1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 Phase 1

This 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 Mk III described as almost completely original has recently come out of the living estate of its first owner. It is seemingly a desirable early example, one of only 1,390 built during Mk III Phase 1 production, described as a time capsule and a beautiful driver. This Big Healey was ordered by a U.S. Navy officer on a port visit to Naples, Italy, and delivered new to Charleston, South Carolina, on March 6, 1964. Extensive documentation includes factory build information, the original bill of sale, shipping manifest, Lloyd's of London insurance documentation, the original owners handbook, and more. - this Austin-Healey is -virtually a one-owner, matching-numbers 3000 Mk III BJ8 with correct factory colors that can be proudly driven and enjoyed as-is.- The 2,912-cc OHV straight-six engine with dual 2-inch SU carburetors was rated at 150 horsepower and 173 lb-ft torque when new. - the engine in this Mk III is original to the car and has had no rebuilds. - it starts without effort, idles well, shows no smoke, and has no leaks worth mentioning. The four-speed manual transmission is said to shift well and operates with an electric overdrive that works as it should. No modifications have been made to the engine or transmission. The engine bay appears to be neat and tidy with the expected patina that comes with originality. The exterior has been resprayed once since new, in the mid-1980s, who describes it as beautiful from 20 feet, but shows its age. The sides of the car appear to be straight and true in the provided photographs. There are a few minor dents and door dings, and plenty of flaws in the paint. He states that there have been no rust repairs, but that the rocker panels have minor rust through. The floors, frame, and outriggers appear to be solid, with some minor rust. All chrome is reported as original, and all lights work. The windshield has some chips, to be expected with the car's age and originality. A new-old-stock windshield is also included in the sale. A newer black vinyl top and tonneau come with the original top boot - The ongoing evolution of the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 transformed the earlier Healey 100s from raw-boned open sports cars into comfortable sports convertibles with full weather protection and amenities. The 3000 Mk IIIs provided 2 seating, a wrap-around windshield, adjustable steering wheel, roll-up windows, and a restyled interior with a burled wood dash. Overall, the mostly original interior in this Mk III is described as in good original condition. The Black Ambla vinyl interior materials are said to be original to the car, with the exception of the driver's seat, which has been reupholstered. The dashboard appears to be in good condition, in the photos, with some visible cracks on the lower edge below the glovebox. All trim is original and present, and all gauges work properly. - The undercarriage shows use and surface rust to be expected from an original car of this age and mileage. The car has a newer exhaust system. The five chrome wire wheels are a newer upgrade and are described in near perfect condition. The Michelin Radial X tires, sized 175R15, show plenty of remaining tread in the photos, but are described as older. The steering points straight, with no play. The suspension is original, with no modifications, and working correctly. No leaks are observed on the shock absorbers and the bushings are good. The brakes work well with the vacuum assisted booster working as it should. Additional paperwork includes extensive original documentation for the car, including the factory build information, original bill of sale, shipping manifest, original owners handbook, and more. A NOS windshield is also included in the sale. The car brough from the estate of the original owner and notes that this 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 Phase 1 was originally delivered to South Carolina and still resides in South Carolina 57 years later.