In 1948 Donald Healey added three new models to his existing Elliot Saloon and Westland four seater roadster.

All three new models like today’s featured Sportsmobile ran on the same chassis with independent front suspension as the Elliot and Westland.

They also used the same Riley running gear with a 104hp twin cam 4 cylinder Riley engine.

The “Dropflow Coupe” 2+2 drop head coupé body said to be influenced by contemporary American styles was made in aluminium by Sam Morris and Co.

High end pricing aimed the Sportsmobile squarely at the exclusive end of the market and all Sportsmobiles were built only to order, hence the “Custom Built” legend on the model name badges and boot / trunk handle.

World Land Speed record breaker John R. Cobb drove a Sportsmobile on the official circuit opening ceremonial lap at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire on the 20th of August 1948.

It is believed by the Sportsmobile Register that 25 such cars were built, but only five are known to remain.

I believe chassis #B 1760, featured in these photographs taken at Silverstone Classic was built in 1949, in 1951 it was with Shukers in Sheffied and moved to Germany in 1980 the current owner, who also owns a Healey Silverstone, bought #B 1760 in 2008.

Thanks for joining me on this “Dropflow Coupé” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again for Mercedes Monday tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !