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Description

Austin Healey BJ8, the latest version, the most up-to-date, comfortable, and powerful. It stands out most for its side windows.

The vehicle we are offering underwent a complete restoration in 2010, stripping the bodywork to bare metal. The engine and mechanicals were also completely overhauled, and the interior was restored. It received ASI Gold certification the following year in 2011.

It was later featured in the magazine Ruoteclassiche.

A stunning, ready-to-drive vehicle.

Model history and curiosity

The Austin Healey 3000 MkIII, produced between 1964 and 1968, is the final and most luxurious version of the "Big Healey" series. Production was primarily divided into two phases, known as BJ8 Phase 1 (beginning in 1964) and BJ8 Phase 2 (introduced in May 1965), with the latter introducing substantial improvements to driving dynamics and practicality.

Here are the main differences between Phase 1 and Phase 2:
1. Suspension and Chassis (Major Difference)
Phase 1: It used the same rear suspension setup as the MkII, with a Panhard rod system that limited the vertical travel of the rear axle, resulting in a stiffer ride and lower ride height.
Phase 2: A modified chassis ("dipped chassis") was introduced, lowering the rear side members to allow for greater axle travel. The Panhard rod was eliminated and replaced with two radius arms, which improved stability, ride comfort, and handling.

2. Lighting and Safety
Phase 1: Equipped with smaller, glass-lensed Lucas combined sidelights and front turn signals.
Phase 2: Larger, separate lights ("blinkers") were introduced, often with plastic lenses, for improved visibility, adapting to emerging safety regulations.

3. Interior and Center Console
Phase 1: Featured a longer center console that extended to the armrest, which featured a hinged storage compartment.
Phase 2: The center console was shortened and the armrest became longer, with a revised design without a hinge for the storage compartment underneath.

4. Door Handles
Phase 1: Used external "pull" handles, similar to previous models.
Phase 2: Introduced more modern and secure push-button handles, along with a different locking mechanism.

5. Brakes
Phase 1: Equipped with standard Girling front disc brakes.
Phase 2: Adopted larger Girling 16-inch front discs, improving braking performance and resistance to overheating.

Summary
Phase 2 (1965-1968) is considered the most definitive and "usable" version thanks to its improved ground clearance (solving complaints about the infamous low exhaust pipes touching the ground) and revised rear suspension, which offered a more comfortable ride.

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