1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark II
Home-market, factory overdrive 'Mk IIA'

Registration No: CMH 830A
Chassis No: HBJ724639
MOT: Exempt

• Matching chassis and engine numbers, and pleasingly presented in its original colour scheme
• Desirable home-market example specified with overdrive, wire wheels, and heater from new
• In single-ownership from 1976 until 2019
• Full bare-metal repaint provided in 2017-18
• History file includes restoration invoices and BMIHT Heritage Certificate

One of the most charismatic British sports cars ever made, the ‘Big Healey’ evolved from the pared-back, four-cylinder 100 model of 1953 through to the more civilised, six-cylinder 3000, which lived on to 1967, all the while retaining the same alluring silhouette. Introduced in February, 1962, the 3000 Mk. II two-plus-two 'BJ7' model (nicknamed the Mk. IIA) introduced such 'luxuries' as wind-up windows, swivelling quarter-lights and a fixed convertible hood, while the fitment of stiffer coil springs to the independent front suspension and a more direct steering box enhanced its handling and roadholding capabilities. The manual-overdrive transmission gained a new case, and the 2,912cc straight-six engine reverted to twin SU carburettors. With a claimed 132bhp and 170lb ft of torque on tap, Girling front discs became standard equipment. The American magazine Sports Car Illustrated noted with some delight that the BJ7’s speedometer needle could be wound beyond its final 120mph marking. For some, the short-lived Mk. IIA is the pick of the Big Healey bunch thanks to its combination of the early-style (non-wooden) dashboard, improved soft-top, and wind-up windows.

We are delighted to present an original home-market, matching-numbers 1963 Mk. IIA 3000, in beautiful condition following a 1990s restoration and desirably finished in its original colour scheme, with a full bare metal repaint in 2017-18 too! ‘CMH 830A’ was built to British RHD specification on June 10th, 1963, and finished in Colorado Red with Red trim and a Black hood. Original options included wire wheels, a heater, an adjustable steering column, and the very desirable overdrive, and it was despatched for retail through Car Mart Sales Ltd. Impressively, it was in single ownership from 1976 to 2019, and that owner was every bit the enthusiast. By 1992, he had treated the Healey to a thorough cosmetic and mechanical restoration. The interior was entirely retrimmed, including carpets, a new hood and a new dash top. It received new wire wheels, and new body panels were fitted where necessary. Mechanically, the suspension was stripped and refurbished, and the gearbox was overhauled with a new first gear. Prior to parting with the car, the owner further refreshed it with a complete respray in its original red during 2017 and 2018.

The present owner acquired the 3000 from well-known Austin-Healey specialist Bill Rawles Classic Cars in 2019, and the purchase included a litany of new upgrades including an alternator conversion, an uprated radiator core and fan, an uprated starter motor, a negative earth conversion, and a bespoke mohair hood. Cosmetically, it received a Moto-Lita steering wheel and vinyl number plates. The sale price also included a fluid change and Waxoyling. A further £3,500 was spent with ASM Classics during 2020 and 2022, but it has seen sparing use since. The Healey’s large paperwork file includes the V5C, a buff logbook and historic V5, MOTs back to the 1990s, restoration invoices, a BMIHT Heritage Certificate and original sales literature. With its multitude of upgrades, it represents a real driver’s car and would be ideal for tours and road rallies.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452