Description
The 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.
This car finished 177 at the 1950 Mille Miglia and went on to finish forth over all at Le Mans 24 Hour the same year.
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