1953 Nash-Healey Le Mans Coupe

Coachwork by Pinin Farina

252ci OHV 'Dual Jetfire' 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin Carter YH Carburetors
140bhp at 4,000rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*One of 507 Nash-Healeys produced, of which less than 100 are believed to have been Coupes
*Eligible for exclusive international events including the Mille Miglia and Le Mans Classic
*Beautifully presented example in a stealth black exterior over lovely Terracotta interior
*Desirable Pinin Farina built American hybrid model with competition heritage


THE NASH-HEALEY

Late in 1953, Nash-Healey introduced a handsome new Coupe model with the name Le Mans. It was more than an honorary title, as Nash-Healeys had competed in the grueling Le Mans 24 Hour race since 1950, when Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton entered a prototype model in the famed French endurance race. It finished fourth of 29 to cars complete the race. Clothed in lightweight aluminum bodies, there were four of these racers, which had Nash Ambassador engines, upgraded with aluminum high-compression heads, special manifolds and twin SU side-draft carburetors.

In 1951, Rolt and Hamilton were fourth in class and sixth overall, behind a Jaguar but ahead of two Ferraris. The following year, with Leslie Johnson and Tommy Wisdom driving, 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. Additionally, they earned the Rudge-Whitworth Cup for the best performance over two consecutive years and the Motor Gold Challenge Cup. Johnson also contested the Mille Miglia that year, with motoring correspondent Bill McKenzie as passenger. They managed seventh overall, in a race won by Ferrari.

For 1953, Johnson again took the helm, but partnered with Bert Hadley. Starting from 27th place, Johnson and Hadley managed to advance to 11th by race's end, despite the fact that they had achieved a higher average speed than in 1952. By this time, however, Nash Motors was busy with the merger negotiations that led to American Motors, and further racing was discontinued.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This beautiful example of the limited-production Nash-Healey Le Mans Coupe features the hand-built stylish 2-door Coupe bodywork by famed Turin-based Carrozzeria Pinin Farina, well-known for their design and coachbuilding of some of the most important Ferrari models ever made. Completed in 1953, it is believed to be one of less that 100 Coupe examples made in the 507-car Nash-Healey production run, of which just about 50 Coupe examples is believed to have been made in 1953. Continuous restoration to mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the rare Italian-American hybrid has been performed in the last decade, and include refurbishment of the six-cylinder 'Dual Jetfire' engine and transmission, a brake system overhaul and attention to various parts of the chassis and suspension, reconditioning of the fuel tank, fuel lines and sending unit, rebuild carburetors and water pump, and fitment of a new period-correct 6-volt battery and a fresh set of white wall tires. The Nash-Healey Le Mans Coupe retains its correct wire wheel, as well as its original dashboard-mounted radio. What appears to be the original chassis and engine number ID plate, is stamped matching the engine and chassis numbers, so it can be assumed that the car retains its original engine.

Recent cosmetic refurbishments have been carried out by professionals in the San Diego area, and today the Pinin Farina bodied Nash-Healey presents beautifully detailed in its stealth black exterior color over a lovely Terracotta-colored interior. The engine compartment and chassis are beautifully detailed with correct finishes and decals. Original Pinin Farina factory applied undercoating can be found under the aluminum rear deck lid, as seen on other cars of the era built by the famous Turin-based coachbuilding firm.

A Nash-Healey offers an enticing classic car rally, race or tour alternative: A car with both international competition and design pedigree, low production numbers, and a thrilling driving experience. Rarer than a Gullwing, and eligible for many of the same exclusive international events, this intriguing international hybrid deserves serious consideration.