1950 Healey Silverstone

Lot details
Registration No: DVG 647
Chassis No: E57
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

"The Healey 'Silverstone' is remarkable not only because it handles as well as any modern car we have driven and gives vivid acceleration and a maximum speed of over 100mph, but because it achieves this performance on less than 2.5 litres and with a 3.5-to-1 axle ratio, so that economy of petrol is quite unexpected. Over and above its performance capabilities it is so docile and pleasant to drive that learner-drivers feel at home in it, it is entirely devoid of temperament, and, if it is not beautiful in appearance, its lines have a satisfying functional simplicity" (Bill Boddy writing in Motorsport, November 1949).

Announced in July 1949, the 'Silverstone' was arguably the most famous car to carry the Healey badge. Benefiting from the experience that Donald Healey, Achille `Sammy' Sampietro (chassis guru), Ben Bowden (body engineer) and Roger Menadue (Experimental Department Manager) had gained via the earlier Westland and Elliot models, its steel ladder-frame chassis was both massively strong and commendably light (circa 150lbs). Boasting six-inch deep side members, the cruciform-braced structure was equipped with trailing-arm independent front suspension, a coil-sprung but Panhard rod located 'live' rear axle and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes (11-inch front / 10-inch rear).

Sourced from Riley in order to help keep costs down, the Silverstone's drivetrain consisted of a 2443cc four-cylinder engine allied to four-speed manual transmission. Notable for its twin camshafts (nestling high on the block), the powerplant was fed by twin SU carburettors. Mounted notably far back in the chassis, it was credited with some 104bhp and 134lbft of torque, while, the synchromesh gearbox was praised for its smooth but firm action (Bill Boddy musing that "someone in Lord Nuffield's establishment must be a gearbox-wizard").

Wonderfully purposeful, the model's stressed-skin alloy body incorporated a number of ingenious touches such as a partially retractable windscreen and letterbox slot for the spare wheel that saw it double up as a rear bumper etc. Fitted with cycle wings, rudimentary weather equipment and a 16-gallon fuel tank, the Healey Silverstone weighed just 18.5cwt. Thus, able to claim a power to weight ratio in excess of 100bhp per ton, it promised and delivered invigorating performance.

Although fast, easy to handle and surprisingly durable, the Healey Silverstone was not cheap. Priced at £1,246 11s 8d, it was only £20 less expensive than a Jaguar XK120. Nevertheless, the Works team's fantastic showing at Silverstone in August 1949 ensured a steady stream of enquiries from amateur and professional racing drivers alike. Campaigned on both sides of The Pond (Buenos Aires, Watkins Glen, Palm Beach, Goodwood, Dundrod etc), the pared-back two-seater also contested various high profile European events (Mille Miglia, Targa Florio) not to mention distinguishing itself on the Alpine and Liege-Rome-Liege rallies.

Entering production in April 1950, the E-series variant proved more usable and comfortable than its D-series predecessor thanks to a wider cockpit, revised steering column and increased legroom. Visually distinguished by a bonnet scoop and subtly altered side profile, the newcomer helped augment the Silverstone's burgeoning competition pedigree. Never destined to be a big seller, the dual-purpose sports / racing car was sidelined by the more commercially promising Nash-Healey with the result that production petered out during September 1950 after some 105 had left the Warwick factory.

This particular example - chassis number E57 - was road registered as `DVG 647' by Norwich City Council on 18th April 1950. Regular competitors at fledgling Norfolk circuits such as Fersfield and Snetterton, Stanley Boshier and Robert Pattenden also held a Healey franchise (among several others) and are thought to have supplied the Silverstone to its first owner, H. Ayckbeum Esq. Whether the latter ever drove `DVG 647' in anger remains unknown but preliminary research indicates that he kept it until 1963. Thereafter, the two-seater is understood to have passed through the hands of Kenzie Edwards (1963-1968), Donald Heyworth (1968-1971), Robert Locke (1971-1973), Paul Montague (1973), Brian Classic Esq (1973-1974), Bob Roberts (1974-1978), Colin Smith (1978-1980) and Colin Emson (1980-1985) before entering the current ownership some twenty-six years ago.

Mimicking the exploits of its famous sibling `DVG 807' (chassis number E74) which secured class victory on the 1951 Rome-Liege-Rome Rally, `DVG 647' successfully completed no fewer than three Pirelli Classic Marathons (being by far the oldest car to win an Alpine Cup in a particularly difficult year), several Targa Rusticana rallies (highest placing 2nd-in-class) and three Isle of Man Classics between 1988 and 1998 not to mention securing a silver medal on the inaugural Lands End to John O'Groats `Le Jog'. Living proof that the Healey Silverstone is a truly versatile design, the past three decades have also seen chassis E57 tackle a variety of hillclimbs and circuit races at Silverstone (Historic Festival), Snetterton (Birkett 6-hours), Castle Combe and Goodwood (2001 Revival Meeting). Used for enjoyable touring holidays around Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, `DVG 647' accepted an invitation to be part of the Le Mans 24-heures Parade in 2007.

Boasting `matching' chassis and engine numbers, the two-seater appears to be substantially original. Indeed, the vendor believes that it has never undergone a comprehensive restoration. Upgraded during his custody with a lengthened steering column, reconditioned steering box, conversion to split circuit brakes and Koni rear shock absorbers, the car was given a professional engine overhaul some twenty years ago. Further benefiting from an oil cooler, oil temperature gauge, aeroquip hoses and specially made / strengthened half shafts, more recent fettling has seen it treated to a `top-end' engine overhaul (during which bores and pistons appeared to be in good order), recored radiator and bespoke tubular exhaust manifold (the latter courtesy of RW Racing Services). The subject of articles in Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (February 1978) and Supercar Classics (January 1991), `DVG 647' has also been pictured in various tomes including `The Great Book of Sports Cars' by Dean Batchelor, Chris Poole and Graham Robson.

Several decades old, the Healey's blue paintwork is complemented by black upholstery and discreet `Ecurie Cod Fillet' roundels. Well practised at circumventing the gearbox's worn synchromesh by means of double declutching, the vendor considers chassis E57 to be in good overall condition. No concours queen, it has nevertheless done much to uphold the Silverstone's reputation for usability (acquiring a delightful patina along the way). Potentially eligible for a host of prestigious events including the Mille Miglia Storica and, subject to another invitation, the Goodwood Revival, `DVG 647' is offered for sale with a continuation logbook, sundry paperwork and current MOT certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has a current MOT certificate expiring 07/02/2012 and not as stated in the catalogue.