Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Previously restored to factory-correct specification
- Excellent history file and paperwork
- Final ‘Phase 2’ BJ8 in desirable colour scheme
- Runs and drives very well
The Appeal
Donald Healey’s 3000 deserved its nickname: this was a compact car with a big reputation built for proper drivers.
The final BJ8 used the 2+2 configuration and featured luxury trim. Production was split into Phase 1 and 2 cars, the latter gaining lightly altered aesthetics and raised rear ride height for improved suspension travel.
This factory standard BJ8 Phase 2 was expensively and extensively restored in 1990 and has been little used since. The current condition attests to that sparing use and careful owners. Finished in the very popular light blue over cream colour scheme which is in excellent condition. This is a very good example of one of Britain’s most instantly recognisable motoring icons.
The History and Paperwork
- Produced in 1965, before spending its time in the United States
- Imported from California, back to the UK in 1989
- Previously restored in 1990, with plenty of follow-up restoration across the years
- Further bodywork and other repairs in 1998, 2003 and 2005
- This work included inner and outer sills, door hinges, paint and bodywork
- New stainless steel exhaust system and a new fuel tank fitted during this time
- Suspension also renewed
- Further invoices from 2012 and 2016 covering additional work documented below
- Previous MOT certificates
- Two handbooks
- Previously featured in an edition of “Practical Classics” magazine
- Fantastic history, detailing plenty of maintenance & repairs
- V5C document present
- 2 keys included
- Previously sold through Car & Classic in 2022
- Last MOT expired on 17th November 2022 with 89,111 miles on test and no advisories
- Has covered only 100 miles since last MOT test
Notable recent maintenance work:
- Fitted with electronic ignition in 2003
- New distributor cap, rotor arm, plug leads & plug caps in 2012
- New kingpins & renewed stub axles in 2012
- New fuel filter in 2012
- Compression checked in 2012
- New water pump pulley in 2015
- New steering box & idler in 2016
- Rebuilt radiator in 2020
- Fitted with a stainless steel exhaust
The Condition
- Previously restored to a high standard with further ongoing work
- Very well kept car with few signs of wear across commonly used surfaces
- Some very minor signs of age but not immediately visible
- Classically finished in popular light blue metallic over cream
- Retrimmed navy upholster with small rear seats
- BJ8 wood veneer dashboard in good order with well kept fittings
- Moto-Lita 3-spoke steering wheel
- Fitted with a CD radio, and front speakers
- Front & rear seat belts
- Previously restored in 1990, with additional bodywork over the years
- Finished in the signature two-tone paint scheme
- Fitted with 15” wire-spoke wheels and matching spare
- Navy soft top, to complement the interior
The BJ8 was the final evolution of a classic and evocative shape that had changed little since its introduction in 1954. The final Phase II cars got separate indicators, raised rear ride height and a luxurious wood-trimmed interior.
This beautiful example retains those features and is finished in one of the most popular colour combinations for these popular cars. The condition reflects the considerable and ongoing investment since 1990 alongside the sparing use. There are some minor signs of use but none detract from what is an unquestionably beautiful, factory-standard car.
The Mechanics
- 2,912cc C-Series straight six BMC engine developing 150bhp
- Reported to drive very well with no known faults
- Manual gearbox with overdrive
- Extensive ongoing maintenance and improvements as documented above
The heart of the Big Healey is its beefy 3litre BMC engine. This torquey motor enabled the car to compete successfully across tarmac and gravel tracks as well as thrill buyers on the blacktop, mainly across America’s Interstates.
The final BJ8 got a more powerful version of this motor, hiked to 150bhp with the help of twin SU carburettors.
This car benefits from the twin appeal of significant mechanical investment combined with sparing use. The ongoing work since the original restoration in 1990 is detailed above and documented in the vast history file that accompanies the car. It is reported to run and drive very well.
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
