1963 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIIA Convertible Project
Registration no. 8202 FN
Chassis no. HBJ7 23957

The enlargement of its C-Series six-cylinder engine to 2,912cc and the adoption of Girling front disc brakes differentiated the new-for-1959 Austin-Healey 3000 from the preceding 100/6. In 3000 form the rugged Austin six delivered 124bhp at 4,600rpm - good enough for a top speed of 114mph with the optional hardtop in place. Otherwise, the car was much as its immediate predecessor, though the more-powerful disc brakes were a welcome improvement. Unveiled in March 1961, the MkII version with restyled grille and bonnet intake was the last 3000 available as a two-seater, the 2+2 version having been for years the more popular. Engine improvements in the form of triple SU carburettors and a revised camshaft liberated an extra 8bhp. From November '61 the 3000 was equipped with a new gearbox, a development which at last moved the gear lever to the centre of the transmission tunnel. In January 1962 the 2+2-only MkII Convertible (or MkIIA) appeared, boasting refinements such as winding windows, swivelling quarter-lights and fixed foldaway hood, while the adoption of a curved windscreen improved aerodynamics and increased top speed to 116mph. MkII production ceased in 1962 after 5,095 2+2s and 355 two-seaters had been built, though the MkII Convertible continued until the introduction of the 3000 MkIII in 1963.

Finished in Healey Blue with black interior trim, offered here is a desirable BJ7 MkIIA centre-change model, one of only 455 right-hand drive UK cars. Registered '8202 FN' (a Canterbury mark), the Healey comes with a history file containing Henlys' original purchase invoice dated 21st June 1963 to first owner Mr W E M Shenton of Walmer, Kent. This invoice lists the following factory options: overdrive, heater, ammeter, switch panel, 600T radio and aerial, cigar lighter, wing mirror, locking petrol cap, Lucas SLR 700 lamps, Lucas L661 reversing lamp, 3M body under seal, servo assisted brakes, and wire wheels. The file also contains the original Passport to Service book (stamped), an original Austin-Healey 3000 advertising information sheet, and a V5 registration document.

A two-owner example, '8202 FN' has covered a mere 35,000 miles from new and is presented in 'barn find' condition having spent many years off the road in dry storage. An incredibly rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a complete, original, and unaltered home-market Austin-Healey 3000 MkIIA with excellent provenance, ripe for sympathetic restoration.