1950 Healey Silverstone X5 Roadster

Nash Healey Le Mans

X5

Engine: Nash Ambassador OHV 6 Cylinder

Cubic Capacity: 3,848cc

Power: 127 bhp@ 4,000 rpm

Transmission: Nash 3-speed, Bourg Warner overdrive

Chassis: Steel N Type

Body: 2-Seater Silverstone body with closed front wings Aluminium

Weight: 1,900kg

Events: Mille Miglia 1950 9th in Class and 177th overall

Le Mans 1950 3rd in Class and 4th overall

Top Speed: 140 mph

Year of production: 1950The racing history of the first Nash-Healey Le Mans car began in 1950 when Donald Healey Motor Company and the Nash Corporation joined forces to create a new automotive identity - the Nash-Healey.

They wasted no time in developing their first racing product; chassis X-5 in a newly designated N Type series was fitted with a Silverstone body and powered by a Nash Ambassador six-cylinder engine, three speed transmission, with Borg Warner overdrive.

The cars first race was in the 1950 Mille Miglia in Italy. While participating in the race, Donald and Geoff Healey had problems with the car; the oil would overheat every time the car was driven wide open for long periods and it lacked top competitive speed.

Ducting for the radiator was enhanced and new, improved piston rings were installed to reduce the blow-by that had caused the high oil temperature.

Aerodynamic modifications by Bill Buckingham to the Silverstone body also helped improved speed performance.

The main portion of the Silverstone body was retained but the cycle-type front wings were removed and replaced with a wing that mated with the body for the whole length of the car.

When road tested, the top speed was shown to have increased by 20 mph

Now the car was ready to become the 1950 Le Mans Nash-Healey.

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