Here is a poignant listing that reminds us of where we may all find ourselves one day: On eBay is a partially restored 1963 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II BJ7, currently bid to $10,100, reserve not met. This Big Healey is located in Eden, Utah. The seller is 81 years old, and no longer expects to be able to finish the restoration. The car runs and drives well, the title is clear, and there is a British Motor Heritage Certificate to go with the car, attesting to its original factory specifications. Much work has already been performed, including a professional body and frame restoration with new paint, new brakes, a new stainless exhaust system, and a restored gas tank.
The BJ7 was known as a “sports convertible”, referring to the fact that the reliance on side curtains for weather protection was no more: you got roll-up windows, and rather than flat, the windscreen was now a wrap-around style with vent windows. The hood was also improved, sliminating the struggle to assemble top bows in the midst of a rainstorm. Now you could simply reach back and pull the hood forward to secure it. The seating configuration was two plus two (remember people were smaller back then). The seller indicates that his car comes with brand new tan carpets, along with several other new and new old stock parts. The remaining projects include securing the rear seat, fixing the wiring to the lights, installing one door window, dealing with the windshield wipers, and a few other miscellaneous chores.
Obviously, the engine bay could also use cosmetic attention. But we’re told the engine does not overheat and carries good oil pressure. The clutch cylinder has been replaced, too. The BJ7 is equipped with a 2.9-liter BMC C-series in-line six-cylinder motor paired with two SU carburetors and a four-speed manual gearbox. This set-up was good for about 134 bhp. Big Healey’s of all types were very popular on the race circuit as in stock form top speeds of 115 mph were attainable – but equally important, with the “go” came the “whoa” in the form of Girling front disc brakes.
The underside of this car is clean, a testimony to the work already performed. Aside from all the “pro’s” listed above arguing for putting this car in your garage, someone cared enough to save the original owner’s manual, a factory shop manual, and the sales brochure for the car. A file of receipts is also with the car. This car needs a good home – perhaps in your garage?
My garage is full of Healeys but it would make a good addition otherwise. The details will quickly make this car into a real beauty.
The minute I saw this one, that Tears for Fears song popped right into my head. And that’s a good thing.
Oh yes I remember that video as well
Looks like a decent car to finish restoring, as long as a fair price for both the elderly seller and the buyer can be worked out. Although not quite a BJ8 with a console, 150 bhp and the wood dash, from the outside it has the identical and therefore, same imposing appearance as the Phase I Mk III.
Recently I watched a somewhat silly film from 1964 called The Pleasure Seekers. It was worth watching, just to see the dark blue BJ7 being driven around Spain by Tony Franciosa.
It’s hard to tell in photos, but if the body color is supposed to be Healey Blue, it looks off to me. Also, the chrome side spears are installed backwards. No big deal to fix the spears, but it suggests someone isn’t paying attention to detail.
Some claim powder blue is a ladies color. Looks good on this, though.
“Carolina Blue”… works for all the rest of us with the male chromosomes.
My 62 3000 is the ONLY car I regret parting with…
This is a tempting car, I line up with Jack -whatever you like is acceptable, so I don’t think this blue is exactly a ladies color.
The car looks very good, I wonder where the selling price will end ?
I sort of wish, but I have a TR4 to finish.
GLWTS !! Congrats to the new owner !!!