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Good Deal? 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Project

Barn Finder Chuck F has discovered this 1963 Austin Healey 3000 (thanks Chuck!) and suggests that it may be a good deal. So, what actually constitutes a “good deal”? It probably depends as any two individuals will have differing opinions of what constitutes said “good deal” The subject of that speculation is a project status car so that complicates things a bit. Anyway, with that suggestion in mind, let’s review this Manassas, Virginia domiciled Healey that is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $9,325.

The Austin Healey (1959-1967) is a rather iconic sports car mostly due to its standard six-cylinder engine, employed at a time when many British sports cars made do with a four, and its dashing long hood (bonnet) short deck (boot) styling. All told, about 43K Austin Healeys were built and our subject car is one of approximately 6K Mark II 2+2 convertibles produced. Interestingly, about 90% of Austin Healey 3000s assembled were destined for export markets – mostly to the U.S.

Obviously, our subject car has been disassembled at some point long after the initial assembly occurred. A typical FB Marketplace listing, it’s really light on details. The seller does mention, however, “Frame and floors are excellent – no damage or rust. Front and rear shrouds are very good. Sheet Metal – Boot lid, Bonnet and wings all in good order“. It’s hard to tell if there is recent fabrication that has occurred or if what we are spying is stripped and primed original steel and body components. As for the exterior, the passenger side fender is wearing some pretty heavy surface rust while that same side quarter panel shows evidence of Bondo that has given it up. I’d like to get a look at the driver’s side but that’s not an option.

As stated earlier, it’s the big 134 HP, 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that makes the Austin Healey an Austin Healey 3000 but the listing would leave one to believe that the engine, in this case, is MIA. The four-speed manual transmission, now occupying the passenger compartment, is good to go, but the new owner will have to source their own powerplant – time to cue the “Put an LS in it” suggestion?

Supposedly there are other miscellaneous parts included but the tip-off is the “misc” designation which probably means less critical components as opposed to the stuff that really counts. Actually, it would seem that this Healey is missing more than is actually present and included. So, a good deal at $9,325? I don’t think this example quite makes the cut, how about you?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo bobhess Member

    Your last sentence says it all Jim. Cut that price in half and maybe you’ve got something. Either way, build on this one isn’t going to be cheap.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar photo mike

    How dare you say ”put an LS in it”

    Like 4
    • Avatar photo Jim ODonnell Staff

      Not me man, it’s our esteemed readers that always want to go that way.

      JO

      Like 2
  3. Avatar photo jageater Member

    look closely at that trannie in the passenger seat. Sure looks like it has an OD on the end of it.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar photo Chas H

    Yes, the trans has an OD.
    But really nice restored examples are available for less money and much less time.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar photo healeydays

    Alot of parts missing especially the stuff between that radiator and tranny. If you need a parts car, maybe. If you are looking to build the car, good luck.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar photo Lawrence Smith

    maybe a grand ( $1000 )

    Like 0

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