Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: N3141
Mot Expiry: None

The result of a chance mid-Atlantic encounter between Donald Healey and Nash-Kelvinator's George Mason in 1949, the first Nash-Healey appeared the following year. A two-seater prototype based on the Healey Silverstone chassis but powered by a Nash Ambassador straight-six engine, its initial competition successes (4th at Le Mans, 9th on the Mille Miglia) prompted Nash to commission a limited production run. Debuting at the 1950 Paris Salon, the new roadster boasted all aluminium bodywork to Healey's own design. However, it was not to Mason's taste and after 104 British bodied cars had been built he called upon the services of Pininfarina. Suitably restyled in more cost-effective steel, the Nash-Healey emerged afresh at the February 1952 Chicago Motor Show. Priced at over $4,000 (some $1,800 more than a Jaguar XK120) due to the associated shipping costs of its tri-country parentage, even an incredible third overall at that year's Le Mans did little to boost sales. Unperturbed, Mason had Pininfarina create a coupe version for 1953. Winner of the Tresa International Concours d'Elegance, it was powered by the same newly enlarged 4.1 litre (140hp) unit as its roadster sibling but proved no more successful. A fitting swansong to the venture, the last 90 coupes made from January to August 1954 featured specially re-profiled C-pillars (roadster manufacture had ceased the year before).
Finished in red with tan upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example has been part of the collection since 1995. Reputedly the subject of a $26,000 restoration in the past, it benefits from a three-speed plus overdrive gearbox, ifs, 'Le Mans Dual Jetfire' rocker cover, General Electric headlamps and faux wire wheels.