1954 Austin Healey 100 – Classified of the Week

Modifying a classic car can be a fraught affair. After all, if a car has survived through to today, why should it be altered? Many would argue that a car is only original once. We, on the other hand, would argue that in the case of some classics, the unmodified can be an as yet untapped source of untold potential. Take this magnificent 1954 Austin Healey for example. It didn’t look like this when it left the factory. And it certainly didn’t look as good as it does now. Nor was it quite as thrilling to drive. You see, this car, UEH242, has been built not to Le Man specification, it’s been built beyond that. And as such, it is four-wheeled proof that taking the spanners to a classic in the name modification can be a very, very good thing.

It started life as a desirable 100 but has since been given the 100M treatment. It’s been repainted in a single colour – a darker shade of the Spruce Green it once was. The wire wheels have been painted black, and the car has been cleaned up by virtue of the removal of the bumpers. Topside, you’ll find a louvred aluminium 100M bonnet with LeMans specification leather straps, naturally. And while it can be more upright to make use of the hood and weather gear, the screen spends most of its time in the laid back, racing position. This alone makes the Healey look like it’s going 100mph while stood still.

Internally, the cabin has been completely refreshed. Under the brand new carpets, there is a generous spread of Dynamat sound deadening. The seats have been retrimmed in black leather with green piping to match the body. The door cards are brand new, too, as is the dash covering. It’s all very fresh and new in here. No wear, no damage, no significant imperfections. Arguably, it’s better than new in many respects.

Of course, this Healey isn’t just a feast for the eyes. It has the minerals to back up the speedy aesthetic. Under that lightweight bonnet, you’ll find the 2,660cc straight-four engine, but with a few tweaks to make it more spirited. Freshly serviced, the engine was built by first by Healey racer, John Chatham. It was later rebuilt and refurbished in 2005. It’s full-on 100M under the bonnet. There are larger carburettors and a bigger cold air box, the camshaft is LeMans specification, as are the pistons. The cylinder head is a Denis Welch item, delivering more air and fuel with pleasing enthusiasm. The distributor has been upgraded, an electric fan has been fitted, there is a bigger radiator and the car’s electrical system has been converted to a more modern 12v sort.

This car is box-fresh, and as such, is as tight as a drum to use the classic car dealer vernacular. The steering is sharp, the brakes – this has been converted to discs up front – are excellent, while the three-speed manual transmission with overdrive on the top two is a slick, mechanical affair with direct changes and a pleasing action as a result. It’s a full-on, no holds barred, drivers car. The sort that encourages you to press on, to push it, and to exploit its capabilities to the fullest. It’s a car you could have a fun weekend driver, it’s something that could be pressed into competition use without too much work or of course, it could be something you could spend hours simply gazing at. It is all things to all enthusiasts. And as we said earlier, it is also proof that if it’s done right, and with a considered approach, a modified classic can be something truly spectacular.