427 Cobra - The Austin-Healey Connection

[HealeyRick]

I've mentioned before that Carroll Shelby approached Donald Healey with a plan to install a small block Chevrolet motor into the Healey. The proposal was nixed by British Motor Corporation and Chevrolet and CS turned to Ford and AC to give birth to the Cobra.
According to John Morton's book,"Inside Shelby American: Wrenching and Racing with Carroll Shelby in the 1960s" the Healey played a part in the history of the 427 Cobra as well. According to Morton, Phil Remington gave Ted Sutton the job of installing the 427 into the Cobra because he was impressed with the job Sutton had done installing a small block Ford in his Austin-Healey. Sutton said the task of fitting the 427 into the Cobra was very similar to installing the 289 into the Healey.
Apparently the Sutton Healey still survives. Here's the story: 2011 Coastal Swap Meet Tradex Abbotsford<br> Photos by Cam Hutchins and here's some pics:





I find it interesting that Shelby was considering making a conversion kit to "Cobraize" the Healey. It's also the first time I've ever heard this story in over 45 years of Healey involvement.
Do any of you know if Mr. Sutton is still with us and have contact info for him? I'd love to write the story of his Healey for our club magazine.