For Sale: 1951 Nash-Healey Series 25 in Hilton, New York

ATTENTION COLLECTORS - RACERS - ENTHUSIASTS 1951 Nash-Healey Series 25 Roadster Panelcraft Aluminum Body Awe Inspiring and from equally Impressive Private Collection of Wendell Castle, internationally renowned sculptor and art furniture designer. This Nash-Healey IS a Work of Art with the Power and Breeding to Back it Up. The 1951 Nash-Healey was the first post-war sports car from a major American manufacturer. The roadster's aluminum body was designed by Len Hodges and Don Healey. Healey entered the prototype in the 1950 race at Le Mans, finishing third in class, fourth overall, behind two Talbot-Lagos and Sydney Allard's Cadillac-powered J2 but ahead of Aston Martins, Jaguars, Ferraris and Cunningham's own Cadillac-powered specials. Just over 100 were manufactured. This car's stock 3.85L inline six cylinder Nash engine is fitted with a very rare Healey factory racing team aluminum head. This head features an integrated intake manifold supporting triple SU carbs (the stock engine used dual SUs). The long stroke engine rumbles wonderfully through its beautifully constructed custom headers and exhaust. The three-speed manual transmission has a Borg-Warner overdrive, plus torque tube and differential. The chassis is a widened and reinforced Healey Silverstone box-section ladder-type steel frame. The independent front suspension, also Healey Silverstone, uses coil springs, trailing link, and a sway bar. The rear suspension features Nash's rear end with coil springs replacing the Silverstone's leaf springs, while the beam axle is located by a Panhard rod. Bendix drum brakes on all four corners provide the stopping power. Wendell purchased the car in the early 1990's and began its complete restoration. Along the way, he chose to make many modifications to achieve a period race look and performance: No bumpers, a raked windshield, Healey factory racing intake manifold, custom exhaust system, roll bar, seats, etc. All of these subtle changes help make this car so special. First, the color is not Champagne Ivory or Sunset Maroon. The seats are modified later model Austin Healey buckets. The custom interior and leather upholstery are top notch with the green piping selected to match the body color. The wool berber carpets are also trimmed in green. Wendell laid out the instrument panel using new Smiths gauges, with the tach located purposefully in front of the driver. A wood-rimmed Motolita steering wheel is fitted to the adjustable column. The roll bar height is adjustable so it can fit underneath the top. A LeMans fuel door and filler neck connect to a custom stainless fuel tank. Painted 54 spoke Jaguar wire wheels replace the stock steel wheels. The rears were built up with a 1.3? wider rim to give the car an ever so slightly more aggressive stance. Tires are 185R16 92S Michelin X. The boot has a convenient custom spline hub mount for the spare wheel. This highly anticipated long term project, over 25 years in the making, was never completed. It was the closest he came to designing and building his own car since he and his younger brother assembled one in the basement of their family home in Kansas back in the '40s. This one is a lot prettier! Much of the original body, electrical, and mechanical work was done by Posie's in Hummelstown, PA. More finishing and fitting work including an engine and carb rebuild was done by Concours Classics Motor Cars in Macedon, NY. The custom leather interior, fabric tonneau, and fabric top were done by R.P. Interiors in Horseheads, NY. All receipts with descriptions of work are available. The sale includes the major parts needed to finish the car. Some minor items including gaskets, seat belts, and a bonnet prop rod will need to be purchased. The side curtains and mounts were designed and partially fabricated, the parts are included.