Vehicle Description
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.
