1952 Nash-Healey Roadster, Coachwork by Pinin Farina

1952 Nash-Healey Roadster
Coachwork by Pinin Farina
Chassis no. 2217
Engine no. NHA1130
252ci OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin Carter Carburetors
140bhp at 4,000rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Independent Front Suspension – Solid Rear Axle with Coil Springs
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*One of 507 Nash-Healeys produced
*A rare, coachbuilt European-American hybrid
*Eligible for numerous vintage rallies and tours
*Offered from a deceased estate

THE NASH-HEALEY

Late in 1953, Nash-Healey introduced a handsome new coupe model with the name "Le Mans." It was more than an honorary title. Nash-Healeys had competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours since 1950, when Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton entered a prototype model in the famed French endurance race. It finished fourth out of 29 cars that had completed the race. Clothed in lightweight aluminum bodies, there were four of these racers, which had Nash Ambassador engines upgraded with aluminum high-compression heads, special manifolds and twin SU side-draft carburetors.

In 1951, Rolt and Hamilton were fourth in class and sixth overall, behind a Jaguar but ahead of two Ferraris. The following year, with Leslie Johnson and Tommy Wisdom driving, Nash-Healey finished third overall behind two works Mercedes 300SLs, taking first-in-class from Luigi Chinetti's Ferrari and beating Briggs Cunningham's C4-R by a full ten laps. Additionally, they earned the Rudge-Whitworth Cup for the best performance over two consecutive years and the Motor Gold Challenge Cup. Johnson also contested the Mille Miglia that year, with motoring correspondent Bill McKenzie as passenger. They managed seventh overall, in a race won by Ferrari.

For 1953, Johnson again took the helm, but partnered with Bert Hadley. Starting from 27th place, Johnson and Hadley managed to advance to 11th by race's end, despite the fact that they had achieved a higher average speed than in 1952. By this time, however, Nash Motors was busy with the merger negotiations that led to American Motors, and further racing was discontinued.

Nash-Healey Roadster production ended in 1953. The final 90 cars built in 1954 were all Le Mans coupes.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This red over black Nash-Healey comes from the latter part of production in 1952. A sporting and elegant car, it was the subject of an older restoration and was mechanically restored in May of 2013.

Outfitted with chromed wire wheels wrapped by wide white wall tires, it had previously been part of the Charlie Thomas collection before entering into the current ownership. Currently in good, driver condition, it would be a fine vehicle in which to motor around and enjoy or restore if desired. Either way, these rare American and European hybrids offer the reliability and ease of maintenance of an American car with the handsome good looks of the best of Europe. Combine that with the vast number of events for which a Nash-Healey is eligible, including the esteemed Mille Miglia, and it only sweetens the pot.