Austin-Healey 3000 prices – along with those of several other British makes – have finally softened enough to put these cars on a few more “wanted” lists. The days of Big Healeys selling for over $100k are in the rearview mirror. Today, some models can be had for barely more than MGA money. Here on eBay is a 1963 BJ7, with bidding at $13,399. The reserve has not been met, but the seller notes that since he no longer has a place to store the car, its price has been reduced. The car has been in single-family ownership since new, with few changes from stock. It’s located in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
The Austin-Healey arrived in 1952 as a joint venture between British Motor Corporation and Donald Healey. The first cars were powered by four-cylinder engines, but in 1956 – one year after the introduction of the similarly-equipped MGA – the Healey received an uprated six-cylinder. By the time this car rolled off the line, it utilized a 2912 cc BMC C-series in-line six breathing through two SU carbs; output was 134 hp. While collectors swoon over its predecessor’s triple-carb set-up, this engine generates higher torque, making it more tractable around town. A four-speed manual with overdrive handles gearchanges. The seller notes that while the car runs and drives, minor mechanical work will be required before it is truly roadworthy. The odometer reading of 79,000 miles is said to be original.
The BJ7 offered a 2+2 seating arrangement, a refinement of earlier four-seaters. Unlike the BJ7’s immediate predecessor, this new model was considered a “sports convertible”, with roll-up windows and an easy-to-erect hood. The interior was still upholstered in leather in 1963 – one year later, the material was downgraded to Ambla vinyl. Here, the snappy red contrasts beautifully with the ivory exterior. Speaking of the exterior, a repaint commissioned years ago is flaking off, particularly from the lower body panels.
Fewer than 52,000 six-cylinder Healeys were made during the production range from 1956 to 1967. Of those, 6113 were BJ7s. As we all know, rarity does not always equate to value. This example has merits – including long-term ownership and its running, driving condition – but it is a 2+2 car with paint issues. Driver-quality BJ7s can be had for around $25k to $30k, though restored cars can top $60k. The current bid is too low and the car won’t sell here, but if a buyer could pay a bit less than $20k, I’d call that a bargain.
Next to a Jaguar E Type the Austin Healey 3000 is my favourite sports car! I had a ’55 BN 1 and a 1960 BN 7, albeit about 50 years between their ownership, and a lot of fun was had in both of them!
My buddy in high school found two of these sitting in a garage. One was a parts car. The driver was a 1962 BJ7 with the 3 carbs. We had a lot of fun in that old Healey, but it was his only car which meant driving it in northern Illinois winters. This year still had the side-curtains. I can’t imagine doing that today!
At some point his older brother took it to have it restored. I never heard any more about it.
My sister is the one who got me into sports cars. She came gushing into my room and announced to this 14 year old car nut “Granny is getting me a NEW car” a Healey!!!!” “A Sprite” I asked “NO!!” She gushed “A BIG MOTHER GUTS HEALEY!!!” Her BJ8 was an awakening for this Car Craft and Hot Rod magazine reader and sneaking it out at night when she was on dates a couple of years later started me on a lifetime of sports cars. The nicer walnut dash, more power (hotter cam) makes the BJ8 the best and last of the line but the BJ7 is a close second.
My first real race car was a 1959 100-6 in 1968. Had my uniform, my new SCCA license and dreams of the big time. I sent the head off to Joe Huffaker in San Francisco and got his “hemi” machine work along with his cam and pistons. That motor hit hard and was no wall flower when I came across some ‘vettes in practice. In the races we ran in E production and were the top dog in that class. In one event I came up against the Triumph GT 6 prepared by Kas Kastner and it was a classic duel. The GT 6 was lighter and more nimble than the Healey but I had the grunt, so we swapped positions for a while, but my 21 year old desire overcame my good sense and I let the Healey rev way beyond the 4 main bearing limits and the crank broke and literally sawed the block in half. After pulling the head, I hooked a chain on the front half of the engine, pulled it out and then stepped into the engine bay and unbolted the other half from the bell housing. For the next season I updated to a 3000 motor and a top loader gearbox with overdrive and moved up to D production and ran with the big dogs. Eventually I traded the Healey in for a Lotus 23.
These are legendary, and this one appears to be in really nice shape, except for the flaking paint. I wonder how high the bid will go with only one day and seven hours to go on the auction?
I had a 63 this same color, with black interior and overdrive. Back in the late 70’s, I rebuilt the shocks, re-wired it twice, pulled the carpet and lined the bottom panel with asbestos to reduce heat from the exhaust. Bought it in northern Utah in 77, moved to Bellevue, WA IN 79. Loved driving that car through Northern Washington. Sold it when we had our first child in 81. Still miss driving it.
What part of the paint prep causes paint to do this , Is it a mismatch of paint types or just poor sanding or primer ? Of course it might hold the price down,
Probably a more modern (80’s?) two component over the original cellulose.
Ended at $19,227.55
Reserve Not Met.
23 bids.
I guess the seller will have to find some storage, not desperate enough to sell it, yet.