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

[woodinsight]

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.

[woodinsight]

Up it goes...

[gilescooperuk]

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...

[woodinsight]

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.

[gilescooperuk]

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?

[woodinsight]

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.....

[woodinsight]

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!

[gilescooperuk]

Wierd... rear engined with a bonnet like that?

Is it British?

[woodinsight]

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

[woodinsight]

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).

[SACO]

Healey Duncan ?

[woodinsight]

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.

[SACO]

Healey Silverstone Prototype   " Red Bug " 1947 ,Chassis No. X 1 ,for Curly Dryden ,2,5 L Riley engine

[woodinsight]

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 -