Once Somewhat Common, Now Unthinkable. Austin Healey V8 Swap

These days, ’58 Healeys have gone up in value and are $50K++ cars if in restored or good original condition.  Projects can trade at $20K or so.  With values where they are today, these cars are preserved or restored, but they were relatively cheap, used cars.  Over the years, some lost their inline six cylinder engines and had V8s swapped in.  These days, initiating such project would be unthinkable.

Today’s “Big Healey” features a Ford 302 and four-speed manual trans.  That’s good news, as some people swap in automatics when these are done.  The price here is at project level, but it seems the car may be a driver.  Although purists will gawk, the light car with the 302 probably makes for a fun drive, especially with weight likely shifted rearward in the process.

Click for Craigslist ad
Antelope Valley, CA
$18,500

From this angle,it just looks like a rough, driver-condition Healey.

Hmm..that air cleaner is not typically used on SU carbs and is centrally located.

Thankfully, no massive dual exhausts are visible.

Ad text:

Very rare 1958 Austin-Healey with Porsche Blue paint. 
Runs good. Registered. Smog Exempt. Lightweight Aluminum Body. Original Chassis/body.

Custom:
– Koni 3-way shock system (rear)
– Upgraded sway bars
– 4 speed manual Muncie transmission
– 9″ Ford rear end with bell axles

Engine/Powertrain:
– 1968 Ford 302 
– Headers 
– 680 Holley Carb
– Glasspacks 
– Rebuilt radiator (copper)
– Hurst Linkage 

Interior:
– Black
– Custom Dash 
– Custom Gauges 
– Has 6 large speakers behind the seats (various sizes)
– Wires set up for amp
– Removable steering wheel 

Exterior:
– Porsche Blue
– Flared out fenders Professionally done (rear)
– Custom vents on sides and hood
– All chrome pieces 
+ Headlights 
+ Grille
+ Front and rear bumper
+ Turn Signals
+ Windshield
+ Body trim
+ Door handles 
+ Hood scoop
+ Trunk Latches
+ Windshield wipers 
– Lowered 
– Side windshield Visors
– Headlight Guards 

Owned since the 70’s. Put together piece by piece over the decades. Through thick and thin this Car has been in the family for decades. Lots of work and love has been put into this car. This car is very rare, you never see these cars on the streets, usually in a garage or museum. This car is a California Custom and made for the streets. Car is very quiet for an older V-8, made to be a sleeper.
This car has lots of value and potential, All original version of this car goes for 6 digits (XXX,XXX)
But this is a car that you would want to drive, and take out and not keep in the Garage it’s whole life. 

Extras that can be included for extra cost:
– Chopped Hardtop 
-All aluminum Oldsmobile 289 with 5 speed trans
– Lightweight aluminum flywheel

If you want a car that Adds in Value every year and that No one will have, that looks great and Drives like a hot-rod, and that you wouldn’t be scared to take out every weekend, Then this is the car for you.
Asking $18,500, Price is Semi-Negotiable. You can not get a better deal for a car of this class and condition, we’ve looked. 

If you would like the Extra stuff like Hardtop and Engine, price will be adjusted.


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