The racing history of the first Nash-Healey Le Mans car began in 1950 when Donald Healey Motor Company and the Nash Corporation joined forces to create a new automotive identity - the Nash-Healey.

They wasted no time in developing their first racing product; chassis X-5 in a newly designated N Type series was fitted with a Silverstone body and powered by a Nash Ambassador six-cylinder engine, three speed transmission, with Borg Warner overdrive.

The cars first race was in the 1950 Mille Miglia in Italy. While participating in the race, Donald and Geoff Healey had problems with the car; the oil would overheat every time the car was driven wide open for long periods and it lacked top competitive speed.