A rare Healey sports car built in the Midlands is expected to fetch up to £180,000 when it goes under the auctioneer’s hammer later this month.
The 1950 Healey Silverstone, one of just 105 ever built, was hand built at the Donald Healey Motor Company factory in Warwick. Designed to be equally at home on the road or the racetrack, it is powered by a 104bhp 2.5-litre Riley engine, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox.
The car also boasts an excellent racing pedigree, including a class win in the 1949 Alpine Rally when it was driven by Donald Healey himself. It has an estimated value at between £160,000 and £180,000.
It is being sold at this year’s Silverstone Classic, which takes place from July 25-27. Organised by Silverstone Auctions, the event, which this year takes place over two days for the first time, will include a host of lots set to appeal to classic car enthusiasts and collectors.
The Healey Silverstone forms part of the ‘Molino’ private collection, which includes 14 classic cars and six motorcycles.
Owned by Midlander Mike Hewitt, the collection is the first of its kind to be sold by Silverstone Auctions.
Since retiring in 2011, Mr Hewitt has spent his time acquiring and restoring a variety of cars and motorcycles and the collections contains rare Fiat, Porsche, Jaguar and MG models.
Also up for sale is a rare 1940 Alvis 12/70 Competition, estimated to be worth between £100,000 and £120,000. The Alvis was raced in national hill climbs and international races by the late Robin Everall.
Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “We’re very proud to be offering this, our first ever private collection, for auction and to play a part in the cars’ histories.”
