1965→1968 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8 ‘Phase II’

In 1965, the MKIII was updated to Phase II specification which included a redesigned rear suspension that made necessary ground clearance for the low-slung exhaust system. Around the same time, the car was also fitted with larger front and rear blinkers.

These were the very last of the big Healeys until the model’s demise in 1968.

To comply with American safety standards the very last ‘Phase II’ cars were fitted with twin front light fixtures per side.

1965→1968 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8 ‘Phase II’

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1965 – 1968
built at	England
price $	$ 3,699
predeccesor	1963 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8
engine	Straight-6
position	Front, Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
ignition	Lucas 25D6 Distributor
block material	Cast Iron
valvetrain	OHV
fuel feed	Twin SU 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

1966 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII Phase II HBJ8L/33596 –

Fully restored in 2012, this left-hand drive Phase II was imported into the UK from Florida, USA in 2013 by the current owner. EU taxes have been paid and the car comes with a UK V5C registration document. Described as in generally excellent condition, without faults and ready to be enjoyed, this freshly restored example of the Big Healey in its ultimate incarnation also comes with handbook, jack, tools and tonneau cover. The provision of a five-speed gearbox is the only notified deviation from factory specification.

Auction Source: 2015 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 Sports Convertible HBJ8L/38206 – sold for $93,500 Classic and tasteful Healey Blue over a correct blue interior. Completely restored by marque specialist Kurt Tanner. Includes a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate.
Auction Source: Arizona 2015 by RM Auctions

1966 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 Phase II HBJ8L33993 – sold for $105,000 Fresh Kurt Tanner restoration just completed. Total ground up rotisserie restoration to the Concours Gold Standard. 60 spoke stainless wire wheels. 4 speed overdrive transmission. Adjustable steering. Metallic Golden Beige with black trim. Top and top boot. California car from new with documentation. Original black/yellow license plates. Reprint Owners Manual. Maintenance records from 1972. First time offered for public sale.
Auction Source: Monterey 2014 by Mecum Auction

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 H-BJ8-L/41305 – sold for $159,500 Matching numbers; rare Metallic Golden Beige, as original. Completely restored by Tom and Randee Rocke, of Healey Lane. BMIHT Certificate and restoration photo-documentation. New English Leather Bone upholstery, direct from Mathews and Son, of London, England. Engine, gearbox, and overdrive have all been completely rebuilt to correct specifications.
Auction Source: 2014 Monterey by RM Auctions

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8 ‘Phase II’ HBJ8L/41015 – did not sell for $44,000 Highly original example with great patina. Recently mechanically refurbished. A Big Healey with personality.In same ownership for many decades. Offered with history file and Heritage Trust Certificate.
Auction Source: 2014 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 – sold for $89,100 Expert Restoration Completed in 2012. Striking Throughout with Handsome Color Combination. Approximately 250 Miles Since Restoration. Complete with Restoration Photos and BMHT Certificate, Owner’s Manual, Top Boot, Tonneau, and Tools. Ready to Show, Tour, and Enjoy.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII Convertible BJ8 – sold for $55,000 Rust free with only one refinish. Twin carburetor inline six cylinder engine. 4-speed transmission with overdrive. New top with crystal clear rear window. Original leather bucket seats. Stored in climate controlled environment. Restored to concourse condition.
Auction Source: Kissimmee 2014, #WhereTheCarsAre by Mecum

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 HBJ8-L/26879 – sold for $61,600 Most Powerful and Refined Mk III, “Phase 2” Specification. Early-Production Car with Small “Phase 1” Front Signals. Distinctive and Striking Black Exterior and Red Leather Cockpit. British Sporting Classic with a Devoted Following.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1965 Austin-Healey BJ8 MK III HBJ8L/29759 – sold for $143,000 Completely restored by Tom and Randee Rocke of Healey Lane. Striking and unique color scheme. Engine, gearbox, and overdrive rebuilt to original factory specifications. Accompanied by photo-documentation and a BMIHT Certificate.
Auction Source: 2013 Monterey Auction by RM Auctions

1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 H-BJ8-L/30530 –

The car shown here was described in August 2012 as “better than new from the factory” by Gerry Coker, the legendary former Healey Motor Company designer who styled the original Austin-Healey 100 and the subsequent Big Healeys. Coker signed the inside of the glove box lid, commenting, “Super Job.”

Auction Source: 2013 Amelia Island by Rm Auctions

1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 H-BJ8-L/31616 – sold for $79,750 Restored to Austin-Healey Club Concours Gold Standards. Preserved Since Completion and Never Shown. Wonderful Example of the Ultimate “Big Healey”. Featured in the September 2012 Edition of Classic Motorsports Magazine Accompanied by Owner’s Manual, Tools, BMHT Certificate, and More.
Auction Source: The 2013 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 Roadster H-BJ8-L/34507 –

The car offered here hails from the last year of production, and it enjoyed a beautiful frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration by the highly regarded Austin-Healey expert Kurt Tanner, of Upland, California. The color scheme of Golden Beige over red Ambla upholstery with a black top is factory-correct, and the car is equipped with the four-speed transmission with overdrive, a heater, and chrome wire wheels. Finished to what can only be described as concours standards, the restoration is documented extensively in photos, which accompany the car, along with its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate. The result is a Healey that’s appearance shines as much as its performance. It will be a pleasure to drive and to own.

Auction Source: 2013 Arizona Auction by RM

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 HBJ8L30993 – sold for $104,500 One of the Finest “Big Healeys” in the US. Comprehensive Restoration to Concours Standards. British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certification. Best-of-Show Winner at 2011 Healey Rendezvous. Best BJ8 at All British Field Meets in Seattle and Portland.
Auction Source: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1966 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 Convertible HBJ8L/34494 – sold for $36,000 Frame-up restoration. Very rare Cordoba Red. 3.0L 6 cylinder performance.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum

1965 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 MK III Convertible HBJ8L/30063 –

The 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 Mk III Convertible presented here is a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) certified matching-numbers car, finished in its stunning original color, Colorado Red; two-stage urethane was used in two separate paint applications to give the color extreme depth and luster. Full photo-documentation of the complete and comprehensive ground-up restoration finished by the marque specialists Tom and Randee Rocke, of Healey Lane of Riverside, California, accompanies the sale of this car.

Auction Source: Monterey 2012 by RM Auctions

1967 Austin-Healey BJ8 Phase II MK III Sports Convertible HBJ8L/40531 – sold for $121,000 Completely restored by Tom and Randee Rocke, of Healey Lane. Engine, gearbox, and overdrive rebuilt to factory-correct specifications. Accompanied by photo-documentation and BMIHT certificate.
Auction Source: Monterey 2012 by RM Auctions

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 HBJ8L/38793 – sold for $71,500 Unrestored, Highly Original Example with Irreplaceable Patina. One Owner for 45 Years and Only 39,000 Miles Since New. Last Year of the Classic Austin-Healey Roadster. Ready for Preservation Class Judging. Time-Capsule Condition. Certified by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.
Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 HBJ8L/35053 –

This BJ8 was delivered new in Texas and remained in the hands of the original family for decades. In 2007, it was sold to a new owner in New York who commissioned a restoration on what was then an exceptionally straight and solid car. Completed in 2010, the extensive and correct restoration included a bare-metal respray as well as the installation of new insulation, which included factory-standard heat shielding over the transmission and exhaust. In addition, the chrome was replated, the interior was redone in proper materials including new carpeting, and all the gauges were checked and rebuilt as required. A new top completed the cosmetics.

Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction 2012 by Gooding & Company

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MK III Convertible –

Ground up restoration. 72 spoke wire wheels. Excellent mechanicals. Final year of production. Engine and gear box documented with BMIHT. 1967 is the last year and most refined making. It is one of the most collectible Austin Healeys built. Speed and comfort have made the BJ8s a hit with collectors around the world. This car comes with a British motor industry heritage trust certificate
– The outside is finished in Old English White. The body fit is great. The side panels are laser straight and have a superior fit and finish. The chrome and bright work appear freshly done from front to back. Under the hood is the factory original 2,912 CC overhead valve inline 6-cylinder engine with twin SU 2″ HD8 carburetors that produces 150 brake HP and has a top speed of over 120 MPH. The engine is mated to the factory, 4-speed manual.

Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII Convertible HBJ8L/27063 –

A former owner had it restored by the Rolls-Royce dealer in New York. Within the last three years, the current owner has upgraded and detailed it, changing to a negative-ground electrical system and installing solid state electronic components like a fuel pump, MSD ignition and an automatic pre-lube system. A new top was fitted in tan Stayfast, and the trunk was lined in carpet matching the interior. An Optima battery is installed, and the factory tool kit is with the car. The original black top and tonneau cover were retained and are in good condition. The mileage shows as 38,000, believed to be correct based on examination of wear-prone components, but this cannot be confirmed with certainty.

Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 –

In the early 2000s, this car was acquired by Kurt Tanner, the California-based restorer of Austin-Healeys who has focused exclusively on the marque for the last 18 years. Mr. Tanner performed a restoration that addressed me- chanical and cosmetic aspects of the car. Though the car was originally finished in British Racing Green with a black interior, Mr. Tanner opted to change the car’s livery to a color scheme more becoming of a classic Healey – black paint over a proper interior of red Ambla vinyl.

Auction Source: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1966 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII BJ8 – sold for €30,860 The car presented here, which came out in 1966, had its bodywork restored in 1991, as attested by a photograph album and the file of invoices. Painted red, this desirable Austin Healey, equipped with centrally fixed radius rims, has been regularly and rigorously maintained by its owner, who has taken part in a large number of driving rallies in the Swiss Alps.
Auction Source: 2011 Salon Rétromobile Aucion by Artcurial

1966 Austin Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8 Phase II –

Representing the Big Healey’s final and most popular incarnation, this BJ8 Phase II model has had only three owners from new and was acquired by the last owner in 2007. The car was completely restored in 2009/2010 when works carried out included a ‘bare metal’ strip-down and complete bodywork restoration; repaint in two-tone white/black; new front and rear bumpers; new wheels and hubs; new red leather interior trim; new carpet; and new soft top and tonneau cover. In addition, the carburettors have been overhauled and the engine fully rebuilt with new pistons; a new aluminium cylinder head (converted to unleaded compatibility); new alloy sump; new clutch; new dynamo and starter motor; and a stainless steel exhaust system. The car comes with its original tool kit, owner’s manual and sundry invoices for parts totalling €9,000.

Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles d’exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams

1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 HBJ8L/28861 – sold for $52,800 About 17,700 Mark IIIs were originally built, and their sporting attributes have made them enduring and enjoyable collector cars. This completely restored example from 1965 is very attractive in all respects, finished in red with a matching cockpit and a black convertible top.
Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MK III BJ8 Sports Convertible –

The 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 MK III Sports Convertible presented here is a very fine example that continues to benefit from an older, high-quality restoration. Finished in champagne and complemented by show-quality chrome, a black convertible top and a matching boot, the BJ8 rides on Michelin radial tires and proper “knock-off” wire wheels. Exterior features include Lucas headlamps, along with a chrome-plated driver’s side view mirror and bumper guards. The inviting cockpit features black leather upholstery, complemented by black carpeting, a handsome wood-rimmed steering wheel and a wood grain dash, along with a heater and a floor console with “3000” scripting. The well-detailed and period-correct engine bay is impressive, and cradles the powerful 2,912 cubic centimeter six-cylinder engine, with correct finishes and labels present throughout.

Auction Source: 2008 Monterey Preview

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8 Phase II –

his late Phase II was purchased by the current vendor’s father for £7,500 in 1981, by which time it had covered 37,000 miles, but never used by him. On its owner’s death it was discovered that he had never registered the Healey in his name, and the car was duly registered in his widow’s name in 1992. ‘NLR 589F’ remained unused until earlier this year when it was re-commissioned. Finished in British Racing Green with black leather interior, this little used ‘Big Healey’ is described as in generally good condition and offered with current MoT and Swansea V5. A factory roll bar is the only notified deviation from the manufacturer’s specification.

Auction Source: 2010 Collectors’ Motor Cars at Goodwood Revival by Bonhams

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 MK III HBJ8L/25879 –

Finished in Gold with a Fawn leather and vinyl interior, this car’s nut-and-bolt restoration was just completed by the marque specialists Tom and Randee Rocke at Healey Lane. The car was finished in two-stage DuPont Chroma base in two separate paint applications to give this Gold color superb depth and luster. The Fawn leather and vinyl interior has matching English wool carpeting – certainly a unique and rarely seen color combination.

Auction Source: RM Auctions’ 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey