1952 Nash-Healey Roadster
The Healey story began in 1946, just after WWII. Early cars featured a sturdy chassis, independent front suspension and uprated Riley engines, and were good for true 100 mph performance. While the Riley engine models were being built in Britain, Donald Healey was sailing to the US.
Aboard his ship, he met Nash-Kelvinator president George Mason. The two became fast friends and soon Mason agreed to supply Nash engines, transmissions and differentials for use in a Healey-built sports car fittingly dubbed the “Nash-Healey.” The Pinin Farina-bodied Nash-Healey was a star among stars, having appeared in the 1954 film classic Sabrina alongside William Holden, Humphrey Bogart and the sublime Audrey Hepburn.
In Detail
| price $ | $ 5,128 |
| engine | 6 Cyl. |
| valvetrain | OHV |
| displacement | 4140 cc / 252.6 in³ |
| bore | 88.9 mm / 3.5 in |
| stroke | 111.3 mm / 4.38 in |
| compression | 8.00:1 |
| power | 104.4 kw / 140.0 bhp @ 4000 rpm |
| specific output | 33.82 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 94.66 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 311.8 nm / 230.0 ft lbs @ 2000 rpm |
| curb weight | 1479 kg / 3261 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2591 mm / 102.0 in |
| front track | 1346 mm / 53.0 in |
| rear track | 1394 mm / 54.9 in |
| transmission | 3-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~181.5 kph / 112.8 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~9.8 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~17.1 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1952 Nash-Healey Roadster 2240 – sold for €72,800 America’s first true post-war sports car. Matching numbers and largely original. Thrilling to drive on the road or track. Eligible for numerous vintage rallies, including the Mille Miglia Storica. Auction Source: 2015 Paris by RM Auctions
1952 Nash-Healey Roadster 2240 – sold for $94,600
This unusual, highly original Nash-Healey has been in the current owner’s possession since coming to the United States in March 2008. Previously, it was found resting in a warehouse in Holland for the better part of 25 years. It is a numbers-matching car, including the original engine.
Though believed to have been repainted many years ago, the remainder of the car is likely all-original, and aside from a missing rearview mirror, it is virtually intact, including its top and side curtains. Period advertising materials are included in the sale. The car is running, though further recommissioning is recommended prior to making the car roadworthy after long-term storage. With today’s interest in original cars and barn find examples, this is an outstanding and uncommon opportunity to purchase an iconic and rare Nash-Healey convertible. Read more about this car. Auction Source: 2013 Amelia Island by Rm Auctions
1953 Nash-Healey Roadster 2416 – sold for $115,500 Beautiful Presentation of the Classic Nash-Healey. Elegant Pinin Farina Design. Fewer than 402 Built. Exciting Entry for Shows and Concours. Auction Source: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
1953 Nash-Healey Roadster N2386 – sold for $93,500
The lovely silver finish is complemented by the nicely settled red leather interior, black canvas top and original side curtains. Complete and correct, the car features proper Hickok seat belts as well as the original radio and bezel. While retaining its period appearance, the radio was rebuilt as an AM/FM receiver with .mp3 capability.
The “Le Mans Dual Jetfire” engine retains the original aluminum cylinder head and is fitted with twin side-draft carburetors. This car has maintained its integrity since new, with the engine and body numbers matching original documentation. Sparingly used but well maintained in recent years, it benefits from extensive mechanical servicing and thorough detailing. As offered, it provides a rare opportunity to acquire one of the nicest and most authentic Nash-Healeys extant. Read more about this car. Auction Source: Amelia Island 2012 by RM Auctions
1953 Nash Healey Roadster – did not sell for $100,000
4,141 CC OHV engine, 140 BHP . Dual carter side draft carburetors, 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive, one of the most correct Healeys known to exist, formerly of the Skip Barber collection. A truly international sports car, the Nash Healey is an English Roadster with Nash ambassador 4.1 L straight 6 and a hand made Italian body by Pininfarina.
It was born out of a very successful bid at Lemans where Donald Healey campaigned a one-off Roadster in 1950 to 4th place in class. He decided to produce a small run of his racing car for the road in 1951, which would then receive the sexy Italian body for 1952. Nash Healeys would continue to race with great success including a 3rd overall at Lemans in 1952 The road going Roadster you see here is one of just 150 built in 1953, and a very proper example. It has undergone an exacting ground up restoration to the highest standards. Read more about this car. Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum
1953 Nash-Healey Roadster – did not sell for $200,000 This rare Nash-Healey roadster features the upgraded 253 cid Le Mans Dual Jetfire Ambassador Six engine, so named for the car’s impressive 1952 Le Mans campaign, where it finished 3rd only to a pair of Mercedes-Benz Gullwings. In The Healey Book: A Complete History of the Healey Marque, Bill Emerson’s definitive book on Nash Healeys, he states that 2359 is believed to have originally been owned by Dick Powell and is reputedly the car driven by George Reeves’ title character in the 1950s television show The Adventures of Superman. Auction Source: 2010 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction
1952 Nash Healey Le Mans Roadster – sold for $88,000
The attractive example offered here, chassis number 2241 is one of the few roadsters built in 1952. It is beautifully finished in cream-white with a lovely red leather interior and tan convertible top. The car has the correct Nash Le Mans drive train fitted with twin SU carburetors and factory overdrive.
Additionally, it is supplied with wide white sidewall tires mounted on the rare, original chrome wire wheels. While the car was painted some years ago, it remains very presentable. The car has been exhibited at a variety of shows and proven its reliability during extensive touring. In fact, in 1984 the dash panel of the car was signed by Donald Healey himself! Show more. Auction Source: 2009 RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey
1953 Nash-Healey Roadster – sold for $115,500 Restored about ten years ago, this Nash-Healey roadster was on display in a museum until very recently. Painted in silver, it has a contrasting red leather interior, black canvas top and original side curtains. It is fitted with the correct Hickok seat belts and the original radio and bezel. This car has the larger 252 cubic inch six-cylinder engine, introduced in 1952, in the Le Mans Dual Jetfire configuration with its original aluminum cylinder head and twin side-draft carburetors.
What sets it apart from other Nash-Healeys is its completeness and correctness. Frequently, the unique Nash-Healey parts are either lost or replaced with inauthentic items. This car has maintained its integrity since new, with engine and body numbers matching original documentation. Driven very few miles since its restoration, it has recently been mechanically serviced and completely detailed. This is a chance to acquire one of the nicest and most authentic Nash-Healeys extant. Auction Source: 2008 Monterey Preview
1953 Nash-Healey Roadster – sold for $231,000 The car featured here is an outstanding example, expertly restored within the last four years. In 2005 it was invited to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in honor of Carrozzeria Pinin Farina’s 75th anniversary. It is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition.
The beautiful steel body, virtually free of flaws and imperfections, is painted red, befitting its Italian heritage. The brightwork and wire wheels were restored to the highest standard as was the black leather upholstery, steering wheel, matching dash, and other interior components. Expert craftsmanship is evident under the hood, as the engine, three-speed transmission, brakes and wiring are nothing short of excellent. In addition to the numerous factory options present, this Nash-Healey also features dual fuel pumps, push-button ignition and whitewall tires. Auction Source: 2007 Monterey Preview
