1949 Healey Silverstone Roadster

In 1945, Donald Healey Motor Company Ltd completed its first car. A year later they entered into full-time production with a 2.4-liter Riley-powered sports saloon with welded-up chassis and Healey's trailing arm independent front suspension. The Silverstone model was suitable for both Road and Track. Designed by Len Hodges, the lightweight two-seater body was crafted in aluminum. The saloon's engine and basic underpinnings were used, though it was given a shorter frame, stiffer springing, and a front anti-roll bar. Another feature was the spare wheel positioned in the tail, thus doubling as a bumper.

The Silverstone model proved itself in competition; Donald himself, together with co-driver Ian Appleyard, secured a class win in the 1949 Alpine Rally. Other international successes include Peter Riley and Bill Lamb's class win the 1951 Liege-Rome-Liege Rally; Peter Simpson's 6th place overall in the 1951 Isle of Man Manx Cup Races; and Edgar Wadsworth and Cyril Corbishley's victory in the 1951 Coupe des Alpes.

Famous American millionaire racing driver, Briggs Cunningham, purchased two Silverstones. One example was standard and the other was a rolling chassis. After modifying the chassis the car was fitted with a Cadillac overhead-valve V8 engine and raced successfully in the USA for several years. In total, 104 Healey Silverstones were built between 1949 and 1951.

The first owner of this particular Silverston was Mr. G. Weldon who purchased the car in 1950. it was first registered as KOE 451. Mr. Lewis is believed to have raced this car at the Silverstone circuit in a National race on June 27th of 1953, finishing fifth overall. It is believed he may have raced the car on several other occasions.

The ownership history from 1953 to 1970 is not fully known. The next recorded owner was a Mr. Timothy J. Laughton of Stratford-Upon-Avon. In 1985 the car passed to well-known collector and dealer Nigel Dawes of Birtsmorton Court, Worcestershire, and thereafter into the current ownership in the United States.

The car is painted dark blue and is generally in good order.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge Sale presented by Bonhams. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $134,250 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012