This true survivor Austin Healey 3000 Mk. III is one of the most desirable cars to me that I’ve written a post about. Frequently I have come across (and owned) Big Healeys that have been “restored,” but they rarely feel as well-put-together as an original car. This 1967 model is still wearing mostly original paint and has a complete ownership history from the time it was purchased until now. It’s available for sale here on eBay, where bidding has risen to just over $35,000 but has not yet met the reserve. The Mk. III is located in Santa Monica, California, home of the historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel.
The 3000 Mk. III is the ultimate Big Healey, with a luxurious interior, roll-up windows, more rear suspension travel (although still not a lot), and the most powerful standard engine specification. This car was originally delivered in Spain and later shipped to the USA; the seller has all of the shipping documentation from the original owner. That owner kept the car until they passed in 2007 when the car was purchased by a Healey enthusiast. Some preservation and sympathetic work has been completed since then; the current seller purchased the car in 2016 and has continued keeping the car in excellent condition.
This area around the trunk hinge is decribed as the worst part of the original paint. I’m fine with that! This is a car to be both preserved and enjoyed!
The underside of the car looks nicely used as well. The exhaust system is at least partially stainless steel and the overdrive transmission is visible. The seller tells us that they have taken the car on 100-mile trips with no issues, and have put approximately 2,000 miles on the car since purchasing it. The fuel pump and fuel tank have also recently been serviced.
Although the rear seats in a 3000 aren’t really suited for normal-sized people, they do provide a useful place to store things. The original upholstery is in pretty good shape (the covers were removed and then reinstalled so the seats could be re-stuffed) and even the wood still looks remarkably good. Sure, there’s some wear, but how often do you see that original metallic piping on the seats?
I’m ready to drive this car as often as possible. Unfortunately budget doesn’t permit me to — what about you? Anyone else like this great-looking Big Healey?
Bought one new in 1967 BRG with black interior. Drove it while on active duty and parked it in 1971 with 27,000 when I came home. I had to go to work as the Army doesn’t pay much. Time fly’s by and the big Healey is still in the garage. I could never sell it. What a beautiful car. I hope to get it out soon and drive the beast again. Dust don’t rust and yes it gets turns over from time to time.
I was 17 in 1975 when i bought my 1967 Austin Healey for 900 dollars. I had a lot of fun with it. I have owned british cars first 1969 Spitfire then the healley followed by 3 tr6’s and a mgb i finally sold last year. My most fond memories is driving the austin healey on rural roads and having the overdrive switch to play with in 3rd and 4th gears ;) Maybe some day I will buy one again……….
I bought mine in 1973. (My 6th big Healey) It had been sitting in a neighbor’s garage for 3 plus years. He bought it new in Virginia while in the Navy. A used/borrowed battery and I drove it home. It was late production and had non-eared knock offs.
Sold it in 1998 when I moved to Florida. They are not the best fro driving in hot weather. Still my wife’s favprite of all the car’s we have owned.
Ah! My dream car. Love the sound and handling.
A big Healey is the only thing that could turn this old car guy’s head.
Brought my brothers ’67 Big Healey here to the West Coast to sell it back in the late eighties.. Drove it for a while back and forth. One day coming from the gym, the “bonnet” flew up and bent in half. Aluminium dont you know. I knew an excellent body man whose only drawback was he was a Scientologist and I had to listen to all sorts of baloney while I kept an eye on his hammer and dollying. Turned out really well. Sold it for the princely sum of 6k. I thought it was a bear to drive even with the electric overdrive.
Bids is up to $40,150 and the reserve has not been met. My Uncle had one, it was a fun car to ride in. I always wanted one but this one is to rich for me.
My 2nd car was a 100.4. Bought it for $300 when I was 15. Drove it through my senior year of high school before selling it. Used to have a lot of fun street racing a friends TR-4A
Big Healeys require regular maintenance but are relatively simple to work on, and if looked after are rugged and a pleasure to own. I had three over the years, and if I were to get another one, it would be a BJ-8/Mk III like this one. In my opinion the design ranks as one of the ten best-looking cars of all time.