1967 | Austin Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8 Phase Two, Healey Golden Beige Metallic

This ultra-desirable 1967 Healey was one of just 552 Golden Beige Metallic cars produced by the Abingdon factory in the final year of production. This car was in remarkably unmolested condition with all original body panels retaining excellent shape despite corrosion with every single mechanical component original and totally complete.

While other restorers try to repair a chassis in this condition, units of this age and state are weakened or fatigued by years of driving use as well as corrosion. Many restorers attempt to re-use an original chassis when facing this problem, which results in a weak structure and as such a poor driving car. This is due to the complexity of new chassis installation – as it dictates all panel gaps, this is a job for the highly competent specialist only. We chose to replace the chassis to ensure an optimum drive, unless we can prove the original to be of satisfactory stiffness.

We repaired and strengthened the original front and rear bulkheads and placed them onto the car onto our chassis jig to ensure a very stiff, straight and true structure which now makes this Healey drive better than new.

The new chassis is internally strengthened to improve rigidity over factory standards whilst remaining outwardly identical to an original specification new chassis.

As a highly original restoration was desired, the decision was taken to repair every single outer panel on the car as they were indeed factory. This was not a small task or easier than fitting new wings however as corrosion was significant. Each outer panel was lovingly restored and in many areas improved over factory fitment.

During restoration the engine, drivetrain and suspension are repeatedly installed to ensure tight and consistent panel gaps under the cars laden weight, with the entire car test fitted with all of its trims and rubbers.

Once all panel and chassis work is complete, the tub is completely stripped and painted on our rotisserie jig.

Once the tub has hardened, the engine and drivetrain is then re-installed and the car painted again under its own laden weight to ensure correct panel gaps.

We use multiple types of primers to protect metalwork for the future and our paint finish is market leading in the Austin Healey sector with a ‘glass-like’ finish.

The original three litre Austin engine for this Healey was totally stripped down to each individual component, chemical cleaned, cracked and pressure tested before being being machined, balanced and rebuilt to our Rawles Motorsport ‘Modernised’ engine specification. This specification dictates that the engine aesthetically looks totally original, yet is internally upgraded to be smoother, more reliable and last longer whilst delivering perfect factory performance.

Our craftsmen hand crafted a full leather interior for this BJ8, with zero vinyl in sight. However as accuracy and detail was important, this new leather interior follows the factory patterns identically – only smells and looks much better!

On completion, we personally delivered this car to Belgium giving our full handover process – talking the owner through his new car and how to get the most out of it in the coming seasons!

• New, Stronger Chassis
• All Factory Original Outer Body Panels & Bulkheads
• Matching Numbers
• Adjustable Camber
• Full Leather Interior
• 4-Piston Disc Brakes
• Rawles Motorsport ‘Modernised’ Engine (original specification and outer appearance with upgrades for reliability and longevity)
• Safety Steering Column
• Thermal Insulation and Sound Dampening
• Stainless 72-Spoke Wires