Best-known of the “Big Healeys”
The Austin-Healey 3000 is one of three nameplates grouped together as “Big Healeys” alongside the Austin-Healey 100 and 100-6. This nomenclature differentiates these larger, more powerful vehicles from the contemporary Austin-Healey Sprites. The 3000 was introduced in 1959 and carried on into three (technically four if you count the 4000 Mk IV, which saw three examples made) generations before being retired in 1967.
Today’s feature is one of the last 3000s ever made, a late Mk III BJ8 convertible. This particular Austin-Healey can trace its ownership records from the current seller in New Hampshire to a previous owner in the same state, then back to the original purchaser in Long Island, New York. Included in the sale are extensive records, Austin-Healey-related literature, and promotional materials.
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The name’s Healey, Austin-Healey
Factory-finished in “BU2” Healey Blue, the current seller suspects a re-coat was applied at some point before their ownership in 2025. The darker-blue folding soft top is definitely a replacement as well. A wide oval grille is matched by an almost equally wide scoop that pokes ever so little over the hood but extends the whole way back. Bright headlights sit to either side, overtop of a chrome bar bumper with two overriders, and a similar matching arrangement on the back.
A winged silver and red Austin-Healey 3000 logo sits on the front just under the hood. A single round driver’s side mirror echoes earlier design sensibilities, while in the back, the taillights poke off the fender in little piped housings, and dual exhaust outlets poke out from underneath. Rubber meets the road with 15″ chrome wire wheels shod in 65SR15 Michelin XZX radial tires.
Strike up the Banjo out of the Blue
Body-matching blue vinyl covers the front two bucket seats and the split rear bench, with contrasting textured piping and perforated texture inserts. The door panels, center console, and dash are also done in a matching blue, yet are a firmer material, while the carpeting is slightly darker and warmer in hue with black floor mats over the top. While the dashboard itself is black, the panels housing the locking glovebox and the gauge cluster sport a period-appropriate woodgrain finish.
The dash also sports a rearview mirror, with blower controls and a slender shifter with an oversized black knob below. A tri-spoke banjo-style steering wheel is clad in black with bare silver wires, and behind it sits a Smiths gauge cluster with a 0-140 mph speedometer, a tachometer that redlines at 7,000 rpm, a fuel gauge, and a combo gauge for oil and water.
Power that goes into overdrive
Under the hood of this British beauty is a 2.9L (177ci) inline-six engine equipped with dual SU HD8 carburetors. Taken together, this arrangement is rated for 150 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque in ideal conditions. All of that power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with a Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive unit.
Front discs and rear drums provide a nice overall stopping power, with said rear brakes having been overhauled in preparation for sale. The seller also notes that the ignition coil was recently replaced. The odometer reads 62,000 miles, with an estimated 7,000 of those added between 1996 and 2025.
Final thoughts: Big Healeys are big fun
Austin-Healey 3000s are not necessarily rare, but they are not terribly common either. Their unique sound and handling, as well as superb styling and curves, make owning one a treat, especially since it is not so rare as to necessitate keeping it as a garage princess. They are also just plain fun, and this specific example has been well cared for and sports complete ownership records from dealer lot to current auction. If you’re looking for your next acquisition or just want to see more photos, you can check out the Bring A Trailer listing here.
