1953 Nash Healey Pininfarina LeMans Coupe

There was a new breed of vehicles capturing America's interest in the post-WWII era, and that was the sports cars. MG followed by Jaguar, Fiat, Mercedes-Benz and many others soon capitalized on this new desire. American automakers soon realized that this fad was here-to-stay, and began to design their owner interpretation of the sports car. Near the close of 1949, Nash's George Mason met Donald Healey; Healey was producing sports cars but was seeking a source to supply the engines. Soon, a prototype two-seater Nash Healey was shown at to the public at the London and Paris Auto Shows in 1950. The alloy body had been created by Panelcraft of England, and the chassis by Healey. Under the bonnet was a modified Nash Ambassador six-cylinder engine with a hotter camshaft, higher compression, and an aluminum head. It was fitted with dual SU carburetors with many of the mechanical components courtesy of Nash's Airflyte sedan.

The Nash Healey made its US debut at the 1951 Chicago Auto Show and soon after, sales began. It was not long before the cars were entered in competition. At the 1951 Mille Miglia, a specially-prepared car with a special body and a Lemans Dual Jetfire Ambassador Six engine finished ninth overall. At the 24 Hours of LeMans, it finished fourth overall. The following year, an open-bodied Nash Healey finished third overall and second in the Index of Performance.

In 1952, Pinin Farina re-styled the Nash Healey Roadster giving it a more curvaceous appearance. The aluminum body was replaced by steel and a larger Nash engine with twin carburetors replaced the old powerplant. The engines and mechanical components were shipped to Healey, who assembled the rolling chassis and sent it to Pinin Farina who added the body and finished the car.

In 1953, a closed coupe bodystyle joined the lineup. The LeMans Coupe bodystyle had a six-inch longer wheelbase than the roadster. It had a steel top and rear quarter windows. Standard equipment included leather upholstery, a tachometer, full wheel covers, cigar lighter and ashtray, and wide whitewall tires. The 1953 and 1954 Coupe versions are easily identified by their back windows. The 1953 version had a one-piece window while the 1954 coupe versions had a less-expensive three-piece window.

Production totals after four years amassed just 506 units.

This 1953 Nash-Healey LeMans Coupe has had a complete professional restoration. There is a black exterior with a chestnut interior with Wilton wool carpeting. It rides on chrome wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, and has the factory-correct aluminum cylinder head, as opposed to the cast iron head that many Nash Healeys have since been fitted with.

In 2008, this 1953 LeMans Coupe was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $125,000. It was offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $126,500, including buyer's premium.

In 2010, the car returned to the Sports & Classics of Monterey, again under the care of RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $125,000. As bidding came to close, the car had been sold for the sum of $77,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010