Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 16th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 17th June from 9am
Location: Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1950 Healey Silverstone D-Type
1 of just c. 104 Silverstones produced
Estimate
£80, 000 - £100, 000
Registration No: LTJ 577
Chassis No: D16
MOT: June 2026
Remarkably just three owners from new!
Comprehensive ‘nut-and-bolt’ restoration by recognised marque specialist
Warren Kennedy completed in 2025
Less than 5 miles covered since the completion of the restoration, and therefore still presenting excellently
Potentially eligible for the Mille Miglia Storica and other prestigious events
1 of only c. 104 Silverstone examples produced
"The Healey Silverstone is remarkable not only because it handles as well as any modern car we have driven and gives vivid acceleration and a maximum speed of over 100mph, but because it achieves this performance on less than 2. 5 litres and with a 3. 5-to-1 axle ratio, so that economy of petrol is quite unexpected. Over and above its performance capabilities, it is so docile and pleasant to drive that learner-drivers feel at home in it, it is entirely devoid of temperament, and, if it is not beautiful in appearance, its lines have a satisfying functional simplicity" (Bill Boddy, writing in Motorsport, November 1949).
Announced in July 1949, the Silverstone was arguably the most famous car to carry the Healey badge. Benefiting from the experience that Donald Healey, Achille 'Sammy' Sampietro (chassis guru), Ben Bowden (body engineer) and Roger Menadue (Experimental Department Manager) had gained via the earlier Westland and Elliot models, its steel ladder-frame chassis was both massively strong and commendably light (circa 150lbs). Boasting six-inch deep side members, the cruciform-braced structure was equipped with trailing-arm independent front suspension, a coil-sprung but Panhard rod located 'live' rear axle and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes (11-inch front / 10-inch rear).
Sourced from Riley to help keep costs down, the Silverstone's drivetrain consisted of a 2443cc four-cylinder engine allied to a four-speed manual transmission. Notable for its twin camshafts (nestling high on the block), the powerplant was fed by twin SU carburettors. Mounted notably far back in the chassis, it was credited with some 104bhp and 134lbft of torque, while the synchromesh gearbox was praised for its smooth but firm action (Bill Boddy musing that "someone in Lord Nuffield's establishment must be a gearbox-wizard"). Wonderfully purposeful, the model's stressed-skin alloy body incorporated several ingenious touches, such as a partially retractable windscreen and letterbox slot for the spare wheel that saw it double up as a rear bumper, etc. Fitted with cycle wings, rudimentary weather equipment and a 16-gallon fuel tank, the Healey Silverstone weighed just 18. 5cwt. Thus, able to claim a power to weight ratio in excess of 100bhp per ton, it promised and delivered invigorating performance.
Although fast, easy to handle and surprisingly durable, the Healey Silverstone was not cheap. Priced at £1, 246 11s 8d, it was only £20 less expensive than a Jaguar XK120. Nevertheless, the Works team's fantastic showing at Silverstone in August 1949 ensured a steady stream of enquiries from amateur and professional racing drivers alike. Campaigned on both sides of The Pond (Buenos Aires, Watkins Glen, Palm Beach, Goodwood, Dundrod etc), the pared-back two-seater also contested various high-profile European events (Mille Miglia, Targa Florio), not to mention distinguishing itself on the Alpine and Liege-Rome-Liege rallies.
More information to follow.
