Austin Healey 1962 3000 Mk. II BJ7 2Door

This Lot will be sold at auction at Symphony of Spring; Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 7th March. One of 1,391 UK supplied right hand drive examples£16,752 spent at Bill Rawles in 2021In current ownership for 13 yearsThe Austin Healey 3000 Mk. II BJ7 is widely regarded as one of the most usable and refined of the Big Healeys, combining the muscular 2.9 litre straightsix with the welcome addition of windup windows, improved weather equipment and a more civilised cockpit layout. Introduced in 1962, the BJ7 marked the transition from the earlier sidescreen cars to a more practical convertible format, making it particularly appealing for touring while retaining the strong performance and unmistakable character that define the 3000 model line.This example was built between 11th/13th July 1962 and dispatched on 5th September 1962 to Ernest Garland & Son Limited of Warrington. Originally finished in Ivory White over red trim, the car was restored in the late 1990s/early 2000s, at which point it was repainted in its current Dark Blue over white scheme, a combination that suits it extremely well. Photographs on file suggest a comprehensive restoration at that time, and the history file also contains numerous invoices dating from 20032005. In January 2021, the car was entrusted to marque specialists Bill Rawles, resulting in works totalling £16,752.61. These included gearbox work, brake servo replacement, new coolant and fuel hoses, exhaust, propshaft UJs, rear spring bushes, wiper motor, tuning and road testing. Sensible upgrades were also carried out, including a CSI distributor, aluminium sump and hightorque starter motor, alongside renewal of door trims, handles, carpets, seals, quarter lights, door windows and windscreen. Earlier, in 2015, the carburettors were rebuilt by Carmichael Sport Cars, and electronic ignition had been fitted by Bill Rawles in 2005.The car has been in storage for the past four years but started and ran very well on our visit, some light recommissioning would possibly be beneficial before regular use. The bodywork shows a pleasing patina and could be improved in places, though it remains entirely usable as it stands. The interior trim, which may well be original, has worn attractively with age, and the blue hood is generally in good order, save for a small repairable hole on the passenger side. Excitingly offered without reserve, this BJ7 represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a welldocumented and muchenjoyed example of one of the most desirable Healey variants. Supplied to auction with a comprehensive history file, a British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate and a V5 registration document. Consigned by Fraser Smith