Bess: 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ7 Mk II – Owner Keeping!

March 19, 2021 Update – We confirmed directly with the seller that has since decided to keep this gorgeous Healey as their “Shore Car” for this summer. While this one is no longer available, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

A staple at the High Octane South Jersey Saturday Morning Cars & Coffee is Bess, a 1963 Austin Healey 3000 BJ7 Mark IIa originally listed on Craigslist in Moorestown, New Jersey with an asking price of $64,500 currently. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their 3000 priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $42,600 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $76,100.  As a second point of reference, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reports the asking price falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $47,500 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $63,000.  We’ve seen this car in person on several occasions and can attest it’s an excellent example with a number of upgrades. 

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This 1963 Austin Healey BJ7 MKIIA is being offered for sale privately by its long-time, collector owner.

Affectionately referred to as Bess, this 3000 has been painstakingly, professionally restored with incredible attention to detail and curated, period-correct “fast road car” enhancements.

Turn the key, hit the start button, and hear the roar of this 100% numbers matching lovely come alive. She is ready to take you on the journey of your lifetime!!!

Among the top of her kind, Bess has been finished with a single-stage Colorado Red paint over an equally striking red interior to match the car’s Heritage Certificate. Panel fit and finish are spectacular as is the overall reliability and performance of the car.

During her extensive restoration and rebuild of the drive train, tasteful and nonpermanent performance and reliability enhancements were been made. Some of these distinguishing features include HD8 carburetors, BJ8 intake, a ported and polished head, fast road cam, a weighted set of pistons, upgraded cooling system, rally-style “air induction” grill, stainless exhaust, and more.

With less than 2 years and fewer than 1,500 miles on her restoration, Bess has yet to be broken in but has already won her share of local car shows and the hearts of all who see her.

Qualified buyers are encouraged to reach out with any specific questions. An in-person, cash sale is preferred, and no trades will be considered at this time (unless you have a Morgan Aero 8 or 38’ Cigarette Racing Team, Top Gun, or Apache Powerboat)

Bess is being offered at $64,500 and represents an extraordinary value for such an outstanding Big Healey.“

Show or go: what would you do with this restored Healey?  Comment below and let us know!