1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II HBJ7 Sports Convertible

The seller of this 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II HBJ7 Sports Convertible says he acquired it through the Auctions America sale in Auburn, Indiana, about eight years ago. The car may have been restored at some point, though the seller only knows that it has signs of previous body repair, and that the engine was rebuilt about 800 miles ago. - he has driven the car about 100 miles per year during the summer months and always stored it in a climate-controlled building when not in use. It is said to start and drive well. It is one of a few cars he is changing out of the collection. - pre-purchase inspections are welcome and that he would assist the new owner with transportation. One of the most revered postwar British roadsters, the Austin-Healey 3000 evolved from the four-cylinder Austin-Healey 100, introduced in 1953. This spartan roadster was a collaboration between small-volume auto maker Donald Healey and mass producer Austin. Bodies were contract-built by Jensen, and the MG factory assembled the complete cars. The car gained a six-cylinder engine in 1956 and then adopted the 3000 badge when the OHV six's displacement was enlarged to 2.9 liters for 1959. In 1962, a revised Mk. II version, with model code BJ7 and called a Sports Convertible, brought the all-weather comfort of a true convertible top and roll-up windows, along with a more-modern curved windshield. With its appealing, curvy lines and torquey six-cylinder engine, the Austin-Healey 3000 would remain in production until 1967. The 3000 model accounted for nearly 43,000 of the total 65,951 Big Healeys made, with about 90 percent exported to the U.S. - The 1963 Austin-Healey's inline-six engine was rated at 124 horsepower when new. The owner says that the original engine was rebuilt about 800 miles ago but has no documentation to verify this. - the car starts well, and, with the choke on during a cold start, smokes a little, as all Big Healeys do. He indicates weeps from the transmission and differential. The four-speed manual shifts smoothly. The seller reminds bidders that these transmissions have a non-synchro first gear, which requires bringing the car to a complete stop before downshifting into first. - the paint has some minor flaws and chips, and he has highlighted the blemishes in the photos. Underside photos show just some light surface oxidation. - that the car has a good and functioning folding soft top and affirms there are typical normal light scratches in windshield and side glass but no cracks. There is no evidence of bad seals or any leaking concerns.- the car has signs of previous body repairs but that there is no current rust. All lighting and electrical functions work as designed. The seller affirms that the heat works. The leather seats show some wear due to normal use, and the carpet is said to show no signs of wear or damage. All interior trim and switches are reported to be intact. - the gauges function well for old Lucas electrical gauges and points out that the oil pressure/temperature gauge has a black face, while the others are silver. - The owner says that the Kumho Power Star 758 radial tires are at least eight years old and have about 70 percent of tread remaining. The wire-spoke wheels are described as in fine condition, and steering play is indicated as normal for an Austin-Healey. He has no history of suspension work but reports the original lever-arm shocks are in good working order. The non-assisted brakes are said to have a firm pedal feel and will lock up the wheels. This 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II HBJ7 Sports Convertible oozes British charm.- he has enjoyed it as an occasional driver for the past eight summers and reports it as road-ready, with no needs.