V8-Powered 1954 Austin-Healey 100-4

This 1954 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 two-seat roadster is a British-built blue-and-gold California license plate example powered by a Chevrolet-sourced 350ci V8 paired with a Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission. The car has reportedly received in excess of $10,000 in maintenance since 2007, including recent work to the alternator, radiator, and other mechanical systems. The drivetrain is now described as being mechanically sorted and features performance enhancements such as an Edelbrock intake manifold, high-compression heads, and a 750-cfm carburetor. Finished in a white respray over a reupholstered red Naugahyde interior, this 100 is now offered with service records, a tonneau cover, and a clear California title in the seller’s name.

Constructed between 1953 and 1956, the Austin-Healey 100 was based on mechanicals from the Austin A90. This 1954 example was reportedly the product of a custom build in the 1960s tuned for both street-driving as well as race events at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California. The car was subsequently the subject of a multi-year restoration process under later ownership, and the exterior is described as being free of rust or filler underneath the newer coat of white paint. The windshield folds to a nearly flat position, and brightwork around the exterior includes chrome bumpers with overriders, headlight rings, handles, trim, and a dual exhaust system with polished tips. A red zippered tonneau cover is included.

Radir aluminum five-spoke wheels with spinner caps are wrapped in tires with good life remaining. The rear suspension features leaf springs and air shocks, and the front is fully independent. The master cylinder and brakes were changed in 2021, and the car received a subsequent alignment.

The interior features reupholstered red Naugahyde bucket seats split by an aluminum-finished center tunnel and matching door panels and looped carpeting. Add-ons include a three-spoke wood and aluminum Moto-Lita steering wheel, a Don Garlits Performance dash plaque, and a custom fuel tank housed in the trunk beneath carpeted panels.

Instrumentation is provided by Stewart Warner gauges housed within an engine-turned aluminum bezel and includes a 160-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and readouts for fuel level, coolant temperature, and more. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads approximately 5k miles, though true chassis mileage is unknown.

The replacement Chevrolet-sourced 350ci V8 is estimated to produce 375 horsepower, features a four-bolt main short block, and has been balanced and fitted with high-compression camel-hump “fuelie” heads, a Competition Cams bump stick, and an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold. Additional engine bay upgrades include a 750-cfm carburetor with electric choke, finned aluminum valve covers, and a chrome-finished air cleaner. Maintenance performed earlier in 2021 included the installation of a custom radiator, a replacement alternator, a battery kill switch, and a new coolant reservoir. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission. The rear end was sourced from a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle and features a 3.08 gear ratio.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The sale includes a tonneau cover and maintenance records dating back to 2007. Two videos are available for viewing below.