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1965 Austin-Healey 3000

The Healey 100 prototype was introduced in 1952 at the London Motor Show. It was a join project between Donald Healey and BMC's Leonard Lord, and was notable for becoming the first affordable sports car capable of 100 mph. This new sports car made use of the large quantity of engines made redundant by the failure of the Austin Atlantic. Joining forces, Healey and Lord were able to build an attractive sports car available for 850 GB pounds.

1965 Austin-Healey 3000 photo
Sport Convertible
Chassis #: HBJ8L29412
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
The chassis was designed by Barry Bilbie and the body was styled by Gerry Coker. Through the years, as the car progressed from 4- to 6-cylinder engines and grew in sophistication, it retained its beguiling body styling. The Austin Healey 100-4 and its derivatives were reliable, agile, enduring, and tough. They became giants of rallying and sports car racing with Pat Moss driving a 100-6 and a 3000 Healey in events such as the Liége-Rome-Liége.

The Austin-Healey 3000 was released in 1959, offering similar charm as the 100-6 with updates that included Girling front disc brakes and an improved BMC C-Series 2,912cc inline 6-cylinder engine. Top speed was rather impressive, achieved at 114 mph. The 3000 also continued the commercial success and formidable competition glories as the models that had preceded.

The Austin-Healey 3000 MK. II was introduced in 1961 with a restyled grille and bonnet intakes and became the last 3000 available as a two-seater. With the help of triple SU carburetors and a revised camshaft, output increased to 131 bhp at 4,750 RPM. A new gearbox was also fitted. In January 1962, the twin-carburetor Mk. II convertible BJ7 Sports (or Mk. IIA) appeared only as a 2+2 with refinements such as winding windows, curved windscreen, fully collapsible soft-top with a detachable rear window, and swiveling quarter-lights. The loss of one carburetors dropped horsepower by 2 bhp, but easily compensated by the improved aerodynamics. The 3-liter six-cylinder engine with the twin SU 2-inch HD8 carburetors and a revised exhaust system produced 150 horsepower, more than any other Austin-Healey. Zero-to-sixty mph took just 9.8 seconds with a top speed around 120 mph.

1965 Austin-Healey 3000 photo
Sport Convertible
One of the BJ8s 'Big Healey' (so named in comparison to its smaller sibling, the Austin-Healey Sprite) signature feature was the luxurious interior with burled walnut, a center console and roll-up side windows of the prior 'BJ7.' It was given a revised exhaust system and standard vacuum brake booster.

Production of the Mk. II ceased on the introduction of the 3000 Mk. III, in 1963. 17,712 BJ8s were produced from 1964-1967. In May 1964, the Phase II version of the Mark III was introduced, with increased ground clearance through rear chassis modifications. In March of 1965 the car received separate indicators.

The Mark III, series BJ8, the final version of the 'big Healey' was the most weather-tight, most luxurious, and most comfortable of all Austin-Healeys. It was classically styled and marked the epitome of the open British sports car.


by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020

Related Reading : Austin-Healey 3000 History

The Austin Healey 100 was introduced in October of 1952 at the Earls Court Motor Show. The first Austin Healey 100s were known as 100-4 or BN1. The name 100 came about by being able to break the 100 mph barrier. The BN also had meaning. The B represented the engine class which meant it had between 2000 and 3000 cc. The N represented the body-style configuration, two-seat and open-top. The 100 was....
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1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Vehicle Profiles

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Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1965 3000
$3,560-$24,400
1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Base Price : $3,560

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Other 1965 Austin-Healey Models

3000 Mk III

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
80.00 in.
6 cyl., 177.70 CID., 148.00hp
$3,555 - $3,555
92.00 in.
6 cyl., 177.70 CID., 150.00hp
$3,560 - $3,560
92.00 in.
6 cyl., 177.70 CID., 150.00hp
$3,550 - $3,550
92.00 in.
6 cyl., 177.70 CID., 150.00hp
$3,570 - $3,570

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