1953 Austin Healey

100 Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Manual

1B139 325

Clear

Gasoline

Modified 1953 Austin-Healey 100 The BN1 and BN2 series Healey 100s are listed on the majority of car designer’s top ten most beautiful and timeless cars—they’re right in there with E-types and Ferrari 250 GTOs. This 100 is built to respect the look of the original. It’s finished in Old English White over Navy Blue, the racing colors of the 100S. The five kidney “Salt Flat” style wheels reflect the fact that many of these Healeys, and especially modifieds, were raced and used in dry-lakes speed runs and at Bonneville. There are perhaps four or five modified Austin-Healeys in the entire country that are done to a very high standard. The finest of these recently sold here on eBay for $75K. This SBC 327 powered Healey 100 is one of that select group. What makes it special are the quality of its components, the professional attention to detail and the primarily stock appearance. It is literally a “resto-mod” — a restored classic rebuilt using modern components. The vast majority of modified Healeys retain a number of original/stock mechanical components. These can, and often do, include such things as steering racks, drum and early disk brakes, rear differentials, suspensions and frames… none of which are designed to handle the increased torque and power of a performance built V8 engine. If anything, this car is over-engineered in every mechanical detail. With the exception of the body, windscreen, soft top bows and cockpit surround; this is a brand new car. It handles beautifully, sounds great and turns heads wherever it goes. Steering is precise and the short-throw shifter is nicely spaced. Built to be enjoyed on lengthy trips and tours, the car’s tall final gearing (3.0:1) and 5-speed manual transmission allow it to cruise at 70 mph while turning a leisurely 2,000 rpm. Acceleration is brisk without being squirrelly. The car is licensed, titled (as a 1953 Austin-Healey BN1) and easily insurable. This 1953 Austin-Healey 100 was converted to V8 power in the mid-sixties and, according to the previous owner, raced in an SCCA modified class. I have no supporting documentation on that. When purchased, it was essentially a barn find/basket case. The restoration and rebuild took five years to complete and was professionally done. There are no used or rebuilt parts on the car. There is no rust or bondo. To build a modified Healey of this quality would take years and cost far more than the asking price. Mechanical features: Frame -- computer designed, custom fabricated by Art Morrison, one of the top names in custom car building. (note… the photo of the frame shows an early setup that had wider tires mounted on Minilite wheels. The look was too ‘hotrod’ so narrower tires and wheels were used) Suspension – Front; tubular chrome moly control arms, adjustable coil-over shocks Forged 2” drop front spindles, 7/8” sway bar with poly bushings Rear; triangular 4-bar, adjustable coil-over shocks Steering – custom flaming river steering rack Engine – 327ci / 330 HP / 350 TQ / 9.5:1 compression Speedpro pistons / molly rings / roller rockers / mild cam / custom 4-core aluminum radiator / electric water pump / electric puller fan Transmission – Tremec TKO 600, close ratio 5-speed, billet shifter Brakes – Wilwood Dynalite front and rear, drilled and slotted, 12.19”F / 10.5”R Rear end – Ford 9” / 31 spline axles Electrical – 12 volt / Ron Francis wiring harness / Classic Gauges Exhaust -- Dual, 2-1/2” stainless steel, Flowmaster mufflers, ceramic coated headers Body – Original; windscreen, grill, front & rear shroud, doors, hood, trunk, rear quarter panels and soft top bows New; front fenders, sheet metal repair and fabrication by A&M Deluxe Customs, Cornelius, OR, additional fabrication and assembly by SoCal Speed Shop, Tualatin, OR Interior – Moss leather upholstery / matching color Moss soft top, tonneau & side curtains / custom carpet / coco mats Wheels – 5-kidney “Salt flat” style with 3-spoke spinners Tires -- Federal Super Steel 195/65 R15 front and rear Misc. – 15 gal. custom aluminum fuel cell, Le Mans filler cap, chrome luggage rack, heater, parcel shelf The car is exactly as described, no surprises or disappointments. In the interest of complete honesty, it must be noted that these are not large cars with roomy cockpits. If you are much over 6 feet tall and weigh more than 180-190 pounds, this is probably not the car for you. The ride is firm, as it should be, and it is not suited to idling in the sun on a 100-degree day. Other than that, you’ll find it to be remarkably driveable day-to-day. Receipts and build photos come with the car. If you are serious about owning a modified Healey and want one that is of the highest standard throughout, both mechanically and visually, this is what you have been searching for. It is not a distress sale. Low-ball offers will be ignored. Strange payment offers will be ignored. The terms are simple, when funds are received and verified, the car and title will be released. I had the car listed several months ago and decided to remove it in order to participate in a vintage sports car road tour… that it completed without a hitch. The car is in excellent condition and is sold as is. No warrantees or guarantees are expressed or implied. The car is offered for sale locally and I reserve the right to remove the listing at any time. A non-refundable deposit of $500 must be received within 72 hours of purchase. Full payment is due with 7 days of auction closing. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer but I will assist any way I can. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your consideration.