It’s commonly known that the US of A just knows how to make things better. Be it nuclear fission, lawsuits, or pizza pie, the American way takes that which is mundane or quaint and pushes it to the extreme.

Case in point: this 1953 Austin-Healey 100 for sale by RK Motors Charlotte, a delicate little number from the U.K. that lost the spunky little four-banger it once had, and traded it in for twice the amount of cylinders and displacement from a Chevy 327, built by the talented folks at Precision Engine in Houston, Texas.

Now churning out 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, this particular 100 has become a Yankee twist on an English recipe, much like the Shelby Cobra was a reimagining of the AC’s Ace roadster. The 100 comes ready for track day courtesy of an Art Morrison frame, which supports double A-arm and 4-bar suspension fitted with chrome-moly control arms, forged, 2-inch drop spindles, a poly-seated, 7/8-inch sway bar and adjustable coilovers.

Stopping power comes as quick and surefooted as you’d like, with Wilwood Dynalite disc brakes on all fours. And you’ll be in constant contact with the road surface thanks to the Federal Super Steel 657s built to handle some punishment.

Inside, the car makes you feel welcome with Moss-brand leather upholstery, nestled amongst custom carpeting and Coco floormats. Classic Instruments adds some old-fashioned style to the gauge cluster, and there’s even a chrome fire extinguisher to make you look noticeable when the unthinkable happens.

Add to all this the creamy-dark two-tone paint scheme and three-spoke Rocket Racing Igniter wheels, and this gentleman of a roadster is one you’ll look forward to cruising in every chance you get. Get a closer look at the 100 by visiting the RK Motors Charlotte webpage, where dozens more pictures and informational tidbits await you.