Some classic project cars can be so cheap that they seem almost too good to be true. This 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is a prime example because its owner wants to give it away to some lucky person. You’d better act fast if you think it’s the car for you. The Healey is listed here on Facebook in Madison, Wisconsin. The owner indicates there is no title, but they will go the extra mile by working with the new owner to obtain a new title. Considering they are giving this classic away, people don’t come more accommodating than that.
The owner indicates they have reached the point of giving away this Almond Green Healey because an interested party backed out late. It was part of an estate and has been in hibernation for more than forty years. They say it requires extensive restoration, but its viability depends on the state of the frame. If it is solid and structurally sound, sourcing steel to address the visible rust shouldn’t prove challenging. Even if it has deteriorated beyond the point of no return, it is a complete classic representing an excellent parts source for another project. The new owner will probably elect a frame-off approach and considering its potential value once complete, it should be worth the effort.
The mechanical state of this Healey is unclear, but the engine bay still houses the 2,912cc C-Series six-cylinder engine that sent 150hp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Although many enthusiasts might consider the power output modest, the low curb weight of 2,548lbs meant the Healey could scamper through the ¼-mile in 16.3 seconds. The owner doesn’t indicate whether this engine turns freely, but if it does, that could be excellent news. Motors don’t come much more bulletproof than this, so revival may prove as simple as a fuel system clean, some essential maintenance, and a fluid change. However, even if a rebuild proves necessary, the lack of initial outlay by the new owner should make the cost justifiable.
When a convertible classic spends four decades in storage with the top down, it is fair to expect the interior to look pretty sad. That is an area where this Austin-Healey springs a surprise. It’s dusty and dirty, but I believe most of the Black upholstery might respond well to a deep clean. There will undoubtedly be parts requiring replacement, but the buyer will work from a sound and complete base. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and the distinctive “banjo” steering wheel has avoided the common cracking issues.
Project cars don’t come much cheaper than when an owner gives them away, and that doesn’t happen every day. I think someone will need to act fast to secure this, but the current owner’s willingness to help obtain a replacement title is refreshing in a world where some can prove selfish. Restored to a high standard, this 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would command a value of $40,000 any day of the week. Considering the new owner will be starting their build with no initial outlay, that leaves plenty of room to move on their build. Will you be the one to take it on?
Incredible. Just sent to my buddy in Green Bay who has a Triumph TR6 in his garage that he restored himself. I’ll follow up if he takes the road trip down and picks it up.
Too late, gone already, but let’s look into this a bit. While it’s darn nice to give it away, the more important message was at the end, ” or it’s going to a junkyard”. Speaks volumes and resonates what’s happening. To show how out of touch this is becoming, here, in most auto circles, is one of the finest British roadsters, 6 figures for a spell, although that’s come down considerable, and such little interest, they are GIVING it away, correction, GAVE it away. While I applaud their initiative, it tells me, in so many words, we’ve come full circle, when nobody wanted one in the first place. Fascinating, Captain,,,
On t’other side of the coin, I went to a yard sale about a month ago,, it was the guys late brother in law, a motorheads dream sale if I ever did see one. Naturally, we talked about cars, the guy said, “did you see my car in the garage?” , I peeked in, there was a PRISTINE 1967 A-H 3000, BRG, it was stunning. He was my age (67) and bought the car when he was 19! He’s had it all these years, and not for sale, until he dies, of course, and the rigmarole begins.
I don’t suppose this guy lives in Rhode Island. Sounds like a guy I encountered at a barn sale a few years ago. I saw him driving it last summer.
Hi John, no, Colorado, and recently moved to Florida and took the car with. I hope it floats,,,
You are correct Howard. I just read the reply from my friend stating it was gone already and then he yelled at me saying I should have called him. That didn’t last long.
Just as a matter of interest, what was the price it was sold for?
The other telling aspect is they seem to have given it away within 24 hours of posting, which means they basically took the first person that walked in the door. I would expect anyone who understands the value of a free project of this magnitude, and the amount of love and care an enthusiast could give a car that’s regularly well outside their price range, would vet their options for a spell and find someone truly deserving of it – in their eyes, anyway. Seems likely that all of that was skipped, so it seems like someone who in fact didn’t want to sentimentally make someone’s day/life, but just wanted their garage space back. Personally, I can’t imagine having something so valuable and giving/junking it away, whether that’s a car or a poster or a fossilized pile of cow dung. The seller must have had a money tree.
Finally a price you cheapskates can’t complain about.
Ahem, I’ll find something,,,
Funny — I wonder how many original owners of BRG Healeys in pristine condition are still driving them.
As a good friend once told me, “I can’t afford free”. Good advice.
(But I must admit, in this case I would be very tempted)
“But Honey, it was free…”
(Silence)
“I can’t afford free”
I think that applies more to horses and maybe boats.
I’ve done ok with a couple of free cars.
I remember one of the first times I started checking free on craigslist a million years ago, someone had a complete frog eyed Austin Healey Sprite basket case sitting in their garage ready for pickup. Few and far between, but sometimes you’re in the right place at the right time.
In this day and age? I’d be packing heat, prior to arriving at this guys house. Too good to be true.
Yes, in case he tries to give you something else for free. Shoot him…
You obviously lead a sheltered life. Good for you.
Big C, I forgot to add a smiley face. Sorry.
If the guy with the car was planning on robbing you, shouldn’t he tell you to bring some money?
I suspect this car will show up listed somewhere else in a matter of days.
A shame. Too bad someone who always wanted one and could fix it themselves couldn’t have this. Instead, it is going to be flipped. Does the family who is dumping this even care? Do they understand? I would have stipulated in the ad that it was to go to a good home, not some into some grifters fingers.
Someone was quite generous. Even if beyond restoration, the gauges, trans, carbs., etc. could’ve been parted out. As an owner of an Austin Healey 3000, they don’t have 5-speed transmissions unless it was converted with a Smitty’s kit and Toyota trans. That’s unlikely as that conversion is usually done during a restoration. More than likely, this has the standard most BJ8’s came with… 4-speed with overdrive. Also, a nicely restored BJ8 sells for WELL north of $40K. I’m
It was already gone when I saw the post. Did anyone see it before it was gone? I’m curious what the seller (giver) said about it.
Probably not a five-speed as you wrote. These came with four-speeds. C’mon, guys, you can do better than that.
I totally understand, especially in an estate situation. The longer the estate dispersal is active, the more money the lawyers get. Hopefully, it went to someone who will appreciate it.
I was just given a 1936 Ford 1 1/2T truck. Been sitting since 1959. Straight and solid- not a bit of rust. (“High Desert”) I was told that it was for sale, called the guy, who warned me that it was “pretty rusty”, and not to expect too much. Undaunted I went and looked. The “rust” is what we now call patina. His brother had passed, and he wanted it gone. I asked what he wanted for it, and he answered “I’m not interested in remuneration”. Even came with a title. It had been purchased new (?) by his great grandfather. He took a photo of it, and had it enlarged and framed, so obviously it meant something to him-evidently money was not appropriate for the situation.
I wish I knew there was a free Austin Healey available I would have jumped on it PDQ. I wish someone would give me a car or especially a truck. I have a teenager who would spend most of his free time bugging me to let him have at it.
I wish some one would give me a free truck. I would start working to rebuild it as soon as I got it home. Plus I have a teenager who would bug me to death to let him work on it also.
whadaya wish?
No, I have the same trouble (more) w/the app here.
I dont believe any 1 can stipulate what is done w/an item post purchase. Once ownership changes hands that’s it, no? Gotta go shake Dad’s grave. He wasa contracts attorney among other things.
Adam, I’m not aware of any BJ8s that came with a 5 speed transmission. As far as I know (I have 1965) they all came with a 4 speed with electric overdrive in 3rd and 4th (Laycock Normanville I believe).
No,
The big Healey was always a wanted car. You are incorrect.
I am a Austin Healey fan thru and thru. I had a 1967 that was stolen in 1978. I currently own a 1961 BT7 that I rebuilt of the frame
Took me 6 years. I would love to tackle this project. Please keep me in the loop
I watched my Dad restore a ’64 Healey for almost 40 years. He was the type of man that put everything else first before completing his dream car. Unfortunately he passed away a year before it was done. When he bought the car, the frame was held together with bondo and beer cans, now, it’s pristine and beautiful. I would have loved to have a junker I could restore along side of him myself. Tears came to my eyes when I saw this article. I’m blessed to enjoy my Dad’s Healey now but would trade it in a second to have more time with him.
Neighbor gave me 60 mk1 3000 without title, he passed away weeks later. My dream car since 16, 74 now. Hope to finish and drive like other ones we have.
A very interesting story, but no details. I would like to know more , if not it is just a story to repeat that has no credibility. Kind of reminds you of other things we hear about in the news.