1967 Austin Healey 3000 Mk 3

This Austin-Healey is one of those final production year 3000s. Having spent most of its life in the USA – Ohio to be precise – this example was repatriated in 2014, enjoying the same keeper in the intervening nine years.

This apparently older-restored 3000 does show a few signs of patina here and there, to the bodywork, but the general impression is one of a highly-presentable example. The chrome, wheels, hood and seats in particular all seem to be in very fine order. The interior is largely free of defects and reflects the open-top splendour of the classic British sports car era.

This 3000 MkIII benefits from an overdrive transmission (operates on third and top) and also sits on a smart set of chrome wire wheels, shod in matching and healthy-looking Vredestein tyres. For even further peace of mind, this 3000 also comes with a clean MoT, valid for nearly 12 months (28/10/24).

At first glance, the paintwork covering this Healey looks really good, and that’s largely the case, however there are a few blemishes on a couple of panels if one is scrutinising, notably on the boot lid under the chrome rack, the grille surround and the driver's B post.

Glass and chrome still look excellent, with more of the latter provided by additional side mirrors, attached to the front quarter windows. There’s more shiny metal out back with an attractive and useful storage rack afixed to the boot lid. The mohair hood appears to be in really good shape, without any obvious tears or stretching to its material. Operation of the same also proves smooth and fault-free.

It’s essential, in an open-top sports car, that you’re met by a welcoming cabin that stands up to summer car show scrutiny. We’re happy to say that the impression given off by this Healey’s passenger confines are up there with the best. The wood veneer has a deep and uniform shine, without any obvious scuffs or marks to mar its finish. The vinyl covering the seats, door cards and dash top also all appear to be in excellent order. The same can be said of the carpets, mats and floors. An inspection under the carpets revealed the latter looking strong.

Dials, switches and trim elsewhere all appear in fine order, commensurate with a cherished, sparingly-used classic. According to the vendor, that’s precisely the level of care and use that this 3000 has enjoyed since coming to the UK.

Lifting the rear deck lid, where both fuel tank and battery reside, there’s an electrical cut-off switch to aid security and a healthy looking, and matching, spare wire wheel. 

We didn’t have a chance to thoroughly inspect the underside of this ground-hugging roadster, or take it for a test drive, but we have received the following insights from the vendor. “The underside appears straight and true, with no evidence of previous damage or botched repairs – painted correctly to match the body colour – and devoid of unsightly underseal or similar. On the road, she drives faultlessly, pulling well in all gears and showing healthy oil pressure. Gearbox and rear axle are both quiet with overdrive operating on third and fourth gears.”

From what we could see, from our inspection, the fuel lines and clips appeared as new, with the same apparently the case for the coolant hoses and their jubilee clips. In fact, everything in the engine bay appeared to be spick and span. As is the norm, with these squat 3000s, the exhaust shows some light scratches, likely from close contact with a speed bump. 

From the Healey's time Stateside there’s a smattering of Ohio registration and export documents. There are also several post-2014 MoTs, plus a UK customs declaration of VAT and duties paid, a V5C and an HPI check.

Austin-Healey 3000s are perennially popular, with good reason too. They have a brutish and raw character that makes them one of the best classic Brit-bruisers out there. These are drivers’ cars through and through. That’s not to say they aren’t capable of touring, as they certainly are, but you’ll likely prefer a short B-road blast to a continent-crossing adventure. 

This one has a lot in its favour, with an excellent interior and apparently strong drivetrain. The few cosmetic issues do not detract from the overall condition, leaving you to either jump right in and enjoy this 3000 or spend some time making it perfect before the 2024 show season commences. We’d be tempted to just enjoy it as it is. We estimate that it will sell for £49,000-£55,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.