Austin Healy 3000
Discussion
They are great cars, but it does depend on what you want to use it for. I've had a late model BJ8 (1965car) for over 10 years. I now know exactly where I stand with it, I would be happy to drive it hard to the south of France tomorrow. When I first got it it looked good, was a stright and rust free Texas car. It suffered from the usual problem of 10 years of TLC and 20 years of cost cutting neglect, mechanically it was poor. The mileage was just over 100000 which I suspect was genuine. The bottom of the engine had never been taken to bits. There were dangerous issues were with the suspension/steering for example, when I converted to right hand drive I found that the front shockers (the top suspension link on a Healey) were held on with threaded builders rods.
To conclude, if you intend to really use the car then only buy from someone with a known reputation for reliable cars and/or a car with a good history file. Get someone who knows Healeys to look at and drive any potential purchase.I live in Hertford if you want any further advice let me know.
To conclude, if you intend to really use the car then only buy from someone with a known reputation for reliable cars and/or a car with a good history file. Get someone who knows Healeys to look at and drive any potential purchase.I live in Hertford if you want any further advice let me know.
Thanks for your post Peter,
You own two of my all time favourite cars
I want a car that is mechanically strong, but it certainly doesn't need to be pristine. In fact I like a good patina of age and a slightly musty smell. I am not affraid of getting my hads dirty, but equally don't want to take on a total re-build or basket case.
I always imagined the Healy to be a bit like the granfather of the TVR. Rugged, full of charm, but prone to breaking down and actually not that well built in the first place. In fact I intend to use it much like the TVR, in as much as I want to use it for touring holidays as well as sunny sunday afternoons.
Who should I be looking to as recognised specialists? My budget is going to be £20k max, so I don't imagine I will find a suitable car from a marque specialist at that price.
I am actually in Hertford and would welcome a chat sometime if you are free.
Cheers,
ALex
You own two of my all time favourite cars
I want a car that is mechanically strong, but it certainly doesn't need to be pristine. In fact I like a good patina of age and a slightly musty smell. I am not affraid of getting my hads dirty, but equally don't want to take on a total re-build or basket case.
I always imagined the Healy to be a bit like the granfather of the TVR. Rugged, full of charm, but prone to breaking down and actually not that well built in the first place. In fact I intend to use it much like the TVR, in as much as I want to use it for touring holidays as well as sunny sunday afternoons.
Who should I be looking to as recognised specialists? My budget is going to be £20k max, so I don't imagine I will find a suitable car from a marque specialist at that price.
I am actually in Hertford and would welcome a chat sometime if you are free.
Cheers,
ALex
i think a nice 3000 Healey would compliment your Griff quite well indeed!
there are a few in the classifieds, but again much like the Tiv, its probably advisable to try as many examples as possible and buy on condition so hunt around for a good'un!
good luck! i wouldn't mind a big Healey myself one day. its one of my favourite classics from that era!
there are a few in the classifieds, but again much like the Tiv, its probably advisable to try as many examples as possible and buy on condition so hunt around for a good'un!
good luck! i wouldn't mind a big Healey myself one day. its one of my favourite classics from that era!
Edited by Forthright MC on Wednesday 13th June 18:00
Have a look here:
http://www.austin-healey-club.com/
Join up/post on forum or go to a local meeting. You can get some first hand advice and have a look at the different versions. I found my local club members very helpful and friendly - even when I told them I actually had a replica and not a real one!
The early sixes may be slower than the 3000 or earlier 100/4 but they are cheaper as well. No wind up windows but the 2 seaters combine the earlier purer lines with 6cyl engines (I'm sure there must be some tuning options for these as welll as for 3000's).
the unitary chassis/body is very complex and costly to restore so I would say this is one of the main priorities. Many parts have excellent availability.
See: www.ahspares.co.uk
Good luck!
http://www.austin-healey-club.com/
Join up/post on forum or go to a local meeting. You can get some first hand advice and have a look at the different versions. I found my local club members very helpful and friendly - even when I told them I actually had a replica and not a real one!
The early sixes may be slower than the 3000 or earlier 100/4 but they are cheaper as well. No wind up windows but the 2 seaters combine the earlier purer lines with 6cyl engines (I'm sure there must be some tuning options for these as welll as for 3000's).
the unitary chassis/body is very complex and costly to restore so I would say this is one of the main priorities. Many parts have excellent availability.
See: www.ahspares.co.uk
Good luck!
Edited by Roman on Friday 15th June 13:17
steve lyden brow said:
If there is a more pukka sportscar than a Big Healey, then I don't know it !
I've had three Big 'Uns in my time and regretted selling all of 'em. I run an Aston now but rather it was a 3000 !
SLB
Really?I've had three Big 'Uns in my time and regretted selling all of 'em. I run an Aston now but rather it was a 3000 !
SLB
We bought a 100M BN1 last year, nice restored car, I just could not take to it and so we've just sold it, e type is better in all respects IMHO.
Now looking for something prewar.
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