1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII (BJ8)

Timeless British styling seamlessly blended with elegant, comfortable grand-touring luxury. The paint features an even hue and a consistent finish; while light hazing is visible in direct sunlight, it retains a strong overall lustre. Minor imperfections include a few small marks on the boot lid, slight crazing around the fuel cap, and a small touch-up nearby. Overall, the paintwork presents very well. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint. The bodywork presents exceptionally well, featuring straight, flowing panel lines, consistent gaps around the doors and bonnet, and a smooth, ripple-free finish. There is no notable panel damage, save for a very minor dent on the passenger door. Both doors shut softly without any hinge sag. Underneath, the car is structurally sound. The floor pan, engine bay, and boot floor show no issues, while the chassis exhibits only mild, age-appropriate wear. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The dashboard presents very well with no notable issues. The wood veneer and padded trim remain in attractive condition, accompanied by tidy controls, switches, and buttons - all of which function as they should. The headlining, door cards, and surrounding interior trim are all in good shape. This engine represents the ultimate evolution of the BMC C-Series inline-six. Originally introduced in 1954 to power large British saloons, the cast-iron pushrod unit was engineered for rugged reliability and effortless low-end torque rather than high-revving motorsport use. By 1965, the block reached its absolute pinnacle for the BJ8 - upgraded with a high-lift camshaft, a revised intake manifold, and twin 2-inch SU HD8 carburettors, delivering its highest factory output. The engine is defined by a raw, mechanical character that modern sports cars simply cannot replicate. Operating less like a peaky, high-revving powerplant and more like a refined vintage muscle car, acceleration from a standstill is immediate and effortless. There is a vast wave of torque that makes the engine remarkably flexible, allowing you to hold 3rd or 4th gear and effortlessly ride the power out of sweeping bends without constant gear changes. Under acceleration, the twin SU carburettors deliver an aggressive, open-throated intake hiss that seamlessly blends into a glorious, metallic baritone roar from the exhaust. At cruising speeds, the exhaust notes transition into the signature burble. The current owner, David, reports complete mechanical reliability, with the car receiving regular maintenance and careful fettling, showing no issues with oil pressure or engine temperature. The windscreen is a desirable Triplex item in good condition, and all lights and lenses are neat with sound seals. The glass house area has seen a recent overhaul. The chrome trim is securely fitted: whilst a few pieces show light signs of age, they don't detract from the car's strong overall appearance. The bumpers are well-mounted and in good shape, displaying only minor surface marks in places. The 15” wire wheels are in solid condition, with tight spokes and clean rims. The front and rear of the car is fitted with Continental Contact tyres with the spec of 165/80 - these are date coded from 2021 and are all in good shape, with plenty of life in them. Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old. The seats are smartly presented with no significant marks, while the carpets are equally tidy and completely free of damp. From a cold start, the engine fired up instantly with choke and no hesitation whatsoever. The engine ran smoothly with no knocking or clattering, and the exhaust remained clear of any popping or coughing. All ignition warning lights extinguished as expected, with oil pressure promptly settling at a healthy 50 psi. The engine bay is cleanly presented and period-correct for a BJ8, housing twin SU HD8 carburettors set against a metallic green backdrop. All hoses and ancillaries remain in good condition. Furthermore, rolling road dyno data confirms a healthy output of 128 bhp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The four-speed manual transmission is described by David as having a crisp, mechanically engaging feel, highlighted by a short and precise mechanical throw. Additionally, the electric overdrive engages instantly and smoothly. No issues have been reported with the clutch. The soft top operates smoothly, raising and lowering without issue, while the rear screens are clear. The car comes complete with a good-quality hood cover and a full-length tonneau cover. Dispatched in March 1965 as a US-specification model, the car was imported back into the UK in 1999. Acquired by David in 2019, it has benefited from extensive work over the years, including over £11,000 spent between 2021 and 2022 alone. Believed to retain much of its original body metal, it has undergone significant mechanical upgrades and cosmetic renovations, including restored door frames, a new soft top, tonneau cover, windscreen, and door glass, bringing it to an impressive standard. History files include invoices back to 1999, detailing a replacement steering box, fuel tank, electronic fuel pump, carpet set, and routine maintenance. Accompanying the car are two sets of keys, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, a lead hammer, a jack tool kit, and an advisory free MOT running until June 2027. David has kept it dry garage stored, he has only driven it on dry roads too and carried out any maintenance when needed. We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming. If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay. The car’s suspension delivers a firm, stable, and firmly planted ride. Free of unwanted wheel noise, the vehicle tracked smoothly through corners as it was brought up to 40 mph, absorbing road imperfections without significant shakes or vibrations. The car brakes confidently with solid stopping power and zero fade. It pulls up straight without pulling to either side or creating unwanted feedback. The steering wheel and gear lever present exceptionally well, in condition far exceeding expectations for a vehicle of this vintage.