Unusual Leaf Spring

Wondering if anyone can identify these unusual leaf springs (or at least unusual additions to normal leaf springs) from the BN2 project we're working on:



Specifically, there is obviously at extra leaf with its own unique profile. It appears to have an "anti-squat" or "anti-tramp" function, and we're wondering if it is a custom modification, perhaps a period "kit," or perhaps even a different model originally supplied this way back in the day. Again, this is from a BN2, build date 1 November 1955, that had a single owner 1962-2019, and he was interested in performance mods. We wonder if he made this modification or perhaps bought them this way. He is, unfortunately, no longer with us to clarify.

Thanks.

No specific knowledge of the above, but we used to know these things as spring helpers.

They were usually to aid towing...unlikely on a Healey? I don't know if they are effective as an aid to worn springs?

Danny

X2 on spring helpers. a J.C. Whitney original

I think in this case it was used to control wheel hop if, for example, he was autocrossing and was trying for a quick start. See here: https://www.clubfrontier.org/threads/new-mod-stop-wheel-hop-increase-traction.1440/ I did this mod on my Nasty Boy to accomplish the same thing: http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/Easy-Traction.htm

Excellent research - thanks Rick.

The PO did indeed seem to have been performance-oriented and we have a few snapshots of the car on what appears to be a track. In the pictures there are no other cars and no numbers or decals on the Healey, so it looks like he just liked to do hot laps.