1965 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 Mark III Convertible

The first of the Big Healeys, badged the 100, debuted at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show and soon developed a reputation for mechanical ruggedness, thanks in part to a competition career spanning two decades. The Big Healey evolved into the 100/6 in 1956 but a lack of performance compared to the four-cylinder model meant further revision took place in 1959 with the introduction of the more powerful 3000, with greater stopping power as well, thanks to new front discs. The BJ8 series, introduced as the 3000 Mark III in 1964, ushered in a civilized new era for the Big Healey, boasting wind-up windows, quarter lights and a wraparound windscreen. Inside there was a new wooden facia panel and centre console and a folding panel above the occasional rear seats which also doubled parcel shelf. Mechanically, the Mark III benefited from several modifications including a revised camshaft profile for the 3-litre six, twin SU HD8 carburettors and new twin exhaust system. With a 9:1 compression ratio, the motor produced 148bhp and 165lb/ft of torque, making the Mark III genuinely capable of reaching 120mph. Overdrive remained an option on the four-speed gearbox and servo-assisted brakes were standardised. The 3000 was further refined in May 1964 as the Phase II, with re-shaped chassis side members and new rear suspension to eliminate a perennial Big Healey problem, the lack of ground clearance at the rear. Of the 16,314 BJ8 Phase IIs built, around 85% of production was exported to the United States before the last car rolled off the line in 1968. Demand for the Big Healeys has always remained strong and values remarkably buoyant, but the real pleasure is to be had behind the wheel of these classic British sports cars.