Estimated Price: £32,000 - £38,000

The Austin-Healey 3000 is the very epitome of the classic British sports car and one of the very few cars that can be said to have attained classic status whilst still in production. Quite an achievement then, but not an altogether unexpected one considering Austin-Healey's heritage coupled with its achievements in motorsport. Growing more civilised with each new model, the second generation Healey, the 3000 Mk II (BN7), was introduced in March 1961 with a higher performance camshaft and initially, a trio of SU HS4 carburettors which turned out to be difficult to balance and were replaced with twin HS6s with the arrival of the BJ7 in January 1962. Known as the MK IIA, the BJ7 differed by having wind-up windows and a wrap-around windscreen and could be identified externally by a vertical barred front grille. A total of just over 6,000 BJ7s were built.

This MK IIA was despatched new to California in September 1962 where it lived the, hopefully, rather glamorous life of a 'Big Healey' in California, before being repatriated to the UK four decades later and entrusted to renowned marque specialist, Murray Scott Nelson. Their exacting rotisserie restoration returned the Healey to virtually its original factory specification as can be seen from the photographs documenting the work in the history file, together with the all-important Heritage Certificate confirming its matching-numbers status.

Registered to Murray Scott Nelson on 1 October 2002, the car passed into long-term private ownership just three days later, remaining with that custodian for the following ten years. It subsequently spent approximately a decade in Spain before joining a private Belgian Collection, both periods helping to preserve its excellent presentation.

Finished in striking Colorado Red over Black, the paintwork retains an impressive depth of shine with few blemishes, the Bordeaux Red leather 2+2 seating and crimson carpets still present well, and the underside remains in magnificent structural condition, testament to the quality of the restoration.

The Austin-Healey 3000 is celebrated for its muscular performance, engaging driving experience and distinctive exhaust note. Having inspected this example prior to sale, we can confirm that it does not disappoint, producing the rich, fruity soundtrack that makes these cars such a pleasure to drive.

More recently forming part of a private collection, the Healey has seen relatively little use but has continued to receive diligent care as required. Its combination of matching-numbers credentials, specialist restoration, photographic records and Heritage Certificate makes it a particularly attractive proposition.

For the enthusiast seeking a beautifully presented Big Healey with an established history and genuine provenance, this is an opportunity to acquire a classic British sports car ready to be enjoyed, and your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the quality and opportunity on offer.