Healey Westland classic cars for sale

History of the Healey Westland

Introduced in the late 1940s, the Healey Westland was developed by Donald Healey and his engineering team shortly after World War II. Built in small numbers by the Healey Motor Company, the Westland was the company’s first open two-seater sports car. The name 'Westland' comes from the Westland Aircraft company, which constructed the bodywork, reflecting British engineering collaboration in the immediate postwar period. The Westland’s introduction marked the beginning of a new era for British sports cars, offering enthusiasts a blend of innovative design and accessible performance.

Model History

The Healey Westland was the launch model for the Healey brand, followed by other notable Healey models such as the Elliott. Designed on a robust chassis with independent front suspension, the Westland signalled the engineering ambitions of Donald Healey. No formal predecessor existed beyond Healey’s own rallying specials; the immediate successors within the brand included the more aerodynamic Healey Elliott and later Austin-Healey collaborations.

Highlights of the Healey Westland

The Healey Westland is characterised by its lightweight aluminium body, sweeping wing lines and a focus on robust mechanical engineering. Its appeal also lies in its rarity, as only a very limited number were produced, making any example today a rare survivor. Among Healey models listed on the market, the Westland stands out as the dominant representative, with a supply share of 100% for the brand and a demand share reflecting complete attention from classic car enthusiasts. This underscores its unique status among Healey sports cars, as all Healey listings and views within Classic Trader are focused entirely on the Westland series.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

There are no officially documented special editions of the Healey Westland. However, variances exist between individual cars in terms of original engine fitment and period customisations carried out either at the factory or by early owners. These unique combinations often enhance a particular Westland’s historical interest.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

While no specific issues are documented in the current dataset, Westland models follow typical patterns for postwar aluminium British sports cars—watch for corrosion at the steel/aluminium interface, potential wear in the original Riley engines, and age-related fragility of the electrical system. As ever, assessing bodywork originality and mechanical health is vital in these hand-built vehicles.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

With its high-revving 2.4 litre Riley engine, lightweight aluminium construction and independent front suspension, the Healey Westland delivered dynamic agility, brisk acceleration and secure handling for its generation. The four-speed manual transmission provided close-ratio response, and the car’s road holding matched its sporting aspirations—making it a favourite among early post-war enthusiasts who sought both performance and reliability. As only the Westland is currently represented in the Classic Trader listings for Healey, all available examples share the same fundamental mechanical specification, highlighted by the Riley twin-cam four-cylinder engine and period-specific lightweight construction.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Healey Westland is easily recognised by its flowing bodywork, cycle-shape front wheel arches, and open two-seater arrangement. Interiors opted for simplicity yet sported quality British materials—leather seats, a classic wooden dashboard, and minimalistic instrumentation. The hood was a lightweight fabric construction. As hand-built vehicles, individual details and period-correct accessories, such as Brooklands aero screens and competition extras, are often encountered. Shades were limited but classic, ranging from British Racing Green to various period greys and reds, with options for bespoke trims depending on customer request at the time.

Other relevant features

The Healey Westland’s body was crafted by Westland Aircraft, introducing aeronautical standards to sports car construction. Many surviving examples today still feature engineering solutions reminiscent of aircraft practice, such as lightweight alloy panel rivetting and attention to structural rigidity, making each vehicle a testament to British engineering innovation of the era.

Summary

The Healey Westland combines the pioneering spirit of immediate postwar British automotive engineering with rare-vehicle exclusivity. With its lightweight body, lively Riley engine, and association with the formative years of the Healey marque, the Westland remains a significant driver’s classic for those seeking something beyond mainstream collectibles.