The British are to invade Arizona on January 20, as part of RM Auction's The British Are Back, the sequel to its successful auction of British classic cars last year.
Among the classic British marques to go under the hammer is Healey, in the form of the 1950 Healy Silverstone Sports Racer.
Under the car's sleek, bullet-like bonnet is a 104 bhp, 2,443 cc Riley ohv four-cylinder engine. This is complimented by four-speed manual transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, a live rear axle with coil spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
What's more, the Silverstone's beauty hasn't come without dedication and hard work. The auto's history includes a 12-year meticulous and award-winning restoration.
 The 1950 Healy Silverstone Sports Racer |
The car is a modified version of Donald Healey's first true sports racing car, the Silverstone. With modified chassis, and aluminium body and cycle fenders, two generations of Silverstone appeared in 1949 - the D-Type and E-Type.
This example, Chassis E-69, was one of the improved E-Types delivered in 1950 at a time when Silverstones were enjoying much success on racing circuits, particularly club events. E-69 was raced extensively up to 1965, when it was purchased by Leslie Cato, a founder of the Healey Drivers Club.
Cato still toured and raced E-69, while playing an integral role in the formation of the Austin Healy Club. The car was later sold to a United States collector in 1970 and raced extensively in New England.
It was in the 1980s that Bill Emerson purchased the car, and began its extensive 12-year restoration process. Emerson also happened to be author of The Healy Book: A Complete History of the Healy, in which every aspect of E-69's restoration was documented.
 Under the car's bonnet is a 104 bhp, 2,443 cc Riley ohv four-cylinder engine |
Aside from having a remarkable provenance, this car is also a competition winner - including 16 Best of Class and Best in Show awards in events at Elkhart Lake, Lexington, the Concours d'Elegance at Louisville and Amelia Island.
Boasting superb handling and, of course, very, very fast speed, this certified winner on both the racing and exhibition circuits will be adding a new successful chapter to its history at RM's Automobiles of Arizona event on January 20.
Watch this space for upcoming news on the sale.
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