Traditional British sports cars maintain a strong following in the classic market. Although values on many examples are increasing below the market average, they can still represent an enjoyable long-term investment. They don’t usually possess the sheer power of a muscle or pony car but shine when the roads become twisting. The Austin-Healey 3000 is a perfect example of that thinking, and while it has some faults, this 1966 Mk III looks like a beauty. It presents well and has 14,000 miles showing on its odometer. It needs a new home, and there remains enough sunny summer weather for the next owner to make the most of their new purchase. It is listed here on eBay in Greensboro, North Carolina, and while the bidding sits at $29,850, that figure is short of the reserve.

The history of this Healey is unclear, and there is one aspect that may require further investigation. Its panels wear Iris Blue paint that shines nicely. The seller recently treated it to a comprehensive paint correction and ceramic coating that enhances its good looks. Any chips or imperfections are too minute to show in the supplied photos. They have climbed all over the car with a paint depth gauge but can find no evidence of Bondo or other problems. That isn’t to say that this Healey has lived a trouble-free life because there are signs of prior accident damage. It may have had a hit in the front left corner because this shot reveals a frame repair. The work is not pretty, and as a result, I’m not impressed with the compromise on the sway bar mount. However, the accident happened in the dim dark past, meaning it has survived for many years in that state. That suggests that the repairer knew what they were doing, but I would still perform an in-person inspection (or have the inspection performed by a specialist) to ensure the car is structurally sound. The soft-top is original, and while it isn’t perfect, its condition is acceptable for a survivor. The glass and chrome present well, and the shiny wire wheels are a recent addition.

Classic British sports cars tend to be considered underpowered compared to sports cars from other countries. However, the Healey 3000 was one of the better performers to hail from that country in the 1960s. Its engine bay houses a numbers-matching 2,912cc six-cylinder engine that produces 150hp. This car features a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The ¼-mile ET of 16.3 seconds may not sound that impressive, but it only tells part of the Healey’s story. Cars of this type are relatively light (2,548lbs) and have a low center of gravity. They may not set the world alight on the drag strip, but when the driver points one of these classics at a twisting stretch of tarmac, they come into their own. There are few cars more rewarding in that situation than a Healey 3000. The seller indicates this one has 14,000 original miles on the clock but doesn’t mention supporting evidence. They have recently spent a considerable sum on its drivetrain, making it a turnkey proposition for potential buyers. The overdrive unit is rebuilt, while the entire braking system and fuel lines are new. They added new shocks, new sway bars, a new fuel pump, and other components. The bill came to $15,000, which is hardly pocket change in a situation like this.

The impressive presentation continues when we climb aboard this Austin-Healey. The blue leather seat upholstery isn’t original, but it is free from wear and physical damage. The remaining upholstered surfaces are excellent, as are the carpet and pad. The “banjo” wheel has a couple of o cracks, meaning the buyer could choose between repair and replacement to improve the appearance. The peeling finish on the dash’s timber veneer is the most glaring fault. Beyond leaving well enough alone, the buyer has three options to consider with this issue. They could attempt to restore it themselves, hand it to a professional, or source a replacement dash. The last option may produce the most roadblocks because reproduction timber is currently difficult to find. However, patience may produce the required result, and with that issue addressed, the interior would look quite nice.

This 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III makes a positive first impression, with its presentation being difficult to fault. There is a question over the frame repair, and I would still perform an in-person inspection before committing my funds. However, the listing suggests it has been this way for years, which means that while it may not look pretty, the person performing the repair must have known what they were doing. I would not be surprised if the bidding has to climb into the mid $30,000 range before passing the reserve, and this car has that potential. The listing history indicates a few people like what they see, so I wouldn’t rule out a higher figure before the hammer falls. Would you?