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

woodinsight · December 10, 2011, 11:54:33 AM

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 · December 14, 2011, 01:00:04 PM

Up it goes...

gilescooperuk · 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...

woodinsight · December 16, 2011, 02:06:22 AM

Quote from: gilescooperuk 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...

No - don't go down the 2CV route - this car has a 2.4 litre engine mounted conventionally despite it's appearance.

gilescooperuk · 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?

woodinsight · December 16, 2011, 12:53:38 PM

Quote from: gilescooperuk 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?

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 · December 17, 2011, 10:22:39 AM

Quote from: woodinsight on December 16, 2011, 12:53:38 PM
Quote from: gilescooperuk 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?
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 · December 18, 2011, 06:39:38 PM

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

Is it British?

woodinsight · December 18, 2011, 11:49:25 PM

Quote from: gilescooperuk on December 18, 2011, 06:39:38 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

woodinsight · 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).

SACO · December 22, 2011, 02:45:51 AM

Healey Duncan ?

woodinsight · 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.

SACO · 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

woodinsight · December 22, 2011, 04:46:23 AM

Quote from: SACO 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

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 -

News:

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