Introduced in 1964, the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III was an evolution of the car that was originally introduced in 1959. While there were a total of 17,712 Mk IIIs built, they are a car that retains a strong following, and thus strong prices, among collectors. This 1966 example will require a complete restoration, but it appears to be a solid example that is located in Dade City, Florida, and is listed for sale here on eBay.
The body of the Healey looks like it is complete, and also fairly solid. There are a few minor dings on the body, but rust appears to be minimal. There may be some small spots in the floor on the driver’s side, but otherwise, it looks pretty clean. The car comes with both a hardtop and a soft-top, although the soft-top is looking pretty tatty. Also included is a soft-top cover, and a tonneau. There are also a few sundry parts included with the car, and the owner also provides this YouTube Video, which provides a brief walk-around of the vehicle.
When it was introduced in 1964, the main beneficiary of the Mk III update was vehicle performance. Engine power was increased from 136hp to 150hp. This was achieved by a higher lift camshaft and improvements to the carburetors. The 3000 also received power assistance on the brakes as a standard feature, where it had previously been an option. This Healey does not run, but the owner says that the engine turns freely and that the car rolls and steers okay. The engine of the 3000 is pretty straight-forward, so even if a rebuild is required, this is not a difficult job.
While it appears to be largely complete, the interior is going to require a fair amount of restoration work. Some of the upholstery items look quite good, but will still require some work, as their underlying structure is compromised. A good example is the door trim on the passenger side. While the vinyl upholstery is quite good, the door card itself is quite warped, and would require replacement. I will say that the combination of the Healey Blue Metallic paint and the Dark Blue Ambla vinyl interior is quite an iconic look for the 3000, and it’s one that I am quite partial to.
While there is certainly some restoration work required on this Austin-Healey, the fact that it appears to be largely complete and rust-free makes it an attractive prospect for a project car. To buy a good one today, you need to have a reasonably healthy piggy-bank, as prices start at around $50,000. Bidding on this one has currently reached $15,100 in what is a No Reserve auction. Would you take this one on?
Sitting at 15 large. Looks like a nice clean Healey. Someone will have fun with it after working the bugs out. Good luck to the new owner!!!
Cheers
GPC
I think the prices for Healys are too high otherwise i’d own one. This is another example; but if you want one this may be a good place to start.
This car is priced far too high at 50,000. To have it restored in it original or close to original condition would cost at very minimum 25 to 30.000 which would make you have a 75,000 to 80,ooo dollar car. I sold my 1965 one owner car several years ago and it brought 15,000. I wish I had never sold it but that’s history.
Paid $1200 for my ’63 in ’67. Sold it for $1000 when Uncle Sam decided I’d be more useful in the Air Force. It’s the top among the vehicles I wish I still had, oh well.
For a car that looks like it may have had an engine fire, the under-the-hood view appears to be pretty good.
It’s certainly the basis for a quality restoration.
Having owned and worked on Big Healeys when they were considered ‘old junk’ (and priced accordingly), they’re a ball to drive and I’ve found them to be amazingly reliable, considering Lucas electrics, et al.
Wished I had started my Phase III restoration with an example as clean as this! I paid $25k for a non running example that was way..way more rusty and damaged than this example..you need deep pockets…but the joy in driving is worth every penny!! That said..I didnt hold back either!
Austin-Healeys are wonderful cars but you have to buy very wisely. The reason why they are so priced is that they are highly prized. Mike on Wheeler Dealers went gibberish when he found one for the show, acting like a kid in a candy store. Another reason for high prices is that they are not easy or cheap cars to restore, especially if they are rusty.
And if you hear the comment “typical Healey rust” about a Healey, run in the opposite direction as fast as you can!
OMW, we just got the 356 completely taken all the way down! I missed out on the VW I desperately wanted! Doesn’t that justify a bid on this one? I have to worry about the wrath of my son’s! LOL
The Mk III came out prior to ’64 – I owned a ’62 – had the “tiller” shift lever and “take-down” top with side screens. Also had the 175 HP engine (verified via engine and chassis numbers) with 2 carbs. A blast to drive and it growled magnificently when down-shifted! Tedious but not excessively difficult to work on….Get this one on the road and enjoy!
Engine fire was my first thought as well. This one would be good candidate for front half repaint, clean up under hood and a carpet set, some light mechanicals and just drive it, and enjoy.
My wife & I used to put on road rallies in the ’60s with the added note: ‘Healeys stay home.’ They would lose their exhaust systems on the dirt roads we ran on.
Sold for $18,700, not too bad.
Big Healeys have slightly dropped in price from low six figure cars for the best ones down to about $70 – $80K for the cream of the crop. I would think $20 – $25K seems about right for what appears to be a very solid car. At that price it would allow for a nice restoration and would cover a surprise or two along the way.
Back in the early Seventies I owned a 3000 which I purchased for the ridiculous amount of $700 . I had a lot of fun in that car but alas in 1977 I sold it. Had I only known !!! The best of luck to the new owner.