1963→1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8

Called the BJ8 or ‘Big Healey’, the 3000 MKIII BJ8 was the final and most developed Austin-Healey. Primarily it received a new 150 bhp engine and more luxurious interior, but there was numerous detail differences around the car.

Road & Track said the MkIII was Road & Track was “an enthusiast’s sports car that was fun to drive with lots of performance and good handling and braking characteristics.”

Shortly into production in 1964, the MKIII was updated to Phase II specification which included more rear ground clearance and easily identifiable larger blinkers.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1963 – 1965
built at	England
price $	$ 3,699
succeccesor	1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8 ‘Phase II’
engine	Straight-6
position	Front, Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
ignition	Lucas 25D6 Distributor
block material	Cast Iron
valvetrain	OHV
fuel feed	Twin SU HD8 Carburettors
displacement	2912 cc / 177.7 in³
bore	83.3 mm / 3.28 in
stroke	88.9 mm / 3.5 in
compression	9.2:1
power	110.4 kw / 148.0 bhp @ 5250 rpm
specific output	50.82 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	123.13 bhp per tonne
torque	223.71 nm / 165.0 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm
body / frame	Steel Body over Pressed-Steed Chassis
driven wheels	Front Engine / RWD
front tires	165-70-15
rear tires	165-70-15
front brakes	Discs
rear brakes	Drums
front wheels	F 38.1 x 12.7 cm / 15.0 x 5.0 in
rear wheels	R 38.1 x 12.7 cm / 15.0 x 5.0 in
steering	Cam & Lever
curb weight	1202 kg / 2650 lbs
wheelbase	2337 mm / 92.0 in
front track	1237 mm / 48.7 in
rear track	1270 mm / 50.0 in
length	3988 mm / 157.0 in
width	1524 mm / 60.0 in
height	1270 mm / 50.0 in
transmission	4-Speed Man w/Overdrive
gear ratios	2.93:1, 2.053:1, 1.302:1, 1.00:1
top speed	~185.1 kph / 115.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~9.7 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~27.0 seconds

Auction Sales History

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 HBJ8L26434 – sold for $50,600 Rare and Desirable “Phase I” BJ8. Wonderfully Original, Unrestored Example. Fewer than 22,000 Miles from New. Expertly Detailed by Marque Specialist Healey Lane. Accompanied by BMHT Certifcate.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions 2015 by Gooding & Company

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 H-BJ8-L/26616 – sold for $93,500 Early-Production “Phase 1” Example. Comprehensive Restoration Performed by Brian Anderson’s Classic European. Awarded Best in Class at the 2010 California Healey Week. Driven Less than 250 Miles Since Completion. Presented in Factory-Original Color Scheme. Fresh and Competitive Concours d’Elegance Contender. Offered with Becker Radio and BMHT Certificate.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 HBJ8L/26525 – sold for $93,500 This handsome Mk III, delivered to San Francisco in May 1964, is one of only 1,390 Series I examples produced during the two-year run of the model, which is considered by many to be the most comfortable, versatile, and best performing of the Big Healeys. This dashing car received lavish attention by a previous owner, who conducted a comprehensive body-off restoration that he thoroughly documented with a wealth of photographs.
Auction Source: Gooding & Company’s 10th Anniversary 2013 Pebble Beach Auctio

1964 Austin-Healey BJ8 – did not sell for $45,000 Complete ground-up restoration on a California car. Over $60,000 in receipts. No expense spared. Heritage certificate. New paint, chrome and interior. Straight sides on body. Nice fit and finish of the components. Professionally rebuilt engine and transmission. Documented restoration.
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum