Healey Silverstone History

Announced in 1949 and named after the Silverstone circuit where it had its second competitive outing, the Healey Silverstone was the most sporting of all the company's Riley-engined models. It rode a shorter, stiffer chassis than the Westland and Elliott, and the aerodynamic body was stripped to essentials: the headlights retracted behind the grille, the spare wheel was mounted in the nose, and the minimal windscreen folded flat for competition.

Powered by the twin-cam Riley 2.4-litre making approximately 104 hp, the Silverstone was capable of around 107 mph and was raced successfully in period. Donald Healey and Ian Appleyard drove a Silverstone to a class win and second overall at the 1949 Coupe des Alpes on its competition debut.

Two chassis variants were produced: the original 1949 D-Type with bucket seats and a narrower body, and the 1950 E-Type with a wider body, bench seat, bonnet scoop, and larger windscreen. Total production was 105 cars (51 D-Type, 54 E-Type), making the Silverstone the most numerous of the Riley-era Healeys and today the most collectable.