Description
This beautiful and extremely smart 3000 MkII is a very pretty, early wind-up window Healey finished in the extremely attractive Reno Red – a few shades darker than the usual Colorado Red – with Dark Navy interior. Built on 6th September 1963 this is one of the last BJ7/ MkIIA cars with production ceasing in October, sold new by Hambro Trading Inc. This Healey, WPV 998A comes with an extensive history file detailing its full body off restoration and servicing showing continual care and attention over decades.
‘WPV’ was imported back into the UK in 2005 and in 2008 a full bare chassis restoration commenced which included a dip-strip and then also electrophoretic coating for anti-corrosion protection. The body was repaired with many new panel parts (mostly Kilmartin) and at this point was converted from left to right hand drive. Coltec rebuilt the engine which included a lead-free cylinder head conversion and porting. Invoicing then shows many new or rebuilt parts being added to the car and also a number of upgrades, such as new springs and poly-bushing. In 2010 a list of invoices detail replacement components to the gearbox. By 2011 the Healey was MoT tested and roadworthy, although at that point still being finished. Since the major work was carried out she has accrued very few miles, circa 400 to date. Earlier this year, the Healey was purchased from the previous owner/ restorer and has now been completed following a £10k programme of work.
On the inside WPV is extremely clean and a pleasant place to be. The interior was fully re-trimmed with work finishing in July 2017. The hood, replaced at the same time remains as new today and is of good quality with all the seals replaced to provide appropriate Austin Healey levels of weatherproofing. We have just fitted a new Black mohair hood bag in 2023.
De-bumpered and sitting pretty on the expensive 180-section Michelin XAS tyres, ‘WPV’ looks sporting and purposeful. The engine bay is neat and tidy, the interior and boot are both freshly trimmed and the hood is as-new. ‘WPV’ starts easily and pulls away with a lovely exhaust note the engine feeling strong, eager to rev and with plenty of torque – just as a Healey should be! Overall a very nice Big Healey driving experience, the car feeling reassuringly ‘strong’ and very ‘together’.
Supplied serviced with MOT, large and well catalogued history file including restoration documentation, restoration CD, BMHT Certificate of Authenticity.
