Author Topic: Solved - MJW #730 - Healey X1 'Red Bug' Special 1949 (aka Dryden-Healey Special)  (Read 589 times)

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Offline woodinsight

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This car has appeared in a group puzzle in the past but has not featured individually.
Who built it, what was the base car, what engine did it use and the year it was built?
One point for the full and complete answer.

Offline woodinsight

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2011, 01:00:04 PM »
Up it goes...

Offline gilescooperuk

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2011, 06:01:11 PM »
I think it is a homebuilt car which uses an engine rotated sideways.

A 2CV engine seems likely but I need to check a lot of magazines first...
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Offline woodinsight

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #3 on: December 16, 2011, 02:06:22 AM »
I think it is a homebuilt car which uses an engine rotated sideways.

A 2CV engine seems likely but I need to check a lot of magazines first...
No - don't go down the 2CV route - this car has a 2.4 litre engine mounted conventionally despite it's appearance.

Offline gilescooperuk

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #4 on: December 16, 2011, 12:44:03 PM »
Hmm no idea then. The front axle seems way to far back without an engine being slung in front of it.

Is it front wheel drive?
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Offline woodinsight

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #5 on: December 16, 2011, 12:53:38 PM »
Hmm no idea then. The front axle seems way to far back without an engine being slung in front of it.

Is it front wheel drive?
I don't think it's FWD but can't confirm that (my source is in store at the moment).
I'd say it's unlikely.....

Offline woodinsight

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2011, 10:22:39 AM »
Hmm no idea then. The front axle seems way to far back without an engine being slung in front of it.

Is it front wheel drive?
I don't think it's FWD but can't confirm that (my source is in store at the moment).
I'd say it's unlikely.....
Found my source again - no it's not FWD - but it was rear-engined during it's development period!

Offline gilescooperuk

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #7 on: December 18, 2011, 06:39:38 PM »
Wierd... rear engined with a bonnet like that?

Is it British?
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Offline woodinsight

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #8 on: December 18, 2011, 11:49:25 PM »
Wierd... rear engined with a bonnet like that?

Is it British?
It is British.
I don't think it looked like that when it was rear-engined. (I haven't seen a photo when the car was being developed)

Here's another photo of the car after restoration

Offline woodinsight

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #9 on: December 22, 2011, 02:28:45 AM »
Pros?
Remember I need the full story of this car for the point.
It British, was built by one company, then sold and renamed (puzzle photo), then finally restored to how it was originally completed (last photo).

Offline SACO

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #10 on: December 22, 2011, 02:45:51 AM »
Healey Duncan ?

Offline woodinsight

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #11 on: December 22, 2011, 04:19:37 AM »
Healey was the original constructor but you have to fill in the history for the point.
Nothing to do with Duncan.....
I'll lock it for you until your next reply.

Offline SACO

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #12 on: December 22, 2011, 04:38:08 AM »
Healey Silverstone Prototype   " Red Bug " 1947 ,Chassis No. X 1 ,for Curly Dryden ,2,5 L Riley engine

Offline woodinsight

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Re: MJW #730
« Reply #13 on: December 22, 2011, 04:46:23 AM »
Healey Silverstone Prototype   " Red Bug " 1947 ,Chassis No. X 1 ,for Curly Dryden ,2,5 L Riley engine
Yes, that's it in a nutshell.
Basically the car in the puzzle photo is when it was owned by R.M. 'Curly' Dryden with chassis no. RMD 1.
For the fuller story of this interesting car, see the article below -