This 1953 Nash-Healey roadster was owned for many years by the well-known enthusiast Jacques “Frenchy” Harguindeguy, noted for his ownership of many of the great coachbuilt French classics and for winning Best of Show at the 2000 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Following Harguindeguy’s passing in 2007, the Nash-Healey, still in very good original condition, was acquired by his friend, noted restorer Brian Hoyt, who meticulously restored it to the highest standards. Afterward, the car was part of the well-known Paris-based Tom Harrington Nash collection, receiving a FIVA identification card in his ownership before returning stateside to join the Elkhart Collection.

Today, showing 63,658 miles at the time of cataloguing, the car is beautifully and correctly finished, with straight body panels, exactingly fit, and an exceptional interior in virtually unused condition save for minor stretching. The connoisseur’s eye will be drawn to such details as the original serial number and body tags, which remain in place; optional wire wheel covers; and the careful attention to detail executed throughout, including the correct, original aluminum cylinder head and dual Carter YH carburetor setup.

An especially fascinating feature is the removable hardtop, one of three known surviving prototype tops built by a California custom shop at Nash Motors’ behest in 1954. The design of the hardtop is ingenious; it fits to the conventional soft top’s hold-downs at both the windshield frame and the rear deck and has a full headliner and wraparound backlight, similar to the closed Le Mans coupe. A restored canvas soft top is, of course, in place, and can be used as desired with the hardtop removed. As best as can be determined, of the three surviving hardtops this is the only one restored and mounted on a car.

This is likely among the finest Nash-Healeys in the world, deserving of the most discerning collection.