1950 Healey Silverstone

• UK-supplied, right-hand drive, E-Type Healey Silverstone first registered in July 1950
• Discovered in ‘Barn find’ condition then subject to a meticulous ground-up restoration
• Period competition history successfully raced by respected driver Mr Joseph Cecil Winby
• Detailed restoration by Hennessy Motorsport and finished to racing specification with potential access to many exclusive motorsport events
• Accompanied by a comprehensive history file including original buff log-book, 30-page research document, current registration papers and restoration documents
• Absolutely on-the-button and ready for its next chapter, a rare ‘50’s British racer offered at a realistic guide

*Professional photography to follow shortly

The Donald Healey Motor company completed its first car in 1945, going into full-time production the following year with a 2.4-litre Riley-powered sports saloon with a welded-up chassis and Healey's own trailing-arm independent front suspension.

For the clubman racer they offered the dual purpose "Silverstone', a model equally at home on road or track. Designed by Len Hodges, the lightweight two-seater body was crafted in aluminium, while the car's purposeful look was enhanced by cycle wings and closely spaced headlamps mounted behind the radiator grille. Another unusual feature was the spare wheel protruding from its compartment in the tail, thus doubling as a bumper. 'The Motor' magazine, when it announced and featured the model in July 1949, described the Silverstone as a light "competition type" two-seater for sale at the basic price of £975. This latter figure was important as getting the price down to less than £1,000 had been an important consideration in the Silverstone's development, as that was the level at which the swingeing 66% Purchase Tax was levied.

With a weight of only 18.5cwt, the new Healey offered improved performance for competition work, yet remained entirely suitable for normal road use and soon made a name for itself in rallying and circuit racing. With Donald himself, together with co-driver Ian Appleyard, securing a second in class and second overall in the 1949 Alpine Rally, they were the highest placed British car. Other noteworthy international successes included Peter Riley and Bill Lamb's class win in the 1951 Liege-Rome-Liege Rally, Peter Simpson's 6th place overall in the 1951 Isle of Man Manx Cup Races and Edgar Wadsworth and Cyril Corbishley's victory in the 1951 Coupe des Alpes. Many future stars gained their first track experience in the Silverstone, most notably Tony Brooks.

There were two generations of Silverstones, designated 'D-Types' and 'E-Types', in addition to two prototype "X" models. The D-Type had a front anti-roll bar and stiffer springs and retained the Riley power plant and rear axle. An improved E-Type, with a wider body and more comfortable cockpit, was introduced in 1950.

'LRR 267' is chassis number #E66 and was first registered on the 12th July 1950 to Fredrick Gordon Stewart Sims and is an outstanding example of the rare E-Type Series. Between the years 2012 to 2014 it has been subject to a complete nut and bolt restoration after lying dormant in a garage for 30 years. A photographic trail of the restoration accompanies the history file of the car, which includes the original buff logbook.

John Godley of Classique Car Conduits has researched LRR 267 and produced a 30-page document  a copy of which will will accompany the car at the sale. Notable findings include the second owner, as shown on the buff logbook, was Joseph Cecil Winby who was employed by Brico Pistons, a friend of the Healey family, and went on to own and campaign it competitively for two years from 1955. Pictures show him at various MMEC races and he subsequently went on to become a respected racing driver finishing second in the Mille Miglia when partnering Tommy Wisdom.

The restoration was carried out during 2012 to 2014 by Hennessy Motorsport Ltd. and completed to an exceptional standard. It has been prepared to racing specification with twin brake master cylinders and remote bias adjustment. The engine is fitted with high-compression pistons, the block has been re-bored, a lightened, balanced and reground crank installed and the head has been ported, polished and flow tested. The cams were re-profiled by Newman Cams, new valves fitted and the hardened valve seats cut with three angle seats for better flow.

No expense has been spared in preparing the bodywork, as the super level of finish displays. The original body was soda-blasted back to bare alloy, any cracks re-welded and racing dents removed. The bonnet, as in period, is similar to the original Le Mans Silverstone and is chopped down to allow for quick and easy access. Painted in Aston Martin Grey, the finish is truly stunning.

The Healey Silverstone has an excellent power to weight ratio offering fantastic performance from a car which was a pace-setter in 1950 offering exhilarating performance to the most discerning enthusiast with over 100 mph well within the stride of this iconic 1950s sports car. A car with wonderful road presence, it's also very rare, with just 105 cars ever built and offered at a realistic guide, this is a wonderful opportunity to take ownership of this brilliant British 50s sporting classic.