140 bhp, 252.6 cu. in. OHV inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102"

• From the Karl Blade Collection

• Wonderful Italian/English/American heritage

• One of only 162 built for 1953

The Nash-Healey resulted from a chance shipboard encounter. George Mason, president of Nash-Kelvinator, happened to meet British sports car designer Donald Healey on the Queen Elizabeth, while sailing to the United States. Healey was bound for Detroit where he hoped to buy Cadillac engines for a new series of cars. Mason, sensing an opportunity, told Healey that if he was unsuccessful with Cadillac he would be happy to supply Nash Ambassador engines instead. As it happened, the Cadillac discussions were unproductive, so a shipment of Nash drivetrains was soon dispatched to England.

The first Nash-Healey roadsters were bodied in aluminum by British metal-smiths Panelcraft of Birmingham. Prototypes were shown in Britain and on the Continent in the fall of 1950; production began in December. The Nash-Healey’s American debut came at Chicago in February 1951. Priced at $4,063 in Nash showrooms, it was expensive, and only 250 sold in two years. Mason and Healey tried a different approach. Mason had Pinin Farina, then under contract for the American Nashes, do a makeover. Running chassis were then shipped from England to Italy, fitted with Farina steel bodies and re-shipped to the United States. Despite the 1953 addition of a handsome coupe, production was halted in August 1954 with only 252 second-generation cars built.

This example of the Nash-Healey is one of only 162 built in 1953. It is finished in beautiful bright red with tan leather interior. Offered from the esteemed Karl Blade Collection, these cars are not only very rare but also increasingly sought after by enthusiasts.