1962 Austin Healey 3000 MKII - Well Kept Restoration - Turn Key Example

Description

Austin Healey is one of the big names in British motoring history with Donald Healey and his beloved Big Healey’s winning over enthusiast across the world. It all started with the spirited 100-4’s and evolved into the much more powerful 3000 with three variants put into production ranging from the MKI to the MKIII but what we are concerned with is the middle model, the MKII. It appears quite similar to its predecessor, the MKI, but is equipped with several refinements such as three SU HS4 carburetors, different valve springs, and upgraded camshaft. They were offered in one of two platforms, a two seater roadster or 4-place open format. To this day, these concise, nimble roadsters are adored by enthusiasts for their performance, classic look, and nostalgia. Being that these cars are so pleasantly usable, they were regularly enjoyed by their owners over the years resulting in seeking out good examples increasingly more difficult but not impossible. This brings us to the example on offer.

Now available out of the LBI stable is a matching numbers, 1962 Austin Healey 3000 MKII chassis number HBT7L18337, engine number 29ERUH4545. This example is coming out of over a decade of ownership here in Pennsylvania and is now awaiting its next care taker. Right before the turn of the century, the previous owner had initiated a nut and bolt restoration, executed by the marque specialist at Fourintune of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the early history of this car is not known but more information will be known upon receiving the heritage certificate, which is on order.

The initial impression this car gives off is a consistent, well cared for and preserved restoration, boasting quality that has stood the test of time. The old English white paint has aged well, still possessing a glossy shine and depth. In terms of flaws, there are only a couple noteworthy items to include a small bubble on the passenger side door directly to the left of the door handle and a minute crack by the bonnet grill. Otherwise the paint shows well and could be considered show worthy and without needs. The rubber components are all intact, supple, and seal properly. The weather gear is in presentable condition but it should be noted that the plexiglass windows do have some moderate scratches and the rear plastic window has developed some clouding. An inspection of the panel fitment will conclude even gaps and seams throughout which can be attested to the quality of the restoration. The chrome items including the bumpers, grill, bezels, windshield frame, and trim pieces are in good shape, absent of any significant flawing but some scattered subtle pitting can be seen under close inspection on various items. The wire wheels and tires are presentable however, the paint on the wheels has begun to fail in a few small areas. They could be left in their driving quality state or simply resprayed to remedy the issue. The tires are the period correct style for concours; they have however started cracking due to age. The glass components on the car are all free of any deep scratches, chips, or abnormalities showing, as a restored example should.

Pull open the door and the door jams appear clean and consistent with the rest of the car. The red interior shows beautifully with the front and rear seats complimented by the white piping. Given that this is an older restoration, one will note a few items have developed some patina. The side bolsters on the driver’s side seat, a common area of flawing, have slightly worn but are still very much presentable. Also, under the right lighting one can see the red vinyl on the front seats has begun to fade slightly with the rear seats slightly darker as they have most likely never been sat in. The dash top and fascia is without flaws, housing the rebuilt gauges with crisp lenses and fully operational. The correct steering wheel is present versus the aftermarket Moto Lita steering wheels Healey owners commonly replace it with, allowing for a more authentic driving experience. The shifter and boot have held up well having incurred no damage. A peak down at the carpet and floor mats will show they are free of any stains, tears, or inconsistencies. However, after 16 years of going to shows and letting the car sit in the sun the carpets do show some fading in areas. It could easily be left but it perhaps the most obvious flaw.

Moving forward with our inspection to the engine bay, one will see a properly maintained engine that is accompanied by the correct hoses, clamps, markings, and all accessories. All components appear tidy with any servicing clearly completed by very capable hands. The rear trunk possesses many of the same qualities with the liner showings as new and the spare wheel, tool kit, and jack all present. An inspection of the underside shows no obvious issues as it is very presentable for an older restoration. There is some typical aging from use but nothing unexpected and completely in line with the rest of the car. The correct areas were painted the color of the body, suspension components all tended to, and any major issues were corrected during the restoration, however not noticeable today.

In combination with the cosmetics, this particular example is also in superb mechanical condition. The previous owner did drive this car quite a bit but also ensured his use of the car was accompanied by appropriate maintenance. Under his care a variety of items were tended to including new wheel cylinders, fuel pump, battery, miscellaneous hoses, choke cable assembly, clutch service, and the list goes on. There are thousands in receipts from local Austin Healey Specialists servicing the car throughout the years. Needless to say, this car is very much a turn-key example that you can simply get in and enjoy. It does not take much to start and once up to temperature performs without issue. The clutch operates as it should, the transmission going in and out of gear without any hassle. Put down your right foot and the engine springs to life, pulling well, and making that snappy Healey exhaust note. The steering feels tight and precise with no notable play. The brakes feel firm, functioning without issue, stopping straight and true when applied. This example is equipped with overdrive which is fully operable, making highway driving much more pleasant for the driver and the car. The car feels settled in, sorted, and is a nicely aged restoration that has a solid feeling of reliability.

The Austin Healey we are left with today is a well-rounded and consistent example throughout all areas of the car. The restoration completed by the professionals at Fourintune set a great base for this Healey to provide many more years of enjoyment. This will not only be a fantastic car to take on tours, rallies, and show but also a feasible investment. This example is offered with the original owners manual, tools, spare, weather gear, and BMIHT Certificate.