Makes and Models: Roadster

The Nash Healey Roadster defied convention, morphing from a mere car into a symphony of ingenuity and artistry that flawlessly epitomized the dynamic spirit of the 1950s. Bolstered by its formidable engine prowess and adorned with a chassis that sliced through the air, it became a tangible emblem of the American Dream. Behind its creation was an assembly of brilliant minds whose collective brilliance transformed metal and mechanics into an enduring masterpiece

Source: Barrett-Jackson

During the post-World War II era, no American automaker offered a sports coupe or roadster in their product lineup, and the only ones available were British-made and highly sought after by the wealthy. It was apparent that this market gap needed to be filled urgently. After swift negotiations, Nash President George Mason and Briton Donald Healy agreed to collaborate on producing sports vehicles. A prototype was completed in the fall of 1950 and showcased at an auto show in Paris, followed by production beginning in December of that year, with the Donald Healey Motor Company shipping 36 Nash-Healeys to the American market in that month, and another 68 in the first quarter of 1951.

The origins

Source: Supercars.net

After World War II, the American automotive industry faced a lack of variety in terms of sports vehicles. Sports coupes and roadsters were not produced in America, and importing British-made sports vehicles came with high fees. Nash President George Mason saw an opportunity and approached British engineer and designer Donald Healey to work on a project to create a sports vehicle that could be sold in America. In 1950, Mason and Healey formed a partnership to produce sports vehicles, and within seven months, Healey designed and built the Nash-Healey prototype. The prototype was presented at the Paris Auto Show in October 1950 and was met with worldwide enthusiasm. Production began in December of the same year, and 36 Nash-Healey Roadsters had been shipped to the American market by the end of the month. An additional 68 roadsters were produced and shipped in the first quarter of 1951. The Roadster’s popularity was due to its powerful 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine, 125 horsepower, and attractive design featuring a long hood and short tail. The vehicle was meticulously designed, ensuring that every part was of the highest quality and easy to handle. The limited production of 506 automobiles between 1951 and 1954 has made the Roadster a symbol of American engineering and design, an enduring classic that continues to attract car enthusiasts worldwide.

The 1952 model year

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While the body design of the 1952 model remained mostly similar to the previous year, the technical and engineering aspects of the automobile underwent major upgrades. A noteworthy update in the 1952 version was the introduction of a larger six-cylinder engine, measuring 4.1 liters, which offered a significant boost in power with 140 horsepower as compared to the previous year’s 125 horsepower. The suspension was also extensively updated, featuring new shock absorbers and the inclusion of a rear stabilizer bar to enhance the ride’s handling and comfort. Inside, the 1952 edition featured a more luxurious and comfortable interior than previous models. The vehicle’s seats were upholstered in high-quality leather, and the dashboard was redesigned with a more modern and streamlined look. The automobile also featured a new, more efficient heating and ventilation system, making driving more comfortable in any weather.

Exterior updates to the 1952 release included a revised grille design, new taillights, and updated badging. The car’s exterior styling remained true to the previous version, with its sleek lines and long hood, but the updates gave the model a more polished and modern look. Overall, the 1952 version was a significant improvement over the previous year’s model. With its larger, more powerful engine, improved suspension, and refined interior, the car was a more comfortable and capable sports vehicle than ever before. The 1952 edition remains a highly sought-after classic automobile today, and its updated features and improved performance make it a standout among the many great automobiles in the Nash-Healey lineup.

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Source: Heacock Classic

The 1952 version of the model was a preferred option among affluent and prominent people of the time, contributing to its widespread appeal. Among the famous owners of the model was renowned Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield, who possessed a white convertible version of the car. This further enhanced her glamorous persona and reflected her penchant for extravagance and opulent living. The Nash Healey Roadster was a seamless addition to her assortment of high-end cars, which epitomized her luxurious lifestyle.

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Who doesn’t remember the movie “Sabrina” with the gorgeous Audrey Hepburn? Every frame of the film was a masterpiece, and the chic two-seater roadster, on which the brilliant Humphrey Bogart brought the heroine home, became the epitome of a classic car.

Source: Supercars.net

In the post-war years, no American automobile company had a sports coupe or roadster in its range. The sports vehicles brought in single copies had a British origin and were in great demand among the wealthy public. It was clear that the market niche needed to be filled urgently. After quick and fruitful negotiations, Briton Donald Healy and Nash President George Mason agreed to start joint production of sports vehicles. By the fall of 1950, a prototype was ready, presented to the public at an auto show in Paris, and in December, Donald Healy’s company began producing new items. In total, Donald Healey Motor Company manufactured and shipped 36 Nash-Healeys to the American market in December, and 68 more in the first quarter of 1951.

The origins

Source: Silodrome

Symbolically, the idea of ​​​​producing a transatlantic British-American Nash-Healey model originated in the very heart of the Atlantic. It happened on board the Queen Elizabeth ocean liner, where Nash-Kelvinator Corporation President George Mason and British sports vehicle manufacturer Donald Healy met. Mason was returning from Europe intending to develop several European-style roadsters, and Healy was on his way to the US to arrange for powerful Cadillac V8 engines. Mason hinted that if the deal did not go through, he could provide good 6-cylinder powertrains in return. As a result in 1950, the first Nash motors and transmissions arrived at the Healey plant in Warwick. Healy installed them on his Silverstone racing vehicle and sent the resulting prototype at the 24 Hours of Le Mans the same year. Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton finished 4th which was a surprise for Healy, taking into account that 29 out of 66 crews finished that race. After,  the issue of creating a sports vehicle was practically resolved. In 1951, the serial Nash-Healey returned to Le Mans, which came 6th overall and 4th in its class. Another merit of Nash-Healey was participation as a pace vehicle in the grueling 1951 Carrera Panamericana marathon.

1951 model year

Source: Drive2

The roadster received an in-line six-cylinder engine from the Nash Ambassador model with a displacement of 3.8 liters, with an aluminum cylinder head and two SU carburetors. The return of the motor in this form was 125 hp. In addition to the engine itself, the delivery set included a three-speed manual gearbox Borg-Warner with overdrive. Nash-Healey received leather upholstery for a two-seat interior, an adjustable steering wheel, and an original design of the side windows. To reduce weight, they were made of plexiglass and spring-loaded. They fell inward with a light touch of the hand and then fixed with a chrome clip. The automobile turned out to be expensive – in 1951 they asked for about 4 thousand dollars for it – for this money you could buy a chic Cadillac. The news of the new British-American roadster quickly spread around the world. And here Mason was lucky with another companion – the famous Italian designer Battista “Pinin” Farina. Coincidentally, at the same time, Nash-Kelvinator Corporation was already working with the Pininfarina studio on the design of the main product – refrigerators. After learning about the creation of the Nash-Healey roadster, Farina offered Mason his services in creating a new body for the model. The proposal of the venerable designer was accepted by Mason. Thus began a new stage in the history of the brand Nash-Healey. A third element appeared in the logistics of the process – a body factory in Turin. The mechanical components were shipped to the UK, where the finished chassis was assembled. Then they went to Italy, where bodies were installed on them. After the final assembly, the finished roadsters were transported back to the USA for sale through the Nash dealer network for $4,063. Interestingly, it was planned to sell in Europe, but the high cost made the manufacturers abandon this idea. In the first year, 104 first-generation Nash-Healeys were built. It became the first post-war mass-produced sports vehicle in the US market.

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Source: Beverly Hills Car Club

The new model quickly found its fans among both amateurs and professional racers around the world. In its four years of production, both coupes and convertibles won numerous awards in various racing competitions, including finishing 4th overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951.

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