1967 Austin-Healey 3000

Two years ago, $60,000 would have been a good price for this concours-winning BJ8. By waiting, the seller’s return increased by more than 50%

by Gary Anderson

The new Austin-Healey went into production in 1953 and was immediately popular in the U.S. The cars were well-styled, inexpensive, rugged and above all easy to drive, for both the sports car enthusiast who fancied some light competition or just for tooling down to the shops. The early four-cylinder cars were superseded by a six-cylinder model in 1956, appropriately named the 100/Six, and these stayed in production until 1959, when the engine was enlarged to 2,912 cc, hence the name Healey 3000. These were more powerful and faster, equipped with front disc brakes, and soon gave rise to the legend of the Big Healey. Shortly thereafter, in 1964, came the 3000 MkIII, generally considered to be the finest Healey variant of them all. It was more convertible than roadster, with wind-up windows, excellent soft top, and two-plus-two seating. The cockpit sported a varnished wood dashboard with the traditional sports car array of instruments, a central console between...