"We are pleased to present this excellent example of the Austin Healey 3000 Mk. III manufactured at Abingdon works between the 2nd and 5th July 1965 that was then despatched to Charlestown, South Carolina on the 19th July 1965. It is a Phase II car, meaning; it had improved ground clearance at the rear and anti-roll bars. The original optional extras included a laminated windscreen heater, wire wheels, overdrive gearbox, adjustable steering column and, unusually for the American market, amber indicators, whilst its original colour was Healey Blue.
Little is known of the first owner of the vehicle but a key member of the Austin Healey Club of America, a Mr Joseph Pepe of Pennsylvania, owned the car for many years before being sold as a project to Bob Yule, a well known owner of Healey Specialist restorers Autofarm, Ontario Canada. Bob in his words, “sat on the car” for a few years before completing the restoration around 10 years ago. It had two owners in Canada who used the car sparingly before being repatriated to the UK in 2017 where it was exhibited at the NEC Classic Car Show in Birmingham.
The extensive restoration is evident upon inspection of this example. The coachwork is excellent presenting in metallic dark blue and complemented by the chrome wire wheels and contrasting tan interior. Period fog/driving lights are fitted to the front as well as a badge bar. The gearbox and overdrive (on 3rd and 4th) were refurbished at Healey Specialist Hardy Engineering in December 2017 and January 2018. We are informed that the overdrive operates easily whilst the car keeps up with modern traffic and drives well. The engine bay is almost as original, it has the Healey polished cover rather than original painted and modern horns that are more efficient; the originals are included. The interior is as good as the rest of this Austin Healey and fitted with period lap belts and a Mota-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel. The glass is all original as is the hood frame but the hood, as you would expect, was replaced when the car was restored and comes with a matching hood cover and tonneau; the quality of which is very good with no rips or tears. Over the past two years the car has attended events including the Donington Historic Festival and Sywell Props and Pistons and is driven only when dry. This Austin-Healey comes with a file that includes its UK V5C registration document, Heritage certificate and various invoices. This 55-year-old example certainly looks the part and, we are informed, goes as well as it looks. What better way to enjoy the open road and, hopefully, the forthcoming fine weather."