5 AUSTINHEALEY 3000

WHO NEEDS AIR CONDITIONING WHEN YOU CAN HAVE THE WIND IN YOUR POMADE?

The 1959-68 production run of the big ’Healey was a period in which the average US motorist expected progressively more decadence from their six-seater family sedan. The gulf in comfort between the 3000 and a Chrysler New Yorker or a Buick Wildcat was almost on a par with the Grand Canyon. By 1965 and to the many suburbanites, the British car would have appeared to have hailed from another era. But for those enthusiasts who cared more for the joys of motoring than specifying an electrically-adjustable front bench, and power windows, there was no substitute for the ’Healey.

ONE FOR SALE IN THE USA

1963 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ7, $34,750 (£26,100)

‘Very presentable and mechanically sound. Overdrive, black interior with tonneau cover.’

WE SAY ‘Could be decent value if the underneath is as pretty as the top – important to check before buying as resto costs are huge.’

BUY IT FROM Beverly Hills Car Club, (+001) 310-975-0272, beverlyhillscarclub.com

ONE FOR SALE IN THE UK

1962 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 BT7, FROM £38,000 (auction estimate)

‘Fully restored some years ago but could have been yesterday. LHD, old US import.’

WE SAY ‘Lack of history file will help suppress value, and makes independent inspection extra important. Desirable spec.’

BUY IT FROM Silverstone auction (21-22 July), 01926 321950, silverstoneauctions.com