This magnificent, upgraded Austin Healey 3000 MKIII Phase II was subject of a full nut and bolt restoration in 2006 costing over £150,000. The Big Healey was then used on the Continent for several rallies and events before being sold to the most recent owner in 2008 who has spent a further £40,000 taking this car to an exceptional standard. The Healey has since taken part in various rallies and since the initial rebuild around 15,000 miles have been covered.
This was without doubt a non-expense spared restoration in 2006. Various Healey specialists were involved in the work and building the car to an impressive specification. Rawles carried out a major restoration and new body panels included vented front wings, new rear wings and various repair panels. Rawles also rebuilt the steering box and completely overhauled the gearbox. Invoices with Rawles total over £70,000 alone. Denis Welch Motorsport took delivery of the car later in 2006 and carried out major mechanical work to include rebuilding the differential, making modifications to fit a new pedal box, fitting a competition brake servo and various other work to the braking and suspension system.
Denis Welch also rebuilt the engine to an incredibly high spec. It was fitted with a Fast Road aluminium cylinder head, lightened and polished rockers, gas flowed inlet manifold, balanced crankshaft, lightened crank sprocket, competition rocker pedestals, Forged pistons, new bearings, balanced conrods, modified followers, new camshaft and uprated clutch. Other Denis Welch upgrades included a Works style fuel tank, competition radiator, electronic fan and uprated shock absorbers. The Healey also had considerable expense with Pete Farmer Performance Racing, and this included modifying and rebuilding the suspension, refurbishing the hard top and fitting a roll cage. On completion of the rebuild with its Denis Welch uprated engine, re-trimmed and upgraded interior trim, competition suspension components, new competition tandem braking system, oil cooler system and alloy sump guard the Healey then successfully rallied by a husband-and-wife team in Europe.
The recent owner purchased the 3000 MKIII in 2008 and has owned the car for 16 years. Over this time the car has been used for further extensive touring and around £40,000 has been spent over this period. Much of the work has been carried out by Healey specialists Rawles to include new Raceline manifold, three 45DCOE carburettors, new propshaft, Pembrey brake calipers, short shifter gear lever kit, a brand new 5 speed gearbox assembly, adjustable shock absorbers, uprated radiator and brake overhaul.
This isn’t a Healey for the purist but is most certainly the ultimate long distance touring, rally and events Healey. The car has had no expense spared in preparation and whilst it’s a quick, first class driving example, its equally impressive in presentation with beautiful paintwork, excellent bodywork, a stunning comfortable and upgraded interior and the underside, engine bay and boot compartment are incredibly clean. LMK 369C has an incredible specification and finding another Healey 3000 MKIII with this level of spec, in this condition, and this price point will surely prove difficult. It has had meticulous maintenance and upkeep and is certainly a car for the discerning buyer who really wants to use, drive and get out on the open road and cover some serious miles in a Healey. The car comes with an extensive history file to include all invoices, MOT certificates since rebuild and FIVA paperwork.
