Nash-Healey Roadster

Vehicle Overview

The Nash-Healey Roadster was a pioneering collaboration between American and European automotive craftsmanship, blending Nash’s American engineering with the talents of renowned Italian designer Battista Farina and the Pinin Farina carrozzeria. The result was a refined, luxurious sports car that embodied Nash’s attempt to combine elegance and performance while maintaining a distinct identity aligned with the brand’s larger models. One of the significant design updates for the 1952 model year was the revision of the front grille, which featured inboard headlights—a hallmark of Nash’s design language. This gave the roadster a closer resemblance to the Nash Ambassador and Statesman models. Additionally, the body was re-sculpted with distinctive fender character lines and subtle tailfins, enhancing its sleek, modern appearance. The car was also fitted with a one-piece curved windshield, replacing the previous two-piece flat design, contributing to its refined and aerodynamic look. The car’s structure and build process were equally complex and international. Nash engines, manufactured in Kenosha, Wisconsin, were shipped to England where they were installed into Healey-made frames. From there, the rolling chassis traveled to Italy where Pininfarina’s artisans constructed the steel bodies, with aluminum hoods, trunk lids, and dashboards. The final assembly took place in Turin, and then the completed cars were shipped to the U.S. The 252 cu in (4.1 L) Nash engine was upgraded for 1952, delivering 140 horsepower through twin Carter Carburetors, ensuring that the roadster had performance to match its styling. However, the intricate international production process significantly inflated the car’s price to $5,908 by 1953, making it a high-end luxury vehicle compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Corvette. Ultimately, the Nash-Healey Roadster was a rare and unique product of trans-Atlantic collaboration that combined American and European automotive traditions, serving as a halo car for Nash’s lineup. Unveiled at the 1952 Geneva Motor Show.