Cars change hands all the time, and each time they do so, it seems something goes missing from the car. It might be a part or a trinket, a spare key or the owner’s manual, but more often, it’s a little bit of history that gets separated from the car at each sale. After all, the seller can’t transfer all the memories and stories associated with the car to the buyer (at least not until we perfect the Vulcan mind meld…). That’s why one-owner cars and one-family-owner cars like this 1953 Nash-Healey are that much more desirable than cars that have been around the block a grillion times. From the seller’s description:
This striking roadster was acquired new in 1954 by Joseph Starz Sr. who was a partner in the Starz Brothers & Fritz automobile dealership in York, PA (a Nash-Healey authorized dealer). Originally opened in the early 1920s, the dealership was quite successful for many years until 1954, when Joseph, his brother, and Fritz decided to sell off the dealership. Each partner split the shares equally, except for Joseph, who took the Nash-Healey as part of his share.
Joseph Sr. used the roadster as a daily driver for several years after receiving the car. The Nash-Healey was eventually inherited by his son, Joseph Jr., who commissioned a restoration in 1995 that included rebuilding the engine, carburetors and transmission.
At the same time, the Healey was refinished in its original color, an elegant shade of cream, with a masterfully executed paint finish, matching the hue taken from the preserved dash (which carries original paint). Morgan Upholstery was commissioned to conduct the interior restoration, which included the installation of all-new, period-correct carpeting and supple leather upholstery in a stylish and distinctive shade of green. A highly respected specialist and mechanic addressed the needs of the electrical system, rewiring and freshening as needed for proper presentation and operation.
This beautiful Nash-Healey roadster includes restored beige side curtains, as well as a correct soft top and fresh brightwork. 2380 is eligible for many important shows, tours, and rallies throughout the world, and its rarity and design ensures it will bring admiring looks and compliments wherever it appears.
Notable Features: dual SU carburetors, overdrive transmission, wheel covers, excellent brightwork and finish, elegantly arranged interior, spare, canvas top, side curtains, and full-cab tonneau cover. A plethora of Nash-Healey spare parts accompany the vehicle. Recognized in the Nash-Healey register as the 395th Nash-Healey produced.
By the way, according to the Havekost listing of Nash dealerships, Starz Brothers & Fritz operated from 1939 to 1953 at 781 West Market Street.
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