Healey Elliott Saloon History

Launched alongside the Westland Roadster, the Healey Elliott was a closed 2-door sports saloon bodied by Samuel Elliott & Sons of Reading. It shared the same Riley 2.4-litre twin-cam engine and aerodynamic Bowden-designed bodyshell, tested in a wind tunnel to minimise drag.

In July 1947, an Elliott was timed at a mean speed of 110.8 mph along the Jabbeke motorway in Belgium, and upon its public introduction in 1948 it was claimed to be the fastest production closed car in the world — a distinction backed by a timed run of 104.7 mph over a measured mile. It won its class at the 1948 Mille Miglia.

Production was limited to approximately 101 cars over the model's four-year life. Like the Westland, the Elliott was replaced by Tickford-bodied cars in 1950 when Healey updated its Riley-engined range with improved chassis featuring Girling brakes.