1961 Austin Healey 3000 BN7 (SOLD)
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...clean, rust free (note photos of floors and inner sills) mid western car, excellent body (I went over the rockers and lower parts of each of the four fenders with a magnet and it stuck perfectly as I moved along the bottom edges....really seems to be bondo free), recently resprayed in midnight blue with creme side scallops, good older interior with leather seats, new carpets...REALLY pulls. And, of course, impressive torque.
Wire wheels, new trunk kit, good older chrome (original?), and excellent driving. Our tests: 140 psi compression, 65 psi oil pressure when warm. NOT a 'detailed' show car but a strong 'driver' that offers sparkling performance, those wonderful Healey sounds, and makes for a great classic cruiser. For distance driving or back roads.
The BN7 is a relatively rare two seater which gives a sportier appearance than the more ponderous four seaters. In fact, only 2,800 were ever built.
This car is a fairly priced classic Healey in a world of ridiculously overpriced Healeys. Although the later Mk III BJ8s seem to command the most money, the question is 'do you really want to have a heavier, more rattle prone touring car for all weather use?' Or...are you gonna take your $60-70,000 Healey out in BAD WEATHER? If not, why deal with the more cumbersome (and heavier) weather equipment?
My own Healey is a far earlier car...a '56 100-M LeMans. And I find the lighter, more nimble, side curtain Healeys to be far more of what I want in a classic sports car. Whenever I get a Mk III and drive it home, I wonder...'why?' And, in fact, the same thoughts occured when I have owned a Morgan Drophead...'why bother?'
Ah, but a sleek, powerful, great sounding Healey roadster is hard to beat. (and, I might add, one just sold in Europe, an identical BN7 two seater, for 67,000 pounds...A LOt OF MONEY and three times this car's price!)
THIS IS A GREAT 'BUY' for the price...a wonderful classic Healey at a low price. AND the car comes with a matching hardtop....a rare find and a nice item for 'off season' driving.
AND..........................an identical BN7 sold at s Gooding and Company auction in Scottsdale Arizona (January of this year) for $99,000! Was it better than our car? Dunno. Probably. But, also, THREE times our price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
99 BIG ONES! Yup. Incredible. So, buy this car, put a 'sold by Gooding and Company' sticker on it, and convince your friends you are making big money in the stock market.
Maybe they will believe you. Maybe not. Either way, this Healey is clearly a bargain. And the only question is 'a bargin for who?' What lucky buyer will be heading off into the sunset in this beautiful car.
