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Stored 25 Years: 1964 Austin Healey 3000

As a British sports car, the AH 3000 was built from 1959-67 and is perhaps the best known of the “big Healey” models. Its bodywork was done by Jensen Motors and the cars were assembled at British Motor Corporation’s MG Works, alongside the company’s MG models. A majority of the 3000’s production ended up being exported to places like the U.S. The one is said to have been in storage for the past 25 years and is a complete car accompanied by spare parts. Located in Warrenton, Virginia, the Healey is available here on craigslist for $19,300. Thanks, Jay L., for sending this tip our way!

Over its near decade long run, the Austin Healey 3000 would morph a bit, from an open sports car at first (with a 2+2 option) to a sports convertible. Whether intended or not, North America was the largest consumer of these cars, with 91% alone being exported in 1963 and the majority coming here. The car got the 3000 moniker for its 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which enabled it to win often in its class in European rallies back in the day. They still show up in classic car competition today.

Although the seller doesn’t specifically identify this car as such, it’s likely a ’64 BJ8 Mark III sports convertible, which BMC announced in early 1964. The car differed from the Mark II by a change in camshafts and carburetion that increased horsepower by more than 10 percent to 150. Power brakes were moved from the options list to standard equipment. The Mark III’s new fascia displayed its speedometer and tachometer directly in front of the driver. An upgrade in upholstery material was also made. This version of the car would remain in production through 1967. 17,712 copies were built over the entire production run, making them somewhat rare today.

We’re not afforded a great deal of information about this ’64 3000. At 43,000 reported miles on the odometer, the car has been stored away since 1996. There is no mention why this happened or whether the car even runs today. If it needs help coming back to life, hopefully the extra parts the seller is providing are enough to get the job done. The body looks good and the blue paint passable if cleaned up. We’re not sure about any rust as the photos provided are low resolution with some dark spots. If you’re looking for a project, don’t let the temperamental nature of 1960s British sports cars sway you. Hemmings has several listed for sale ranging from $40,000 to six figures.

Comments

  1. Avatar Charles Sawka

    Rewarding when done, but expensive and time consuming. This one at least seems complete. The “hydrovac” brake master cyl. is clever engineering that will be challenging to those that haven’t seen one. I’m holding out for a 100/6 here in California.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar ROBERT SANDERS

    I have had three. Side curtains in early models, transmission tunnel that fries your right leg, lots of rust in panels, positive earth, 4 inches of ground clearance- but great exhaust tune, beautiful, easier to work on than some, decent performance. Not a bad price if it runs and is not rusted out in the door sils.

    Like 2
  3. bobhess bobhess Member

    Craigslist posting deleted…..

    Like 7
  4. Avatar John

    Reminded me of a 100 six I bought many years ago running a salvage yard. Hit hard in the front. Owners wife called and said pay the tow bill and it’s yours. Sure thing! Got a call week later from husband just out of hospital, wanting car back. Seems he was with a female who wasn’t his wife and wasn’t paying attention to the road. Sorry bud, but she signed the title over and I’ve already sold the engine. Said he had owned car since college. Good reason not to piss off the wife I guess.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar A.J.

    Didn’t take long to sell it. I clicked right away but gone already. Good price especially if it’s complete and doesn’t take a full rebuild to get it running. I would have taken the cash out of my IRA to get it! My first car out of HS was a ’63 Healey. But I paid $1200 for it!

    Like 0
  6. Avatar BJ8 Healeys

    That car could be a BJ7 or a Phase 1 BJ8. Not enough photos provided to tell for sure. The carbs could be HD8s, but that photo is fuzzy.

    Like 0

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