1964 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 Truly An Exceptional Example

175bhp. 2. 12 cc. overhead valve inline six-cylinder engine. three Weber carburetors. four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. independent front suspension and rear live axle. four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 92"

The BJ8 belonged to its second owner. an aeronautical engineer. from 1968 to 2005. In 1991 he performed an unparalleled nut and bolt. frame off restoration of the car. During this time the engine was completely rebuilt. balanced and ported. Not satisfied by merely restoring the car to exceptional mechanical and cosmetic condition. in the spirit of the great Works Rally cars. he added Triple Weber carburetors on John Chatham inlet manifolds. tuned ceramic-coated exhaust. Allison electronic ignition. all stainless exhaust system. enlarged radiator and electric cooling fans. four wheel disc brakes. rack and pinion steering. Koni adjustable shocks. leather interior. and a Moto-lita steering wheel. He crafted a BJ8 Mk III that performs as one would expect from a 21st century version of the this wonderful automobile.

The triple Weber carburetors fitted to the John Chatham inlet manifolds. combined with the stainless steel exhaust system accommodate the freer breathing power plant very nicely. The engine produces a very satisfying growl while remaining quite civilized for road work.   In addition. the four-wheel disc brakes. rack and pinion steering. and Koni shocks greatly contribute to the improved driving characteristics of the car.

The electrical systems were all updated. which included a new harness and electronically controlled ignition.

In 2004. the body and chassis were stripped to bare metal. zinc plated. primed and sealed. then painted with BASF Glasurit paint to provide ultimate protection from corrosion. Appropriately. all the bright work was either re-plated or replaced.

Although never raced. the Austin Healey produces an estimated 175 brake horsepower. and would most certainly perform admirably in competition. Included in the sale are factory manuals. books. drawings and data sheets.

The list of modifications to this Austin Healey is too long to cover here. so we strongly encourage close examination of the vehicle onsite. It was expertly crafted with intelligent and practical improvements over the original design. sinuously integrated throughout the automobile. Among these changes are improved engine cooling. enhanced ventilation and special door hinges to name just a few. This Sports Convertible is for the enthusiast who wants a period Austin Healey that behaves as a modern Austin Healey would. while retaining all the charm of the original automotive icon. A truly fun. comfortable and reliable car to drive.

The current keeper of this amazing car purchased it in 2007. has garaged it ever since. and only covered a few hundred miles with it. He has kept the oil changed. coolant flushed. brake and clutch hydraulics flushed and any other maintenance items have been strictly observed. The fact that he rarely has time to enjoy this wonderful car. combined with some changes in his own circumstances. has led him to the decision to sell it and allow someone else to enjoy this very unique big Healey.

This car starts right up and settles into a smooth. cadenced idle within seconds. It passes smoothly through it's gears without any fuss or unusual noises and the electric over-drive engages very well. The engine note as it escapes the tuned exhaust is nothing short of music to the ears. This 3. 0 liter straight six propels the car with great intent and is quite capable of whatever you ask it. It can cruise smoothly with great civility. pin you back in the seat on your way to triple digit speeds or anything in between. The brakes engage evenly and smartly. whether gently slowing the car or hauling the car back down from limits well beyond our government's desired peak. The steering is precise and immediate. The H rated Vredstein Sprint Classics. combined with the improved steering and suspension. provide a smooth ride and very predictable handling.

All the gauges are beautiful and operate as they should. All the lighting works perfectly. The headlamps are very bright. The wiper system works well along with all the other driver controls.

The paint. though nearly 10 years old. is absolutely gorgeous with a shiny gloss and rich color. The interior has been well cared for. has no issues and has acquired a very slight patina that only adds to this car's soft sense of character. There is no rust whatsoever on this car and it passes the magnet test with flying colors.

Ebay only allows a limited number of pictures so we have provided the following link which includes many more including pictures of under the car and many of it's mechanical components:

MORE PICTURES

The car is available for inspection and test drive at Speedwell in Watkinsville. Georgia by appointment. Contact Mike Horsman at 706-540-8695 to make arrangements.

This car has a clear Florida title and current registration. We are accustomed to accommodating both domestic and international buyers. If buying internationally. please have your shipping agent contact Speedwell for your required documentation. If you have no shipping agent. we can wholeheartedly recommend Terry Pittaway with Phoenix-Cargo.   We have used him many times with great success. His email address is Terry. Pittaway@phoenix-cargo. com

Speedwell can offer insured trailer transport for the car to Port Charleston. South Carolina. Port Savannah. Georgia or Port Brunswick. Georgia for an additional fee.

Also published at eBay.com

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