Austin Healeys...talk to me
Discussion
because they are first and the purest design of the set. This is where I get confused.
Is a MK3 not a BJ8? Is it just the BJ8's that had the wind up windows? And was it the Phase 2 that had the triples?
Actually I think I'm getting warmer
The BJ8's are the last in the line and benefited from windy up windows.
But how many phases were there of the BJ8? 3?
Edited by vpr on Friday 20th April 22:24
All the BJ8's have windy windows, there were two phases (in theory but a small number of intermediate cars). Phase one has the traditional long established rear suspension with leaf springs and panhard rod location, single side lights/indicators. Phase two has locating arm on top of the axel a dip in the chassis rails which allows more travel. It is a really well located axel that behaves itself very well. It has twin side lights indicators and a bigger rear indicator in place of the reflector.
There were a small number of cars produced that have the Phase 2 lights but Phase 1 suspension, watch out for those.
There were a small number of cars produced that have the Phase 2 lights but Phase 1 suspension, watch out for those.
Its subjective, but for me personally the earlier, Mk1 or Mk2's are 'purer' lines and are prettier as you escape the increased heights of the wind up windows and the stick up hoods that annoying don't fold flat but you do have the hassle of side window frames etc.
I've got a Mk1 and I love it, its also been a great investment and for that reason alone I'd advocate them!
Octane in their recent article on the 3000 (as being under valued and increasingly popular) reckoned the investment money was on a Mk1 or Mk2 which can still be had for less than a Mk3.
Personally I don't like the increased ride height of the Phase 3's.
There is a reason that most of the competition Healeys are built from Mk1s and Mk2s!
I've got a Mk1 and I love it, its also been a great investment and for that reason alone I'd advocate them!
Octane in their recent article on the 3000 (as being under valued and increasingly popular) reckoned the investment money was on a Mk1 or Mk2 which can still be had for less than a Mk3.
Personally I don't like the increased ride height of the Phase 3's.
There is a reason that most of the competition Healeys are built from Mk1s and Mk2s!
Just to try and help with all the BN/BJ stuff and the various Marks...
Mark 1s and 2s had chassis prefixes BN7 (2 seater) and BT7 (2+2). All Mark 1s and most Mark 2s had the original dashboard, hood with DIY frame and sidescreens. The last of the Mark 2s retained the original dashboard but gained wind up windows and a fold down roof. The chassis number prefix of these cars became BJ7. Mark 2 BN and BT7 cars were the ones with triple carbs rated at 132bhp. The later Mark 2 BJ7 reverted to twin (bigger) carbs so power was much the same at 131bhp.
Then you have the Mark 3s. As mentioned before the Phase 1 cars retained the chassis and the lights of the earlier cars but had a revised interior with the wooden dashboard. The Phase 2 cars had the separate indicators and the raised rear suspension. All these cars have a BJ8 chassis prefix and twin carbs with a power output of 150bhp.
The most valuable cars have always been the Mark 3 Phase 2 because they are the most civilised and they have the best ground clearance (which can be a bit of a bugbear on earlier cars).
However, which are the best is a completely different question! As usual it depends what you are looking for. To my eye the Mark 3 Phase 2 cars might be more practical, but park one with its higher rear suspension next to any of the earlier cars and it looks a bit odd - too high at the back, strangely enough!
If you've got a Phase 1 coming I think you've got the pick of the bunch - 150bhp, proper hood, wooden dashboard, perfect looks. You've not necessarily got the most valuable! It's also rare...1390 produced, compared with 16322 Phase 2s.
Mark 1s and 2s had chassis prefixes BN7 (2 seater) and BT7 (2+2). All Mark 1s and most Mark 2s had the original dashboard, hood with DIY frame and sidescreens. The last of the Mark 2s retained the original dashboard but gained wind up windows and a fold down roof. The chassis number prefix of these cars became BJ7. Mark 2 BN and BT7 cars were the ones with triple carbs rated at 132bhp. The later Mark 2 BJ7 reverted to twin (bigger) carbs so power was much the same at 131bhp.
Then you have the Mark 3s. As mentioned before the Phase 1 cars retained the chassis and the lights of the earlier cars but had a revised interior with the wooden dashboard. The Phase 2 cars had the separate indicators and the raised rear suspension. All these cars have a BJ8 chassis prefix and twin carbs with a power output of 150bhp.
The most valuable cars have always been the Mark 3 Phase 2 because they are the most civilised and they have the best ground clearance (which can be a bit of a bugbear on earlier cars).
However, which are the best is a completely different question! As usual it depends what you are looking for. To my eye the Mark 3 Phase 2 cars might be more practical, but park one with its higher rear suspension next to any of the earlier cars and it looks a bit odd - too high at the back, strangely enough!
If you've got a Phase 1 coming I think you've got the pick of the bunch - 150bhp, proper hood, wooden dashboard, perfect looks. You've not necessarily got the most valuable! It's also rare...1390 produced, compared with 16322 Phase 2s.
You need the Austin Healey title from the Haynes Great Cars series. £22.50 from Amazon UK, and it will tell you everything you need to know re the various models over the years.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Haynes-Great-Cars-Bill-Pig...
Paul
PS I see its temporarily out of stock at that price. Still available if you're prepared to pay a bit more, or second hand. I would say well worth it if you're thinking of spending a lot of money on a car.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Haynes-Great-Cars-Bill-Pig...
Paul
PS I see its temporarily out of stock at that price. Still available if you're prepared to pay a bit more, or second hand. I would say well worth it if you're thinking of spending a lot of money on a car.
Edited by B16 RFF on Saturday 16th June 10:30
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