The joint venture between Austin (then part of BMC) and the Healey Motor Company was established in 1952, as a result of Leonard Lord (Austin) seeking a replacement for the not entirely successful Austin A90 sports convertible. Impressed with an earlier prototype Healey sports car, the Austin-Healey 100 was born in 1953, using the A90 mechanicals allied to swoopy bodywork built by Jensen. Sporting performance was ample, the car getting its ‘100’ monicker from its ready ability to reach 100mph. The ‘Big Healey’ was born and its future secured with competition successes.

In 1956, a new 6-cylinder engine (of the same 2.6 litre displacement) replaced the A90-derived 4-cylinder engine and brought more power together with a slightly revised chassis and appearance. This was then superseded in 1959 by the 3000 model, with a larger 3 litre engine providing more power and disc brakes at the front to slow things down. The 3000 remained in production until late 1967, benefitting from upgrades and improvements along the way – there being three recognised ‘Marks’ of the model.

The late model BJ8 3000 Mk3 offered here was manufactured in June 1967 (making it one of the last built). We have no early history for the car beyond the detail provided by the British Motor Industry Heritage certificate which accompanies the vehicle. It records that the Healey was originally a left-hand drive, North America export model, finished in black with red trim. It is believed it was exported to California and returned to its country of origin in the late 1990s.

In 1999/2000 it was the subject of a full restoration by Big Healey Restorations of Nottinghamshire for the personal use of the proprietor, David Ward. At this time the exterior colour was changed to the current Colorado Red; the engine modified to run on unleaded fuel and electronic ignition fitted. We assume this is also the point that it was converted to right-hand drive – there is no detail relating to the restoration work on record. The car was registered in the UK in July 2000 but only remained in the country for a little time, as it was sold to a new Jersey-based owner and re-registered in the island in January 2001.

Since that point the Healey has remained in the island, changing hands just once and covering a very modest further 5,000 miles or so, being well maintained and cherished by its current owner of 18 years.