1962 AUSTIN HEALEY BJ7 3000 MKII

This 1962 Austin-Healey BJ7 3000 MkII is a restored example of the classic roadster, with superb provenance, matching numbers, and in great condition throughout. It is equipped with a 3.0-litre straight-six engine with twin SU HS6 carburettors, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive. The car is also finished in its original colour combination of Colorado Red with a black interior, featuring red piping and a black carpet set. The odometer currently indicates 6,500 miles, which is understood to be the mileage since its restoration around 20 years ago, and it has been kept in a heated garage since then whenever not in use.

The car was supplied new to a dealer in California in left-hand drive format, and for several years was owned by the American actor Robert Wagner, with authentication provided by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. It was brought home to the UK in 1999 and is now available after decades of loving family ownership, during which time it received much attention and care. In 1999, the owner commissioned an extensive restoration by renowned specialist Gerald Stevenson. This included a complete engine rebuild, a bodywork strip down, refurbishment and respray, and a re-trimmed interior. The vehicle has been cherished by its current keeper for 20 years, though it has been kept in storage since 2018.

A MkII example; this Healey features the wrap-around windscreen, wind-up side windows, swivelling quarter lights and a quick-action folding roof. The bodywork is all in very good shape, and while the vendor reports some minor stone chips around the front end, the Colorado Red paintwork is still in excellent condition with a deep patina. The chrome front grille and body trims have an elegant shine, reflecting the car’s gentle use and care by the vendor. Its black soft top roof is in good order and there are also small and large tonneau covers (with stiffener bars). It rides on a set of pristine wire wheels with two-eared knock-off hubs.

Inside, the black leather upholstery is accented with red piping and presents with just some light creasing and bunching from use. The wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel presents very well, along with the instrument dials and dashboard-mounted rear-view mirror. Everything is reported to work as it should and no electrical faults have been detected. Panel fitment across the car is very good, with the headlights meeting the wings flush, and the doors displaying good gaps.

The last routine maintenance was undertaken in 2018, where technicians at Fairway Tyre and Auto Services in Hatfield changed the engine oil and filter, before lubricating the car in preparation for storage. Prior maintenance has been carried out by the car’s mechanic owner, who notes the drive belt was last replaced in October 2012. In the same year, the car received an electronic ignition upgrade and a Kenlowe fan, while technicians at Bailey & Liddle in Faversham carried out additional improvements to the engine. A new stainless steel exhaust was fitted in June 2017.

The most recent MOT test was on 13 May 2017 at an indicated 5,640 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The wheels come wrapped with performance tyres, which are reported to be in good condition. A good history file accompanies the car, as well as a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, a scissor jack, Thor hammer, spare consumables, and the tonneau and hood.

Described as a joy to drive, this Austin-Healey BJ7 3000 MkII is a very smart example of the breed. It boasts superb early provenance, and remains in excellent condition following its extensive restoration 20 years ago. This ‘big Healey’ would make a charming addition to any collection or a great first classic for someone more familiar with modern cars.

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