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

BEFORE YOU BUY

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