1951 Healey Tickford Sports Saloon
Registration no. LXY 875
Chassis no. C1902
Engine no. B6019

The Donald Healey Motor Company completed its first car in 1945, going into production the following year with the Elliott sports saloon and Westland roadster, both 2.4-litre Riley powered and featuring Healey's own trailing arm independent front suspension. For a time the Elliott was the world's fastest closed four-seater production car, clocking 110mph at Jabbeke, Belgium in 1947. In 1950 the duo were superseded by the Tickford saloon and Abbott drophead coupe, both of which enjoyed an improved chassis incorporating Girling brakes. They were more refined and better equipped than their predecessors too and, although heavier, still good for the 'ton'. Only 222 had been built before production ceased in 1954. The ownership of this Tickford is known from new. The car was sold on 5th April 1951 by Brooklands Motors of Bond Street to first owner Harold Parry of Witherley Hall in Warwickshire. In December 1953 it was back in Brooklands Motors showroom to be sold again to John Bonham Christie of Somerset (the grandson of Mary Bonham Christie who owned Brownsea Island in Hampshire). The next two owners in the logbook are listed under London company headings: William Kimber & Co Ltd (March 1954 to December 1955) and the Paper Supply Co Ltd (December 1955 to May 1956). Thereafter the Healey was sold to a private owner who prepared the car for sprint competitions. The engine was fitted with high-compression pistons and a four-branch exhaust system. A 4.1:1 crown wheel was fitted also and the speedometer re-calibrated to match this ratio. However, there are no records confirming that it was ever used in such competitions. In October 1957 the car passed into the ownership of the late Ray Sugg. Ray was a marine engineer and a founding member of the Association of Healey Owners. He kept the car for 50 years until his death in 2007. In 1962 Ray commenced a three-year total restoration and throughout his ownership continued a programme of modifications and development to both strengthen the coachbuilt bodywork and improve mechanical reliability. The most significant works included removing all the aluminium panels and replacing any rotten elements with timber more suitable for the particular application, while the inherently weak timber components of the 'B' post and scuttle were replaced with fabrications in steel and aluminium. The engine was fitted with Riley Pathfinder con-rods with shell bearings, and extra baffles were added in the sump to retain oil around the oil pump pick-up area. Other mechanical modifications included strengthening the chassis and half shafts, and improving lubrication within the rear axle and torque tube. A remote control gear linkage was constructed, together with a quick release frame that allows bonnet removal without disturbing the bonnet hinges. Ray edited the 'Technical Notes' of the Association of Healey Owners. His restoration work and many of the modifications and developments applied to his car are detailed in the 192 pages of this publication, together with numerous photographs and drawings. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to study this book, which is included in the information pack. A photograph of 'LXV 875' appears on the cover. It is very obvious reading these notes that Ray never allowed the mechanical aspects of the car to deteriorate in any way, while the engine was refreshed several times during his ownership. A list of the extensive works carried out is in the history files, and a box of spares to include the original starter motor, dynamo and steering drop-arm is included in the sale also. 'LXY 875' also featured in a number of motoring journals and, in 1991, was the subject of a road test carried out by Geoffrey Healey for Classic & Sports Car magazine. The article states that he was 'seriously impressed by Ray's car' and commented on 'the improved rigidity, excellent brakes and – above all – the superb steering beautifully set up by Ray.' The current vendor purchased the Healey in October 2010 and commissioned a thorough restoration, which was carried out during 2011/2012. As Ray Sugg had carried out a lifetime's programme of development, which the original manufacturer could not have imagined, the strip down of body panels prior to painting revealed that the underlying structure was very sound with only minor areas requiring attention. Ray had never allowed the mechanicals to deteriorate in any way and so that aspect of the restoration was quite straightforward. Full details of this most recent restoration, which included an engine rebuild, new wiring loom, partial interior re-trim and a re-spray, are in the history file together with associated invoices. Only 1,000 miles have been covered since its completion and the car is described as in generally excellent condition. Representing an opportunity to acquire what must be the most well-sorted of its kind in existence, this beautiful Healey Tickford sports saloon is offered with the aforementioned documentation, old-style logbook, current MoT/tax and Swansea V5C.