Built by British Motor Corp. from 1959 to 1967, the Austin-Healey 300 was another sports car popular with U.S. buyers. The bodies came from Jensen Motors and the Mkt II BJ7 2+2 was considered a “sports convertible”. This ’63 edition has been in the same family since new and features an unusual twist –a Ford inline-6 that would have been found in the likes of the 1960s Falcon and Mustang. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the vehicle is being sold to clear out an estate. It’s available here on eBay where the current bid is $8,200.
We guess the difference between a sports car and a sports convertible is its ability to seat more than two passengers. The Mk II BJ7 has a jump seat in the back that may be suitable for children or other small people. Fewer than 10% of these Healeys stayed in England, with the North American market consuming most of the rest. Unlike some competitors, the A-H 3000 had roll-up side windows and a wraparound windshield. The twin-carbureted I-6 that these cars came with was said to be capable of 115 mph.
The seller’s car was one of just 6,113 of the 2+2 editions built. But for reasons unclear, when the engine in this car gave up the ghost (or so we think), the owner decided to implant an inline-6 from before 1966 which could be 144, 170, or 200 cubic inches. Those engines for 1965 and earlier were painted red while the 1966 and later ones were painted blue. The Falcon used all three at one time, the Mustang just the 200.
We’re told this vehicle has been in the family’s barn for 35 years. While it looks good, some spots have been patched, and the paint is aging. So, the seller, who is helping the family, points out that the Healey is not show quality. Besides the Ford engine, this car gained an automatic transmission where there once would have been a 4-speed. Was this change a matter of convenience or coincidental as the Ford engine and transmission came together? The original (non-working?) engine is available to go with the sale with no mention of the original tranny.
The seller also points out that these cars can be worth some serious money. But would the imperfect (yet running) condition of the vehicle combined with the drivetrain swap seriously reduce the value of the automobile? We’re told the family is motivated and “reasonable” which tells me the car has to go and the family is willing to compromise.
Once the shock wore off a bit, if this site has taught me anything over the years, and it has, one really doesn’t know what to expect. Now,,,why in ‘tarnation someone would replace a highly sophistimacated motor like the 3000 with a plebeian Falcon motor, is just plumb off the scale. I wonder what was “lying” around, the Falcon or the AH. Keeping in mind, there was a time when nobody wanted these. Our British cousins should be regaining consciousness by now, not to rip on the old Ford in line, was a great motor, did its job for years unmaintained, but I never thought I’d see someone replace a 3000 motor with one. It’s not a replica, my 1st thought, so someone, um, let’s say, “personalized” probably the most sought after 3000 in its original form. Golly, I just don’t know what to think here, how ’bout ‘choo?
In one word Howard, SACRILEGE!!
Excuse me, you stiff upper lip Brits. Weren’t Austin engines originally engineered as FARM TRACTOR engines? When the Healeys couldn’t meet smog or crash standards (one or the other) and BMC or Leyland (one or the other) didn’t want to spend the money for an update, they put their six in a MG body and called it the C, and the English press eviscerated the car. It was so pig heavy and hadled so poorly, it lasted on the market TWO YEARS! Maybe they should have tried the Falcon six instead?
It’s like putting a Harley engine into a Triumph
when I saw the hood scop,I was thinking 283 chevy,or a 260/289 Ford…That is the last swap I would have exspected….
Choo agrees. Wouldn’t pay much more than the present bid considering what it’s going to cost to get it back to being a real Healey. That big six is a great engine and parts are more than available. Good chance to do a 5 speed transmission swap.
At least the original engine comes with the car. If the Ford 6 is a 200, it’s probably of comparable power and torque to the Healey engine, and quieter with its hydraulic lifters. Shame about the automatic, though.
You know, perhaps I was a bit hasty in slamming this car, it’s actually a pretty nice car. The “drive instead of tow” is a jab in the gut, but probably pretty accurate. Looks to be a nice job, and this person wanted a 3000 with a US 6 cylinder, and a US automatic. It’s already sold, so someone got a nice car.
Whey get your shorts in a knot. Enjoy it as is while you rebuild the engine (if you want). And source a 5 speed if you must. It’s less than a poorly put together kit car, and it will take lots of cheese to make it worth real money. Life is short.
I agree Slomoogee.
Was probably easier and a lot cheaper to drop in a ford than having to rebuild the original motor. Plus a lot easier to find parts and repair down the road. Unfortunate about the auto though.
If there had been a 240 or 300 six swapped in it wouldn’t be so bad. Those engines have much more aftermarket support and hop-up components available. Plus they have the advantage of an intake manifold that isn’t cast together with the cylinder head.
I had a similar thought. The 300 straight 6 is every bit as reliable, has much more potential, and minimally, if at all, more expensive. You could pull one from a late 80s F150 and have EFI if you wanted. Would have to get a manual transmission in there in any event.
The warning below is critical. Don’t buy rust.
Throwing away the Ford lump and auto would be easy and needed. Building a good Healey motor coupled with a nice 5 speed maybe 15k or less. The real issue is the chassis. Healey’s rot and this one shows very badly – poor door fit, rocker and rear fender dog legs indicate major problems under the skin. A close inspection of the structure is called for….If it isn’t too bad this could be a worthwhile project. BTW, it’s a “convertible” because of the quick erecting top permanently attached to the car and roll up windows, the earlier cars were “roadsters” because the top was removable and slower to put together and it had removable plastic side screens.
just curious healey guys. I have the same car but original with all the running gear intact including the 3000 engine. My questions to you healey guys ? I see 2 springs on either side of the door pillar on both sides just below the hood frame securing plate. Are those springs part of the top mechanism and what do they do and what are they actually there for. My car does not have those 2 springs and my top mechanism is manual not spring loaded. may be one of you healey guys can answer this question may be Bob Hess ?
Those are the hood (top for us yanks) springs that assist in raising the top on the convertibles (BJ7 & BJ8). When they are attached to the top frame, all it takes to lift the top is one hand in the center handle os the front bow. Roadsters don’t have those springs.
body has lots of patching done….pig in a poke
I made a post about an hour ago and it is not even here any more may be it got deleted. I asked about the spring that you see on either side of the top mounting machanism but i found it in the moss catalogue under item 45 part no 805 010. but still cannot tell where that spring goes.
I have a similar BJ 7 repainted Red everything is original including the engine tranny and I have been trying to sell it but have not got any offers near the Nada book value the lowest price they have given which is 35 k in this write up or on the e bay ad. i think the market is soft right now and only healeys that sell are the ones that are ready to drive even if it is a modified healey with a v8 or 6 in it, or a original running healey.
The owner probably wanted to drive the car. As compared to having it towed, every time he went out for a drive.
All it needs is the kit from J.C. Whitney to add 2 more carbs to that intake manifold. Then maybe it wouldn’t look like a Falcon motor. I agree not the best choice for a motor swap, but some people put small block Chevies in Rolls Royces.
Bids up to $10,050.00 with 2 hrs left..If it wasn’t so far away, I’d bid on it.,
Why not? IIRC, either Road & Track or Car & Driver ran an article many moons ago about replacing a Jaguar DOHC 6 with a late 1960’s Pontiac Sprint SOHC inline 6 (215 bhp).