The Final and Most Comfortable “Big Healey” – The 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 Convertible

You can hardly go wrong with a Healey if you want to experience the pure driving pleasure of a bygone era. Few cars of its time put you so close to the road, the mechanics, and nature itself. British roadsters have always been known for being simple, fast, and agile, and the Austin-Healey embodies this raw and authentic character perfectly. The marque also enjoyed considerable success at Le Mans and in numerous rallies, where near-production cars were driven over challenging Alpine passes and across long-distance stages.

With the introduction of the Mark III BJ8 in 1963, the model range reached its technical and luxurious peak. The BJ8 featured a revised rear suspension, more comfort-oriented chassis tuning, and a higher-quality interior with wood veneers and an elegantly designed dashboard. At the same time, it retained the characteristic appearance defined by its long bonnet, short overhangs, and powerful lines. The BJ8 is therefore regarded as the most refined and, at the same time, the most comfortable version of the legendary Austin-Healey 3000.

Power comes from a 2,912 cc inline six-cylinder engine producing 150 PS, distinguished by its strong torque and impressive flexibility. Combined with the four-speed manual gearbox and switchable overdrive, the Austin-Healey offers confident and relaxed performance both on winding country roads and during longer journeys. Its distinctive engine note, direct steering, and well-balanced handling make every drive an authentic experience of classic British sports-car culture.

The BJ8 offered here comes from the final 150 PS specification. Between 2010 and 2012, it underwent a complete restoration and rebuild by a specialist company focused on British classic cars. As part of the restoration, electric power steering was installed, making the Healey considerably easier and more enjoyable to handle. The rebuilt engine received a high-performance radiator and upgraded fan, electronic ignition, and a reinforced starter motor, to name just some of the key improvements.

Despite these technical upgrades, the Healey retains an unmistakably classic appearance and does not feel modernised. It also works exceptionally well as a long-distance touring car, particularly as the luggage space behind the seats has been enlarged to accommodate additional baggage. The invoices relating to the restoration are available, as is an appraisal from late 2012, which rated the restoration as “very high quality” and awarded the car an overall condition rating of 1.

The current owner acquired the Healey in Baden-Baden in 2017, and the car has covered just over 13,000 kilometres since the restoration. Over the past nine years, a further approximately CHF 35,000 has been invested in the car.

Among other improvements, the Healey received a completely new soft top, as the restoration had originally been completed with only a cream-coloured hardtop fitted, which is nevertheless included with the vehicle. The current owner also replaced the five-speed gearbox installed in 2012 with a rebuilt overdrive transmission of the type originally fitted, restoring the car to a more authentic specification.

The result is a Healey perfectly suited to both short and extended touring, including Alpine passes and longer-distance journeys. The car is offered with a valid Swiss Veteran MFK, with its next regular inspection not due for another three years.