1953 Nash Healey Pininfarina Convertible

This 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where it was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $100,000. The vehicle was offered without reserve.

The managing director of the Donald Healey Motor Company of Warwick, England, Mr. Donald Healey, had created a car and outfitted it was a Nash Ambassador engine and drive line. The resulting creation was entered in the grueling 24-Hour of LeMans endurance race in July of 1950. At the conclusion of the race, the car was sitting in fourth place which was truly a remarkable accomplishment and a true testament to the durability of the automobile. In honor of this success, Nash ordered a limited number to be created for the public.

The cars came complete with an overdrive transmission, a six-cylinder engine fitted with an aluminum head and dual carburetion. A prototype example was created and given a light-weight aluminum body. Upon completion, it was shown at the 1950 Paris Automobile Show. Production began in December of 1950 with a total of 36 examples created in that month. From January through March of 1951, an additional 68 examples were created bringing the total of 104.

Standard equipment included the 234.8 cubic-inch engine that produced 125 horsepower, chrome wheel discs, adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, directional signals, foam rubber cushions, and five four-ply whitewall tires. Only two colors were available, Champagne Ivory and Sunset Maroon.

Production was frozen from April of 1951 through January of 1952 while Pinin Farina of Turin, Italy created a new roadster body. There would be a total of 150 examples of the Roadster created when production resume. Nash produced the engine and main parts in their Kenosha, Wisconsin plant. These parts were then sent to England where Donald Healey's Company assembled these parts to the chassis and 'trailing link' front-end suspension. This chassis was then sent to Pinin Farina who attached the custom bodies which had been built by hand.

The new Roadster made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February of 1952. A Nash-Healey was entered in the 1952 LeMans race where it emerged First in Class and third overall. A total of 58 cars had entered the race with only 17 crossing the finish line.

A hardtop model was introduced in early 1953. A total of 162 roadsters and hardtops were constructed during this year. The hardtop versions are often referred to as the LeMans hardtop.

In 1953, the Nash-Healey carried a hefty sticker price of $3,982.

This example is powered by a 4.1-liter straight six LeMans dual Jetfire engine coupled with twin Carter Sidedraft carburetors and producing 135 horsepower. It is finished in original Champagne Ivory with Burgundy top and interior. It is a well restored car that has seen very little use in the past few years.

On auction day the low range of the estimated value was $60,000. A high bid of $60,500 including buyer's premium was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007