Highlights
- Extensively restored by Orchard Classics and little used since
- Two-tone OEW and blue with evocative de-bumpered detailing
- Rare V8 conversion inspired by Carroll Shelby's pre-Cobra V8
- Imported from Texas where it had a racing history
- 5.7L small block Chevy B8 with 5-spd Tremec gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes
- Voluntary MOT valid to September 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
Perhaps if Donald Healey had been a little more far-sighted there would have been no AC Cobra and the 100/4 might have taken its place. When Carroll Shelby began dropping Chevrolet’s small block V8 into a few racing 100/4s, he approached Donald to officially sanction the project. He refused, and the rest is history.
This car is a homage to all that because it was converted to V8 specification when it was a race car in Texas. It is tempting to hope Shelby was involved in that process, but we can’t be sure. Whatever the origins, it is pretty much the car Shelby envisioned, namely one that exploits the 100/4 in a way that Austin-Healey took years to manage.
It arrived in the UK in 1994 and has had just four keepers since, the current one since 2019. The history file shows that it was extensively restored by Healey specialists Orchard Restorations in 2012, being finished in fetching Old English White over blue. The exterior detailing is impressive, notably the purposeful de-bumpered look, the side exit exhaust and those lovely D-type steels with their three-eared chrome spinners.
The car has been sparingly used since the restoration and carefully stored so remains in very good order inside and out. That impression is supported by the voluntary MOT that runs to September 2026 with no advisories. It has been recently serviced.
Dropping Chevy’s V8 into an early Healey has serious provenance. This ex-racer looks the part and, we’re told, certainly goes well too. Definitely one for the collectors who love to drive.
The vendor says:
“Memorable driving experience, not for the meek and mild! -wild car in every area. In my opinion, much better than any fake snake and the Healey Chassis far superior to the AC, that's why Shelby wanted to use them!”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1954 in USA
- Converted in period in Texas with a 5.7-litre Small Block Chevrolet V8
- Imported to the UK and registered here in September 1994
- Four registered keepers since arriving in UK
- Current keeper since March 2019
- We are told the car was raced when in Texas
- Restored by Orchard Restorations in the late 2000s with supporting invoices included
- Converted from left to right-hand drive during its time in the UK
- History folder containing invoices from its time in the UK
- Original Texas registration document
- Period photographs showing the car in its racing configuration with roll bar
- Professional appraisal and valuation document from 2012 by Orchard Restorations
- Currently registered as RFF185 (non-transferable)
- Historic Vehicle classification providing free road tax and MOT exemption
- Recently serviced despite limited use in recent years
- Voluntary MOT valid to 23rd September 2026
- Not fitted with odometer so mileage not recorded on MOTs
- Always correctly stored according to the vendor
The Condition
- Very pretty car in Old English White over blue with matching blue leather interior
- Nicely detailed exterior with bumpers removed and side exit exhaust
- Paintwork presents extremely well as can be checked in photos
- Bodywork in good order with flush panel fit and straight lines
- Underside in good order with no structural advisories on MOT
- Original roll bar mounts still present in the vehicle
- Jaguar D-Type steel wheels with chrome three-eared knock offs and matching spare
- Blue leather bucket seats appear in very good order, installed during the restoration
- Carpets and interior trim replaced during the late 2000s restoration
- Hood and full tonneau cover present well
- Period racing quick-release steering wheel fitted
- Alloy racing fuel tank installed as part of the performance upgrades
The Mechanics
- 5.7-litre Small Block Chevrolet V8 engine
- 5-speed Tremec gearbox
- Four-wheel disc brake conversion
- 2.8 Ford 9" Detroit locking differential
- Uprated suspension components
- Telescopic rear shock absorbers
- Holley fuel pump
- Alloy racing fuel tank with upgraded fuel pumps
- The vendor states the engine runs superbly and is super smooth
- Recently serviced and reported to be running and driving well
- Current voluntary MOT with no advisories
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
