1949 Healey Westland. All original.

British sports cars have always had a style all their own, and for over 55 years the name Healey has been a hallmark of British style and speed.  When Donald Healey set out to build his first sports car after World War II, he did so with careful thought and planning.  He called the car the Westland and by borrowing some of the best components and using the best engineering of the day, Healey managed to put together a car that was both reliable and fast.  With front suspension similar to the Auto Union, a 2.4 liter Riley engine with a dual camshaft, a four-speed gear box, and Lockheed brakes, the Westland proved to be a formidable contender in competition.  Healey and his son Geoff drove a Westland to a second-in-class finish at the 1948 Mille Miglia.     

There’s nothing like a barn find and this incredible sports car literally defines the concept of an untouched relic of the past.  Sitting for the past 50 years, this Westland was recently discovered and is now offered to the collector of fine British sports cars.  It is solid, complete, and most of all, ready for restoration.  This Healey Westland is also eligible for the Mille Miglia and other historic racing events.  Whether restored for concours display or competition, the sound and thrill of this fine sports car on the road again will certainly gather its fair share of onlookers both on the show field and on the track. 

The Westland was just the first in a long line of successful cars from Donald Healey and his legacy lives on in many restored examples of his work, but an unmolested survivor that has sat untouched for 50 years is certainly the find of a lifetime.  This Westland is surely a car worthy of the time and effort required to hear its mighty growl once again.  The Westland solidified Donald Healey’s entrance into the world on competition cars and this example will surely add to any collection.