Healey Sportsmobile

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A renowned engineer and racing driver, Donald Healey formed his own car company in Warwick in 1945.

His cars used a tuned version of Riley's excellent twin-cam 2 1/2-litre four-cylinder engine in a light steel box-section chassis of Healey’s own design, with independent front suspension by coil springs and alloy trailing arms with Girling dampers. The rear suspension used a Riley torque tube axle with coil springs, the whole package cleverly set up to combine soft springing with excellent road-holding. Lockheed hydraulic brakes were used all round. Bodywork was all aluminium and was contracted out to various coachbuilders and, unusually for the time, was tested in a wind tunnel for aerodynamic efficiency.

Alongside the saloons and coupes, Healey offered an open four-seater called the Sportsmobile. Styled along contemporary American lines, it was advertised as the world’s fastest production car – a bold claim but most probably true. Just 25 were to be produced, Goldie Gardner being amongst the first on the customer list, while John Cobb used one to open the first race meeting at Silverstone. The Sportsmobile remained in production until 1950 alongside the famous Silverstone model with its shorter chassis and minimalist bodywork.

KYM 90 was first registered on 25 November 1949 and has been owned by the vendor for over 43 years. It wasn’t his first Sportsmobile - he had always regretted parting with the one he previously owned and jumped at the chance to own another, acquiring this car from a local gentleman who, after striking it lucky with a local mining enterprise, quickly lost the lot and faced financial ruin.

Records show that in 1952 it was fitted with a replacement Gold Seal engine, the history file including not only the original buff logbook but also the original owner's handbook; there can’t be many of those around!

Some years ago the vendor had the hood recovered with an exact copy of the original, the upholstery on the seats remaining original. The advancing years of the owner have meant that it hasn’t been driven on the road for the last five years or so, however it still runs nicely and will need only minor recommissioning before it can be driven in anger again.

With just five Sportsmobiles left worldwide, you are unlikely to see another one on the road, the vendor believing that this is the most original one left. Its lusty 2 ½-litre Riley engine gives 100mph performance and the ‘Dan Dare’ looks will certainly make its new owner the centre of attention wherever it goes. A real rarity that we feel privileged to offer for sale, it looks good value at the guide price suggested given the way that other rare Healeys have rocketed in value of late.