Hey - did you know if you click on the title of a thread it will take you to the first unread post since you last visited that thread?
but were afraid to ask: 
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Being able to outpace a Maserati 300S with your Corvette-engined 100 could have something to do with it.
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Why Would Anyone Butcher a Healey with a V8?
- Thread starter HealeyRick
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trrdster2000
Luke Skywalker
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Saw a few 327's in the big Healey's back in the 70's The one I got to drive handled well, but only had a 3 speed transmission, so with the rear end was more a cruiser than a road car. Weight was a little closer to 50/50. He was using it as a AutoX car. Can't remember the class.
OP
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Some were, some weren't. Most of the early conversions were done when original engines failed. Race cars seemed to be popular in the beginning. I always like to cite that 8 of the 50 100S cars had a V8 in them at some point, either because of broken motors or out of a desire to improve the performance of what had become a non-competitive race car. Then hot rodders seized on the idea of a high-power engine in a light body. I'd guess that most of the cars were done on used cars with tired motors rather than coming out of a junkyard.
I saw a post by David Matthews suggesting that Goodwood entry might be influenced by one's connections. I know for a few years that original Cobra owners haven't been happy by some replicas being allowed to race.
I saw this very cool Healey V8 special at Laguna Seca a few weeks ago that had been raced since the '50s:
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I assume that the V8 conversation would have to have been done “back in the day.”
OP
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The Healey-Corvette had quite an illustrious racing history in New Zealand: https://nzmotorracing.co.nz/2019/08/23/goodwood-call-up-for-classic-kiwi-racer/
A few years back I did a history of Nasty Boys for the Austin-Healey Magazine that's available here if anyone has an interest. http://bighealey.org/NastyBoy/Issue_8_2016.pdf
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"Being able to outpace a Maserati 300S with your Corvette-engined 100 could have something to do with it."
The relative value of his car versus that of the Chevy-Healey might also have led the Maserati driver to feel more comfortable behind it versus in front of or alongside it....
The relative value of his car versus that of the Chevy-Healey might also have led the Maserati driver to feel more comfortable behind it versus in front of or alongside it....
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Interesting how the commentary is that the "Maserati outpaced the field."
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Irreplaceable.
According to Wikipedia, it has 245bhp, which would put it down on power compared to the Healey-Vette.
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An understandable sediment but at one point in the video it can be seen that the Massi was pulling up on the Healey rather quickly on a straight, the Healey driver did an obvious double take in noticing the situation and just proceeded to pull straight away from the Massi.
dougie
Luke Skywalker
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I thought the recent bid was high enough, but he's put a lot into getting back into shape.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1953-austin-healey-healey-chevy-vintage-racing-special/
twas_brillig
Jedi Knight
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My perception is that it made sense to pop V8s into crapped out Healeys in the 50s/60s/70s; not so much since then.
Fun watching the video, and seeing those (relatively) skinny tyres drifting out somewhat unexpectedly on a few of the corners. Either way, I'm glad to see the two of them out there. Doug
Fun watching the video, and seeing those (relatively) skinny tyres drifting out somewhat unexpectedly on a few of the corners. Either way, I'm glad to see the two of them out there. Doug
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Vette--
The Healey driver's apparent situational unawareness seems not have been lost on the driver of the Maserati who following that tends to keep a safe distance.
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A detailed chart of race results can be found here: https://www.bighealey.co.uk/catalog...evival_Freddie_March_Memorial_Trophy_2019.pdf
The Healey-Corvette was a DNF in the race.
The Healey-Corvette was a DNF in the race.
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So, it appears, was the Maserati, which had the faster "Best Lap" by 2.2 seconds:
DNF 8 Michael LYONS Austin Healey-Corvette BN1 - 1954 11 3 Laps 17:36.890 1 Lap 89.17 1:34.080 7
DNF 21 Lukas HALUSA Maserati 300S - 1955 10 4 Laps 15:31.911 1 Lap 91.94 1:31.902 4
DNF 8 Michael LYONS Austin Healey-Corvette BN1 - 1954 11 3 Laps 17:36.890 1 Lap 89.17 1:34.080 7
DNF 21 Lukas HALUSA Maserati 300S - 1955 10 4 Laps 15:31.911 1 Lap 91.94 1:31.902 4
Glad you asked Rick. I saw an Austin outside of a boat dock builder's shop. Stopped and asked about it. It had been on fire and stripped out, floor pans/trans tunnel rusted out, fender support frame cut out, etc. Had been sitting outside for 4+ years (that I know of) because everytime I went by and had the time I tried to get it from him. No deal, he was going to "fix it up" someday. FINALLY, we made a deal---for a used chainsaw and a 30-30 rifle. It was n my shop, on blocks for 5.5 years as I word on it in my spare time (the shop WAS my work). I decided to put a 289 Hollman/Moody (350H.P.) engine in it as a full restoration was not possible. Some "Purists" may scoff at what I have done, BUT, at least it is on the road once again instead of a junk yard. AND it is one ****-of-Auh-Ride.
ahealey1004
Senior Member
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Looks great jlburdge! I'm a fan of modified Healeys, and stock Healeys too! Thanks for sharing.