Late in 1953, Nash-Healey introduced a good looking new coupe model with the name "Le Mans." Nash-Healeys had competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours since 1950, finishing fourth of 29 cars to complete the race in 1950. In 1951, the Nash Healey finished fourth in class and sixth overall, behind a Jaguar but ahead of two Ferraris. The following year, 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. In 1951 Nash Healey also competed in the Mille Miglia, managing seventh overall, in a race won by Ferrari. For 1953, they entered the Mille Miglia again starting from 27th place, the two drivers, Leslie Johnson and Burt Hadley managed to advance to 11th by the finish. By this time, Nash Motors was busy with the merger negotiations that eventually became American Motors, and the racing program was discontinued.
Nash-Healey Roadster production ended in 1953. The final 90 cars built in 1954 were all Le Mans coupes. 507 Nash Healeys were built in total.
This car, one of those final and very rarely seen 1954 coupes with the wrap around rear window is a very nice example just out of a private collection. A very good looking hybrid of American ingenuity and Italian custom coachwork by Pininfarina (Pininfarina body number 13582 as stated on its Pininfarina body tag). Always a well kept car and never neglected, it was treated to a very well done and authentic restoration. Additionally it is a very complete car retaining everything from its original Nash Healey wire hubcaps to its original push button radio. The paint and body work is very straight and in nice condition throughout showing very little sign of being driven. The interior is beautifully done in red leather, and correctly done. All gauges are original and proper. The 252 cubic inch Nash overhead valve 6 cylinder runs incredibly well and the 4 speed transmission shifts as it should. The engine is original to this car and it still retains its original twin side draft Carter carburetors. Overall it is a very nice original well kept LeMans coupe with a nicely executed restoration. If you are looking for a Nash Healey it doesn't get much better than this. Contact us today for more information.
