1949 Healey Silverstone for Sale: Red Riley-Powered British Roadster
The 1949 Healey Silverstone combines a Riley 2,443cc OHV inline-four with twin SU carburetors and a four-speed manual transmission. Finished in Red over Tan leather with a matching Tan soft top, it presents minimalist sports-car character. Equipment includes 15-inch disc wheels with Healey covers, finned hydraulic drum brakes, independent front suspension, behind-grille lighting, a partially retractable windshield, and documentation. Its front bodywork was modified under original ownership for easier engine access, with documented color changes before a return to red during a 1980s refurbishment.
View the official listing below.
1949 Healey Silverstone for sale
Engine and Performance
Power comes from a 2,443cc gasoline Riley OHV inline-four fitted with twin SU carburetors and paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The naturally breathing setup reflects the mechanical simplicity of a postwar sports car. The manual gearbox places clutch timing, engine speed, and deliberate gear selection at the heart of every journey. Together, the Riley engine, twin-carburetor induction, and four-speed transmission create a light, direct drivetrain suited to winding roads and weekend touring.
Engineering and Specifications
Fifteen-inch disc wheels wear Healey-branded covers. Independent front suspension provides the front chassis layout, while finned hydraulic drum brakes deliver stopping power at each corner. The modified front bodywork uses dzus fasteners after the sheet metal ahead of the cowl was cut and reattached under original ownership to simplify engine access.
Design and Heritage
Red paint emphasizes the Silverstone’s low body, compact tail, and sparse roadster profile. Behind-grille lighting, the partially retractable windshield, disc wheels, and Tan soft top reinforce the functional visual character. The listing notes that the car wore primrose yellow early in its life, later became green in the 1960s, and returned to red during refurbishment in the 1980s.
Driving Experience
The Riley inline-four and four-speed manual put throttle response, clutch work, and gear selection directly in the driver’s hands. Independent front suspension, narrow proportions, drum brakes, and an open cockpit create intimate feedback. A partially retractable windshield and minimal bodywork heighten the sense of exposure on scenic roads.
Why This Car is Special
- The 2,443cc Riley OHV inline-four with twin SU carburetors gives the Silverstone a distinctive period British drivetrain.
- The four-speed manual transmission preserves direct driver involvement.
- Original-ownership front-body modifications with dzus fasteners provide easier engine access.
- Red paint, Tan leather, a Tan soft top, disc wheels, and behind-grille lighting create a memorable presentation.
- Historical photos and documentation, color changes, and 1980s refurbishment strengthen its story.
Specifications
- Engine: Riley 2,443cc gasoline OHV inline-four with twin SU carburetors.
- Transmission: Four-speed manual.
- Wheels and brakes: 15-inch disc wheels with Healey covers and finned hydraulic drum brakes.
- Chassis and body: Independent front suspension, partially retractable windshield, behind-grille lighting, and modified front bodywork secured with dzus fasteners.
- Exterior and interior: Red paint, Tan leather, Tan soft top, historical documentation, with finish cracks noted around both doors and the windshield base.
Collector and Enthusiast Appeal
The 1949 Healey Silverstone combines Riley power, twin SU carburetors, a four-speed manual, independent front suspension, and distinctive postwar roadster styling. Its Red finish, Tan leather, disc wheels, retractable windshield, behind-grille lighting, and documented body modification create a characterful vintage specification. For collectors drawn to early British sports cars, this Silverstone offers mechanical simplicity, open-air involvement, documentation and a compelling history.
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