This new
aerodynamic design was achieved using research by Austin and
construction by DHMC's Experimental Dept. Geoff Healey was
design leader, Roger Menadue performed the fabrication and
assembly of the mechanical components and Bill Buckingham
constructed the body panels. The windscreen was a cut-down
Mini one and side windows and headlight covers were in
Perspex. The interior has two form-fitting fibreglass bucket
seats, trimmed in black simulated leather and the driver has
a 5-point racing harness. It has a small fire extinguisher,
and all the wiring is internal. The instrument binnacle puts
the instruments in front of the driver in addition to which
there is a central control housing the various switches for
fuel pumps, lights, etc. The specification is as follows:
The engine is a 1293cc XSP with a 45 DCOE Weber carburettor,
producing 105 bhp @7,200 rpm, coupled to a 4-speed close
ratio gearbox. The Sprite chassis monocoque is in
Birmabright with a steel roll cage and an all-aluminium
2-seater coupé body. The
rear axle was fitted with a 4.2:1 ZF limited slip diff, and
the semi-elliptic rear suspension had a Panhard rod and
adjustable shock absorbers. Brakes were 8.25 discs at the
front and 8 X 1.25" drums at the rear. The special wheels in
cast Magnesium were 13" x 5.5" to take 5.00 Dunlop CR65
tyres. The weight was 1322 lbs. Gary says that the car has
been clocked at 156 mph. It was shipped back to the UK in
the early 80's and restored by Geoff and Donald Healey to
bring it back to its original condition and specification.
