Registration - LAX 351D

Chassis No. - 3209BJ877754

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - TBC

October sees the 70^th anniversary of the ‘Big Healey’, a British classic whose popularity has arguably never been greater. This striking example is finished in metallic burgundy and trimmed in red-piped tan leather, the pleasing effect of which is complemented by the car’s red mohair hood and chrome wire wheels. This MKIII started life as an American export model that came offline in September 1965 and was then despatched to New York the following month. By 2005 it was a resident of Massachusetts and it was from there that the car was repatriated in 2016, by which time it had been restored and converted to righthand drive. Described by the vendor as being in ‘very nice condition and running and driving well’, it is now being offered complete with tonneau cover, hood bag and a selection of useful small spares, including a heating system. Accompanying documentation includes a history file containing a Heritage Certificate, selection of invoices, copy of the US Certificate of Title and all the paperwork relating to its successful importation into the UK.

Donald Healey’s eponymous company built a prototype two-seater sports car for display at the 1952 London Motor Show. Not only did it impress the public, but so excited Austin’s Managing Director Leonard Lord, that he struck a deal to build the car in volume at Longbridge. Renamed the Austin-Healey 100, it enjoyed steady development with the four-cylinder cars giving way to the 100-Six of 1956, which was replaced by the first of the 3000s in 1959. The final iteration was the 3000 MKIII, which was launched in October 1963 and mildly upgraded (Phase 2) in May the following year. Production closed at the end of 1967 after 42,926 had been made, 17,712 of which were MKIIIs.

In summary:

• A very attractive Phase 2 displaying 68,972 miles from new
• The subject of a US restoration and conversion to RHD
• Accompanied by a comprehensive set of US and UK paperwork