Page 17 - The Origin of the Species

THE ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES 17
The same uncertainty that exists over SPL 224B’s participation in Sebring
in 1954 applies to its presence in the Mille Miglia almost two months later.
Again, the GCH Table does not credit SPL 224B (NOJ 391) with an appearance
at the 1954 Mille Miglia, although the published race history from Hyman Ltd.
states that it contested the event with Lance Macklin, who finished an impressive
23rd overall and fifth in class. The current owner of SPL 224B (NOJ 391) is
adamant that the vehicle competed in the Italian endurance race, stating that
the photographic evidence supports his contention, but without access to those
photographs it is impossible to confirm or contest that assertion with certitude
at this time.
It is uncertain whether SPL
224B provided the mount
for Stirling Moss and Lance
Macklin at the 1955 Sebring
12 Hour race, which saw them
finish sixth overall. Although
the Hyman Ltd. record states
that the pair won their class,
the duo actually finished fifth
in class. (The Donald Healey
Collection)
In June, SPL 224B (NOJ 391) competed at the Prescott Hill Climb, although
no records are available to indicate the vehicle’s driver or final ranking. For the
17th edition of the International Alpine Rally held from July 8 to 13, 1954, five
Austin-Healey 100s took that start, including SPL 224B (NOJ 391). Still wearing
the light green color scheme that identified the car since it was first built, it
was assigned to the pioneering all-female crew comprised of noted rally driver
Nancy Mitchell and navigator Susan Hindmarsh. From the start in Marseilles,
the 3,563 kilometer route wound through French, Italian, Swiss and German
mountain passes, including the treacherous cols at Gavia and Stelvio. Snow and
ice hindered the progress of the competitors through the Alps, causing several
accidents, including one that forced the premature retirement of Mlles. Mitchell
and Hindmarsh. On August 29, SPL 224B (NOJ 391) reportedly entered the
famous hill climb at Shelsley Walsh, although records of the driver and final
ranking are unavailable.