1955 AUSTIN HEALEY 100-4 BN-1. MODIFIED WITH A 1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 327/340+

1955 Austin Healey BN1 Description

Offered for sale, from KURT TANNER MOTORCARS, is this modified 100-4 Roadster. This car was recently purchased from it's Oregon owner who enjoyed it for some years, as it was a birthday gift from his wife. The car has been carefully modified sometime in the past with a Corvette 327ci/ 340 hp V-8 engine coulped to an automatic gearbox with an American rear axle. The period Edelbrock intake manifold is fitted with triple twin-choke Rochester carburetors. I'm sure when this car is back on the road soon, it will be a fire-breathing, twin exhaust dragon with over 350% of the car's original 90hp !!!
The car has been in storage for a few years but is believed to have been a great driver last time out. The engine cranks over healthily on the battery but has a fuel delivery issue. The brakes also need some attention before going back on the road...The car's bodywork has a few visible modifications from standard. The rear fenders have been slightly altered to accommodate larger and wider triple-laced wire wheels. They have also been slightly cut away to the rear, which looks quite attractive. The front fender wheelarchs at the rear one-thirds have been attractively shaped outwards. There is an engine access panel to service the distributor behind the hood opening. The engine is properly set well back into the engine bay area for driveline weight ratio. There is some evidence of minor rust along the bottom of the fenders.
The car's underchassis looks very solid with a nice and straight frame. There is evidence of the original red paint. Front suspension and brakes appear original. All of the driveline modifications look appropriate with some trunk changes to accommodate the larger rear axle and shock absorbers. I've driven a few of these V-8 monsters. There are truly exhilarating and great fun, but I would highly recommend upgrading the front drum brakes to the later 3000 setup with "Green Stuff" competition pads and slotted/drilled discs. A bolt-on application is available and is well worth it for safety's sake. A lot of thought and effort has been invested into making this car go like a rocket off the line. The same should go into making it stop...This car still retains it's original seats in nice condition along with it's decent softtop and frame, sidecurtain set, and tonneau cover. The dashboard facia has been changed and now hosts a full array of mostly Stewart Warner period instruments, which suits the car nicely.Over the past years, these "nasty boys" 100-4's have now been accepted into national Austin Healey clubs and are now simply designated as "Modified".
Overall, this Healey for sale here requires little work to make it roadworthy. The cosmetic condition is very acceptable and quite presentable to enjoy the car for some years, before embarking on any improvements. The car on the outside has been left largely alone in it's pretty and attractive original state, while what's underneath will surely put a grin on the face of the next lucky owner.

Please look at all pictures and call or email with any questions.

This car is sold with a clear title and is available for inspection by appointment.

This car is located in Southern California,35 minutes (30 miles)from the Los Angeles Port of Long Beach.

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KURT TANNER MOTORCARS

www.kurttannermotorcars.com

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