This 1954 Austin Healey 100 BN1 likely has a fascinating backstory as you can quite clearly see it’s been converted into something of a drag car. This is unusual considering how many of these British roadsters are cherished in completely original form; collectors often painstakingly attempt to get every last detail right, down to every factory-approved bolt and fastener. This didn’t stop a previous owner from building this Healey into a bruiser hot rod, who the seller describes as an Arizona technology executive. Find the Austin Healey here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $20,000 with the option to submit a best offer.
Well, someone was certainly channeling some Fox-body Mustang or Dodge Viper GTS vibes when they built this Austin Healey. There’s something inherently appealing about a car that 99 percent of the time represents a purist’s delight taken so violently in the opposite direction. With a small block Chevrolet 400 V8 under the hood, this Austin Healey certainly has some more scoot than it did when it left the factory, but the builder didn’t stop there. The chassis itself has been modified as well, and the seller indicates the fabrication work is top-notch.
The engine bay is quite clean and suggests, perhaps, that the conversion was executed at a high level. The seller notes the original engine number is still visible in places even though it is no longer relevant; I’m guessing he wants potential buyers to know you can still track down some of the factory build specifications should you ever want to prove to the local Austin Healey club this isn’t a kit car. I could see plenty of people making that accusation, especially since the conversion work has left little in the way of original details that help to easily confirm this as being a genuine BN1.
Just in case you were worried it wouldn’t feel like a proper British car inside, there’s still plenty of woodgrain trim to go around. The seller notes the car also features upgrades like an aluminum hood and trunk lid, along with a Ford nine-inch rear, a second set of pin-drive knock-off wheels mounted on slicks (extra cost), B&M Hydro Stick, and much more. The Healey was apparently acquired a few years ago from the tech executive and barely used; the seller is open to offers as well as trades for a Mercedes-Benz G-Class of comparable value.
Wood-rim steering wheels aren’t allowed on racers (apart from ancient historics).
Wouldn’t that depend on the class you were in?
Mama Mia, this is one conversion that has to bring a smile, from both sides of the pond. This old Healey (body) never went so fast in it’s life. From what I can see, the rest of it looks absolutely top notch. The front and rear suspension, I think it’s “tubbed”, and looks to be a handful, and HOT FEET!! Personally, ( here it comes), I think it’s a bloody shame to do this to such a neat roadster, on the other hand, someone built themselves one heck of a car. Thing is, with as much invested( that $20g’s doesn’t begin repay much) it’s not tripping anyones triggers, mostly because, it doesn’t do either thing well. It’s not equipped for any kind of competition, and not too practical for the street. I just don’t see a big call for this stuff now, and no bids may prove that. It is really cool, from a motorheads point of view, British accent or not,, :)
Ruined a BN1
Looks like a neat machine. It would be nice to get decent pictures of it.
Sorry, but this Nasty Boy was built well before the Fox-body Mustang or Dodge Viper GTS were even on paper. This was most probably built in the 60s or early 70s. I’d love to see it from underneath and the shocks and brakes they used, but I’d drive it.
$20K and only 10 horrible photos?! Roll it outside in the Arizona sun and take some decent photos then get it on a lift or at least jack stands to reveal the underside and chassis work!
It’s gone, caught somebody’s eye. Coil overs front and rear and that rear axle is narrowed! Bet it’s fun.
Only good for a track car now so its market is limited. Looks it’s been violently tubbed to take that big rear meat. Useless on the road and very costly to make road usable.
I like it
It is nice. Almost all of these English cars were under powered. Motor is a big 400, maybe a 327 with a six speed would have been a better cruiser. Anyway it is sold……….
A friend had one of these with a Chevy small-block 383 stroker. It would scoot.