the front fenders, hood, and trunk lid, a retrim of the cockpit in blue leather, and rebuilds of the 2.9-liter inline-six, dual SU HS8 carburetors, and four-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The build also saw the installation of 15″ knock-off wire wheels, cross-drilled front disc brakes with four-piston calipers, Armstrong Performance shocks, electronic ignition, a dual stainless-steel exhaust system, 3.54:1 differential gearing, a Robbins blue soft top, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel.
The car left the factory finished in Healey Blue (BU2), and it was refinished to match during the aforementioned refurbishment after the body was media-blasted, an antenna hole was filled, and the hood, trunk lid, and front fenders were replaced. Re-chroming of the front bumpers and trim was performed, the grille, rear bumper, tonneau cover fasteners, and door locks were replaced, and a Robbins blue soft top and LED headlight bulbs were installed. Additional exterior details include dual Lucas driving lights affixed to a badge bar, a driver-side mirror, wind deflectors atop the windshield, and a blue tonneau cover.
The 15″ knock-off wire wheels were installed in 2010 and are mounted with Michelin XAS tires. Stopping power is provided by BCC four-piston aluminum calipers, cross-drilled rotors, and EBC pads up front, and rear drum brakes. During the build, Armstrong Performance shocks were installed, the A-arms were repaired, and the kingpin bushings, leaf springs, radius arm assembly, and steering gearbox were replaced.
The 2+2 cabin was fitted with square weave carpets following replacement of the transmission tunnel, toe board, inner kick panels, and front floor board, while the seat frames and cushions were replaced prior to a retrim in blue leather. The dashboard vinyl, wood veneer trim, center console, door hardware, trim panels, and defroster vents were also replaced, and interior amenities include a heater, lap belts, an analog clock, hidden USB chargers, and a dash-mounted rearview mirror with an outward-facing tax disc holder. Sound-deadening material has been installed in the doors.
The wood-rimmed steering wheel is fitted to a replacement column and hardware installed in 2009 along with a replacement trafficator assembly. Refurbished Smiths black-dial instrumentation comprises of a 140-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, a fuel-level gauge, and a combination gauge displaying oil pressure and water temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 4k miles.
The 2.9-liter inline-six featured dual SU HD8 carburetors from the factory for a rating of 150 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. The engine rebuild was completed in 2009 with a polished valve cover, electronic ignition, a negative-ground electrical system, a replacement timing chain, choke cables, fuel tank, breather pipe, heat shield, and water and oil pumps, and a rebuild of the starter motor, heater box, and generator. The fuel sending unit gaskets and seals were replaced in July 2012, and the carburetors were rebuilt in 2013 and tuned in 2014 when the fuel and cooling systems were adjusted. The carburetors were tuned in July 2026.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive that was rebuilt in 2008, in addition to a differential featuring 3.54:1 gearing. The throwout bearing was replaced in March 2009, and the clutch slave cylinder was replaced in December 2012. The car is equipped with a dual stainless-steel exhaust system.
