Keep up to date
Keep up to date with all things Trade Classics, along with new cars.
Curated Auction

1963 Austin Healey 3000 (BJ7)

At a Glance

Excellent Presentation | Historical Documented Restoration | Heritage Cert. | Over £36k of Invoices | MOT to July 2027 | Finance Available

  • Mileage~482 on clock
  • Transmission4-Speed Manual with O/D
  • Engine3.0-litre
  • LocationSway, Hampshire

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more


Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£2,500
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£2,500

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

Raw six cylinder power, muscular British spirit, and effortless long distance cruising.

The success of the 'Big Healey', especially in the US, lay in its combination of muscular performance, striking design, and ideal market timing. Unveiled during Britain’s post-war export drive, the low-slung styling gave American buyers exotic European glamour at an affordable price. Returning US servicemen were eager for British sports cars, but needed something capable of tackling sprawling American highways. Where smaller roadsters struggled, the Big Healey’s punchy 2.9-litre inline-six delivered the effortless, long-legged torque required for fast, long-distance cruising. Cemented by a formidable international rally record, this heroic image drove over 80 per cent of all production across the Atlantic.

The BJ7 (3000 Mk IIA) stands as the most compelling choice in the Big Healey lineage, brilliantly combining brute power with classic roadster charm. Over earlier models, it introduced practical roll-up glass windows, quarter lights, and an integrated, quick-folding soft-top, replacing fiddly, drafty side-curtains, alongside twin SU HS6 carburettors that offered far simpler tuning and superior reliability compared to the temperamental triple-carburettor setup. Crucially, over the later BJ8, it retains the elegant unified oval chrome bezel housing the dashboard instruments, a lower ride height, and classic body detailing before the range shifted toward a more modern, luxury-orientated grand tourer. In essence, the BJ7 delivers the weather protection and everyday driveability of the late cars whilst preserving the raw, authentic styling and traditional cabin appeal of the originals.

This exceptionally well-finished 1963 Austin Healey 3000 BJ7 is presented in very striking Rosso Red, emphasising its rich sporting heritage, complemented by a beautifully refurbished blue leather interior. Fitted with a smart, high-quality canvas soft top, the car is accompanied by over £36,000 in invoices dating back to its comprehensive 2008 restoration. The underside has been protected with an anti-corrosion treatment. Having recently benefitted from carburettor tuning, it not only drives superbly, but also offers the added peace of mind of a valid MOT through to July 2027.

The Healey comes complete with two sets of keys, an extensive history file, and a photographic record documenting its restoration.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting David the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

It's probably the smoothest and most engaging Healey I've ever owned.

David knows Big Healeys like the back of his hand and acquired this example owing to its comprehensive restoration history and exceptional quality of finish. Kept in secure storage when not on the road, his motor cars enjoy regular use and meticulous maintenance.

David is currently rationalising his collection purely to keep it at a manageable size and he will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

David
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Subject to a detailed and professional restoration, the car presents exceptionally well thanks to its deep Italian rosso finish.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” wire wheels are in good shape having been refurbished in 2022 by Tudor wheel, with tight spokes and show no rim marks, they fill out the arches well, adding to the sportiness and handling.

The front and rear of the car is fitted with period correct Michelin XAS Tyres with a spec of 180/50 - these are date coded from 2015. All show even tread and are in good shape. Due to the age of the tyres David is going to replace all four before the car is picked up by the new owner.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

image

Bodywork

The exterior presentation is equally reassuring, with body panels sourced from Kilmartin that deliver excellent panel flow and consistent shut lines. Aside from a minor, easily treatable dent on the passenger door, the rest of the bodywork is free of dents or discernible corrosion, and all doors open and close with ease.

The underside of the car looks solid, with clean wheel wells, chassis rails, a near-pristine floor pan, and well-maintained engine bay and boot floor. As part of the car's extensive restoration in 2009, the chassis was completely stripped, acid-dipped, and protected with an electrophoretic e-coating, which provides exceptional protection against rust, with it being used on modern cars, David has modernised this Healey's protection.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

image

Paint

The paint features excellent, consistent coverage with a deep lustre. Finished in a Fiat/Ferrari Rosso Red rather than standard BMC Red, it offers significantly more depth and richness. Aside from a handful of minor marks and a few small touched-up chips, the paintwork presents exceptionally well overall.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

The windscreen is in good order, showing only a few minor marks.

All lights and lenses are present and in good condition, and the trim remains complete and period-correct for a BJ7.

Although some of the brightwork displays a light patina of age, chiefly on the windscreen frame, headlamp bezels, and door handles, the grills and badging are in superb condition.

image

Interior

Elegantly trimmed in blue leather, the cabin has been finished to a high standard.

Seats and Carpets

The blue leather seats are in superb condition and offer excellent support.

The carpets remain clean, well-fitted, and entirely free from dampness.

image

Dashboard

The dashboard looks sharp, with good padding and a well-preserved facia.

The switches and controls are reported to function correctly.

The door cards and surrounding cabin trim remain in excellent order throughout.

image

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The Moto-Lita steering wheel shows minor signs of age.

The gearbox gaiter requires a little attention to secure it properly in place, David told us he was going to sort it.

image

Mechanics

A spin in this Healey is a raw, mechanical, muscular experience!

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up effortlessly, starting promptly without requiring choke. It runs smoothly and is free from any untoward mechanical noise, with no unwanted smoke observed from the big-bore exhaust system. The ignition light extinguished as expected, with the engine settling into an even idle. Left running at operating temperature for an extended period, the car demonstrated excellent cooling and maintained sound oil pressure throughout. We didn't observe any fluid leaks on the day.

The engine presents smartly, displaying every sign of diligent maintenance and upkeep. It was rebuilt by Coltech Racing Engines Ltd in 2008 with an unleaded head conversion and has recently benefited from over £1,000 worth of attention to ensure the carburettors are set up and running correctly, David told us some additional work was completed on top of what is stated on the invoice (needles/jets/gaskets). Additionally, the starter motor was replaced in 2023.

The manual gearbox with overdrive operates smoothly and without fault, having also received attention to the front hub splines in 2023. David confirms he is thoroughly satisfied with the performance of both the clutch and the overdrive unit.

image

Suspension and Brakes

The car sits level and rides smoothly, free from any untoward thumps or knocks from the road wheels. David notes that the suspension set-up provides ideal ride height, ensuring the chassis rarely, if ever, bottoms out or scrapes on uneven surfaces, a common bugbear on Big Healeys. It handles assuredly with no adverse feedback through the steering wheel during our drive out.

The shock absorbers were reconditioned in 2017, at which point a polyurethane bush kit was also installed.

The brakes operate without any negative feedback, keeping the car up straight and true. It remains entirely compliant, with no squeals or vibrations noted during the drive.

image

The Drive

The Austin-Healey BJ7 utilises the 2.9-litre C-Series inline-six engine, which replaced the finicky triple carburettors of earlier Mk II models with twin SU HS6 carburettors. This setup delivers a far more reliable, easily tuned balance of torque and drivability, granting the car exceptionally strong low-end lugging power.

The engine proved remarkably smooth and refined throughout our drive, pulling cleanly with a deep, raspy, metallic inline-six exhaust note that never tires. Engaging the gearbox requires firm, deliberate inputs, but every ratio selects cleanly. David demonstrated the car's remarkable low-down flexibility by pulling away smoothly in second gear, though the engine truly hits its sweet spot between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. Throughout the drive, the engine remained completely free of hesitation or stutter, with no popping or untoward mechanical noise. The gearbox went in and out of overdrive with ease.

The steering presents no adverse issues, delivering positive, communicative feedback with no thuds or wobbles. The car corners impressively flat, staying remarkably composed over road imperfections. Whilst never intended to be a lightweight, nimble sports car, David demonstrated its true grand-touring credentials through the sweeping bends of the New Forest, adopting a classic 'slow in, fast out' approach that highlights its high-speed cruising ability.

At operating temperature, oil pressure sits comfortably at around 20 psi at hot idle and rises promptly to 50 psi on the move. The cooling system proved entirely effective during our drive, maintaining proper temperature without needing the auxiliary fan. Having resolved the minor initial carburettor teething troubles, David is delighted with how superbly the car now performs.

image

Electrics and Other

The canvas soft-top is in excellent condition, entirely free of significant marks or blemishes, with an unblemished rear screen. It raises and lowers smoothly, fitting snugly against the frame.

image

History and Paperwork

It comes with a binder with over £36k worth of invoices and receipts.

Originally exported to the US in 1963, the car was repatriated to the UK in 2008, where it underwent a comprehensive restoration and right-hand-drive conversion. It was initially acquired by a highly experienced classic car enthusiasts who invested over £26,000 between 2008 and 2019, supported by extensive invoices for parts from AH Spares, to bring it to a high standard. It was subsequently sold to Healey Specialists Retromarques, who spent a further £8,500 primarily on cosmetic refinements and interior trim.

The current owner, David, purchased the car in 2022 and has invested another £2,000 to refine its running order to its present excellent standard. Although both MOT and road tax are exempt, the car holds a valid MOT through to July 2027 and a recent carburettor overhaul.

The car is accompanied by a history file containing invoices dating back to its 2008 restoration, a photographic record documenting the initial UK rebuild, a tin of matching paint, a toolkit, and two sets of keys.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
14-07-2026 MOT 475
01-04-2019 MOT 352
17-03-2017 MOT 273
15-03-2016 MOT 152
18-03-2015 MOT 99
21-05-2014 MOT 75
15-07-2011 MOT 13
28-07-2009 MOT 76,441
Key Details
  • Finance Available? Yes - Contact Us
  • Model 3000 MKII (BJ7)
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual with O/D
  • Reg. Date 11-09-1963
  • First UK Reg. Date 05-08-2009
  • CC 2912
  • Mileage ~482 on clock
  • History Since 2008
  • Colour Rosso Red
  • Interior Colour Blue
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # HBJ7L25068
  • Engine # 29FR0H3165
  • Restored Yes in 2008-2011
  • Engine Rebuild Yes in 2008
  • MOT Yes Exp: 13-07-2027
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers 1 in UK
  • Tyre Brand Michelin XAS
  • Tyre Age 2015
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~4 years
  • Key Feature Restoration
  • Vehicle Registration WPV 998A
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2-door Convertible
  • Auction ID 3981


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £2,500
    £
    1963 Austin Healey 3000 (BJ7)
    AUCTION STATUS RESERVE NOT MET
    RESERVE NOT MET RESERVE MET
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 1st Oct at 7.10pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  3
    £2,500 bid by bcphammond17.09.26 @ 21:26:20
    £2,300 bid by JeffO17.09.26 @ 16:22:32
    £2,000 bid by mikeypat17.09.26 @ 12:04:37
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    896
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    2 Comments
    rob1958
    rob1958
    2 days ago

    hi can you tell me what camshaft was fitted to the healey?
    Was there any other modifications to the engine at the time the camshaft was changed?
    many thanks Robert

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Austin-Healey like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Sway, Hampshire

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for their vehicle. We work closely with sellers to set realistic reserves that reflect current market values — we don’t take on vehicles with inflated or unrealistic expectations.

    If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

    As a guide:
    – If you’re able to place a second bid, the reserve hasn’t been met.
    – If you attempt to outbid yourself and the system blocks it, then the reserve has been met.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.

    Network Connection – your device may lose connection and you’re not able to bid, or see the latest bidding history.