I have started to put together a web page for "The Brian Archer Trophy".

Darryl Davis of Moto-Build Racing Ltd tels me "We have just remoulded the original Ashley fastback style roof for the Frogeye Sprite. We managed to find a perfect one to copy, and can supply this roof in kit form, unpainted but including all windows, rubber seals and gutters to be fitted. Our price for the kit is £1000 + VAT."
Contact Darryl at Moto-Build on 07956451470

Kristian Jourgensen from Copenhagen, Denmark tells me that his brother Lars has recently acquired this Frogeye with Monza bonnet and DHMC hardtop No.356 - that makes 30 of these hardtops on our record.

NICK CONKLIN is looking for a RH sidescreen (or pair) of the early polythene/celluloid type like these. If you can help, please email him

With Trevor Mcilroy's Christmas message came this photo of some of his cars awaiting hibernation until next season.

AND TONY STEVENS FOUND THIS FROGEYE
"with rare Donald Healey Motor Co hardtop AND sidesreens. There are other parts, exhaust manifold, distributor, wide wheels, etc which might indicate some level of tuning in the past". On ebay currently £6,800 expires 27 Dec Wow, ended at £13,200!!

RANDY ZIMNMERMAN
directed me to this unusual Frogeye hardtop the like of which I have never seen before. presumably designed and built in the States its on ebay there at $699 in Reading, Pennsylvania

ROBERT VISSER'S RESTORATION OF EX-WORKS RALLY CAR
XOH 276
How about this for a backdrop (left) and look at the detail in that cockpit - amazing!!

NICK CONKLIN
has kindly sent in these sheets showing the DHMCo's
Q part Numbers which John Hopwood was looking for. Prices are of course in US Dollars. Would there have been more numbers between 1961 and 68 - probably?

FROM DAVID MORYS:
Dear Martin, Thank you and all your contributors for another wonderful year promoting the Sebring Sprite and various activities around the globe. i would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and prosperous new year. Best wishes, David

SVEN'S PICKUP

"Merry Christmas - I just picked up our Christmas tree
One of the many uses you can put a Speedwell Sprite to
HO HO HO
Sven

May I wish all you Sebring Sprite enthusiasts a Very Happy Christmas
and a special 60th year of the Sprite in 2018

The SPEEDWELL SPRITE which was for sale on ebay
(see lower down this month's page) has now been
SOLD at £7,100

HALL's GARAGE (BOURNE) - TIFOSI SS
"This Sebring kit in blue (above) went to a customer in Scotland. We are now also supplying moulded rear windows [for the Coupe]".

BILL RAWLES CLASSIC CARS: "After work hours Charlie Rawles is making an aluminium Sebring bonnet for his Sprite - using the fibreglass bonnet as a buck - the wheeling machine, edge shrinker, fitting pieces together and tig welding up before final shaping - the bonnet will be lighter, more robust and traditional " See his many other photos on Facebook

1960 AUSTIN HEALEY FROGEYE SPRITE ID AND HERITAGE CERTIFICATE - ON EBAY
"The ID is from a Frogeye that was broken for parts back in the day when they were worth nowhere near what they are fetching now, the previous owner kept the shell and ID until it fell apart and was disposed of, the car was never scrapped or sorned and although there are no DVLA documents, the ID should allow you to rebuild the car and hopefully either reclaim the original reg number (again the previous owner has quoted the reg number stated on the heritage cert) or get an age related plate from a DVLA vehicle inspection of the completed vehicle?" Currently at £205 (reserve not met) Expires 20 Dec.

MARTIN HULL - THE SPRINZEL TROPHY RALLY & DVLA RULES
"I’ve just read on your Sebring site of the Sprinzel Trophy Rally, and I remembered reading a report of one such rally in Safety Fast many years ago.  So I dug it out, from April 1964.  The crew in the MkII about to enter the ford were novices, Elizabeth Rietberg and Peter Nelms (see below right).    A Mini, an Anglia, a VW and a Zodiac all finished with clean sheets, and the winners of the Healey Centre Trophy for best performance by an Eastern Centre member were Miss Laura Wilson-Spratt and Miss Maureen Manser in their Sprite, losing only 4 mins and finishing 8th.  
On another subject, I have just received the latest copy of the FBHVC Newsletter and thought the following quote would be of interest...
"We are aware that many people have been confused by the potential use of existing DVLA rules, which is not now going to happen, into thinking this change relates to registration.  May I emphasise most strongly that it does not.  This is not only our view but is shared within DfT and DVLA.  The worst thing that can happen to a historic vehicle which does not qualify as a VHI is that it has to undergo an MoT.”
It seems that not all modified vehicles will be Vehicles of Historic Interest, but they are "moving towards a fairly generic description of a substantial change, which will have the effect of meaning most historic vehicles will qualify."  
And, "The Federation has agreed to be the custodian of an approved list of experts and we will be working to create a fair and equitable method of accession of experts onto the list."  So to me that implies that if one is in doubt about the extent of one’s modifications, then consulting an expert may simply result in a modified car not being classed as a VHI but will still be a historic vehicle, albeit one requiring an MoT.   
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your excellent web site. Best wishes, Martin Hull".

CHRISTMAS SALE
"A Peter May 1293 fast road engine which has covered 800 miles only (just run in), it was removed when I turned my Sprite into a race car. Steel flywheel, heavy duty clutch, Aldon distributor, alloy back plate, in fact all the goodies. £2500. Also a pair of fibre glass doors, unused £50 ".
Please contact Roger Friend for further information.
ALL NOW SOLD

FROM PETE TAYLOR: "Here is a short video of our LM Sprite replica being tuned at Willshires Garage by the tuning maestro Peter Baldwin. The Rolling road has since been retired and we will miss this facility". LINK

ANDREW STORER'S FROGEYE
"You may be interested to know that I have DHMC hardtop number 106. I bought it from Gordon Elwell as a standard works hardtop. Neither he nor I realised it was an original DHMC hardtop - it was in a poor state and in my store for about a year. When I got round to thinking about having it renovated I began to realise that the apertures for the side screens were for the tall windows which is what I was looking for in the first place so quite an irony. It's cost a fortune to repair but looks brand new. I have just got to get the fittings now and then make it fit.
For your information my car 507 GLK has no history as such. It was however a very late car chassis No 48988 and because of this the first owner tried to reject it claiming he would have bought the MK2 had he have been told about it. After a lengthy court battle he finally accepted the car at a reduced cost and as a result it was first registered on 21 August 1963. Maybe one of the last to be registered? It was overall winner of the AHC Midlands and Overseas Concours on 12th June 2016". CONGRATULATIONS Andrew.

UWE QUACK
tells me that the car below was made from a kit - ex Kurt Sturm from Baden Baden in Germany.
Uwe's own car is shown right and left at the time of the Tulip Rally in 2009.

From Albert Voogd: "Last summer I paid a visit to Aaldering Classic Cars in Brummen and to my surprise found a Sebring Sprite parked outside by another visitor. I spoke to the owner who’s name is Quirin Walraven. Quirin told me that he had bought the car as an unfinished project from Classic Car Clinic in Nijmegen. He had finished the car and made the special items like the wooden grille, dash and brass sidescreens by himself. It all looks very special and a bit extravagant to me!  Looking at the missing raingutters I don’t think the coupé top is an Archers replica, maybe it’s one of the  copies made by Classic Car Clinic from Archers kit no. 20(?). Quirin allowed me to make pictures and said he was okay if I’d sent these to you"

And also from Bob down under: "Russ and I are planning a trip next year, driving around Australia in his Mk I Sprite. It should be a real adventure - Russell'ls car being prepared for our trip around Australia (note the new aluminium radiator) We mhope to set off mid April or early May".

There is a lot on the Hemmings website about WSMs

Expires 20 Dec

Advertised on ebay are some items to enable a Climax engine to be fitted in a Triumph Herald. the seller also has a sump and backplate to suit the MG Midget engine and gearbox.

This looks like a nice little project for someone. Currently (7 Dec) bids are at £3,605 with 9 days to go. The owner states:
"Up for sale is my Speedwell Sprite which I have owned since 2005, but due to my advancing years and numerous other projects, I have decided to sell. The car started life as a standard Cherry Red Frogeye during 1960, but was modified by Speedwell Performance Conversions, London, I believe during the late 1960's (unfortunately I do not have any paperwork to back this up). From what I was told by the person I bought it off it was used for racing during the Seventies, then stored for many years and re-registered during 2002. The bodywork is fairly rusty, particularly in the floor pans, but I have a very solid American shell which goes with the car. The shell was used for racing in the USA and appears to be straight (although rear wheel arches have been modified/flared) and very sound in all the areas normally rusted out on the home market cars (chassis legs, sills, floors, Spring hangers, doors etc... See pictures). Please feel free to contact me to arrange to discuss or view the car - this would be adviseable prior to bidding so that you can see exactly what you are getting. Happy bidding".
NOW AT £7,100 (27 bids) with 25 hours to go.

DONALD HEALEY MOTOR COMPANY
Q PART NUMBERS
JOHN HOPWOOD, one of the MSA Eligibility Scrutineers, who races his own Sebring, is

"trying to track down a Healey competition parts list that shows their Q part numbers to try and expand on the options shown on the Sebring homologation form options page". Does anyone have a copy of such a document or any idea who might? Feedback

SEBRING REP FOR SALE:
DTA 949C is up for sale again, now with a central white stripe and priced at £22,450. Built a while ago by Severn Classics for Stephen Griffiths on an MG Midget base.
Find details here .

SIX HOUR RELAYS AT SILVERSTONE 1963 to 67

"More from the 6 Hour Relay: a very wet spell in '63 or '64 - I had the only open car but running on Dunlop SP's so was sent out when the rain came down. Nearly missing the team manager with the sash. Then EAC in colour and 1967".
[Dudley Lucas - Facebook]

"Two more from 1967: in the pits ready to get back on the circuit, waiting for the sash, and a reminder that in those days the lap times were in the 1:13 to 1:14 range. I wonder what we would have done with the power units of today - probably gone into the scenery very quickly!" [Healeysport - Facebook]]

THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS - TO WHOM I SEND MY GRATEFUL THANKS:
Healeysport; Dudley Lucas; David Scothorn; Alistair Ross; Flavien; Bob Blayden; Albert Voogd; Uwe Quack; Andrew Storer; Pete Taylor; Roger Friend; Martin Hull;

SARAH GOLD, daughter of the Late Tommy Gold sent in these photos of her father and Mike Hughes on the 1962 Tulip Rally. The car had been re-badged as a Sprite (earlier a Midget) and was one of 3 lightweight aluminium bodied works rally cars. They finished 39th overall and 3rd in class.

SPRINZEL TROPHY

"The Austin Healey Club Eastern centre own this Trophy that was awarded to John Sprinzel for third place overall in the Liege Rome Liege Rally 31st August to 4th September 1960.
John gave the cup to the club to be used as a rally Trophy. Eastern centre ran the competition periodically and called it the Sprinzel Trophy Rally".
[Pete Taylor]

KERMIT'S NEW GRILLE
[Steve Nash, Facebook]

STEVE NASH'S REBUILD OF KERMIT IN SEBRING GUISE is really worth a look. Starting with a basket case of a body shell his photos take you through the lengthy process:
Facebook

NEWS ON THAT PETROL TANK OF RICHARD ROOKS ~ FROM TOM COULTHARD:
"I have a match for Richard Rooks’s fuel tank and, no, I don’t think it’s from a farm tractor and it may be the ’12 gallon’ fuel tank supplied by Healey Speed Equipment in 1960/61. We know that earlier (in 1958/59) the Healeys used two bottom halves of a standard Sprite tank welded together, but we also know that wasn’t very satisfactory: as John Sprinzel remembers, it took an age to get the last two gallons into it because of the shape and it required a large hole to be cut in the boot floor, reducing boot space and making spare wheel access even more difficult. It seems highly likely that the DH MoCo would have come up with an improved version. WER 354 needed a long-distance tank for its participation in the inaugural Nűrburgring 500 km race in September 1960, and owner William Franklin was a good customer at Grosvenor Street, as John also remembers and is confirmed by the “Motoring News” road test, although WER still had a standard tank then. This (right) is a detail shot of WER up on a ramp at Clifton’s Service Station, Sidcup on the 1961 Monte:
And here (left) is a pic of the tank as it is today:

You cansee from the shape of the filler that it is frogeye-specific: it looks like Richard’s tank dates from 1961 as it uses the Mk II Sprite filler arrangement, which must have made handling a lot easier. I suggest Richard’s cut-out is to give clearance for the Panhard rod assembly which was fitted to so many Speedwells – the tank leaves very little room behind the axle. One disadvantage is that, as the tank is full-width there is no space for a rear silencer, which requires the use of a side-exit exhaust. Also it is no lightweight – WER’s weighs in at something over 13 kg, which may explain why others do not seem to have survived: racers were having alloy tanks fabricated like the one Andrew Hedges fitted to 410 EAO".

CHARLES CLEGG
says, on Facebook: " 184 FGJ at Goodwood chicane in 1963 vs 2017...54 years later!" Just to get the facts straight:
Not actually the same car except for the alloy fastback bodywork which adorned S221 for a time (S221 lost its reg no. and used JT 51 and 184 FGJ with the fastback body before the original no. was recovered and new coupe bodywork created)

The bodywork when sttached to JT 51 (S221)

Andrew Hedges trying hard to keep EAO on the island at Aintree during 1961.
[Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird]

Paul Slangen has a Sprite for every kind of weather in his stable.
[Facebook]

WROXHALL ABBEY - MASC SPRITE 60TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND ~ AUGUST 24 to 26TH 2018

The MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB Committee are keen to attract some significant Sprites to their 60th anniversary celebration event at Wroxall Abbey on Sunday 26th August 2018. If you would like to bring your car along please get in touch with Alan Anstead by email

While chucking out some old copies of "Old Stager" I found an article written by John Sprinzel about his outing in the 1991 Classic Marathon with Willy Cave. The car was converted from a Sprite Mk 2 re-imported by Dave Matthews. The PMO registration no. was borrowed from John's sister's Volvo!

CYNTHIA LONGHURST: "Thanks for the update.  I saw the pics of Peter and Paul's replica on your website and agree Ian would have loved it too.   I agree with you that  they should be the very worthy winners of the trophy for this year.  Thanks once again for everything you do to help with Ian's legacy - The Brian Archer Shield".

FROM ALAN ANSTEAD OF MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB:
"The Oxford Motorsport Sebring has a 1500 floorpan. The students are converting it from semi to quarter elliptic but have yet to fit the internal bracing. They are in need of much support and parts and their supervisor is to send me a list of parts required for me to circulate.
Mascot Editor Neil Thomas also spoke with them at NEC and we are hoping that they will provide updates on their efforts for Mascot magazine. One mod they have already made is to add a sill jacking point at the front of the doorsill..

STEPHEN BOWEN: "What about Pete Taylor's Le Mans Replica. He started with the Gibson Brothers' body and then years at Archers untill eventually Brian Wheeler and Colin Sandwell basically started again. This has taken a lot of time, cost a lot of money but the result looks fantastic".

ROGER FRIEND REPORTS:
Oliver did very well for his first season, we will be fitting a 1293 engine for next season, and see if we can get up with [the] Lotus Elites !!

OXFORD UNIVERSITIES MOTORSPORT FOUNDATION
display their partly finished Sebring at the NEC

I understand the bodyshell was donated by British Heritage (how come it has quarter-elliptic floor mountings?) and the body kit by Halls Garage. Let's see it finished guys.

IAN HULETT OFFERS PARTS perhaps for use by a builder of a Sebring Sprite:
948cc A series cylinder block for sale, bored plus 60 (995cc). The head face has been drilled to accept an 11 stud head (from a 1275 engine) and it has cut-outs machined to clear the valves. It also has a centre main strap.
Also included are a some pistons although these are not in prime condition and are not a matched set and a set of polished rods, again not a matched set - three have clamp bolt little ends, one has a floating pin. All are fitted good quality big end bolts.  A set of 998 Cooper type floating rods is included. Looking for £75 for the lot.
Collect from Luton or may be able to arrange courier to UK locations.
Contact Ian by email or phone 07785 906062

EARLY MIDGET HARDTOP
for sale. £500. Contact Steuart Crofts by email or

Mobile: 07966 25678
Home: 01622 685215

ANY SUGGESTIONS AS THIS YEAR's WINNER OF THE BRIAN ARCHER SHIELD ?
As I didn't manage to get to the NEC this year I'm not sure which cars were on display and who might be the appropriate holder for the forthcoming period? Feedback please

ALISTAIR ROSS found these early photos of the then new MK 1 Austin Healey Sprite in the "Sheet Metal Industry" journal of 1960 and thought they might be of general interest to the Sprite clan. [Cambridge University Library]

£850 incl front hinges and Herald side fasteners.SOLD
Also Midget Mk 1 hardtop £500

'ASHLEY BONNET' FOR SALE Steuart Crofts has this NEW bonnet with fittings. Contact him by email or

Mobile: 07966 25678
Home: 01622 685215
[Being pedantic I have to point out it is of course a W & P Sebring 2 bonnet]

.....AND THEN THERE WERE ELEVEN !!
PETE TAYLOR'S LEMANS SPRITE REPLICA ARRIVES FOR THIS WEEKEND'S SHOW AT THE NEC

WARWICK COUNTY RECORD OFFICE HEALEY ARCHIVE
Rob Eyre reports: "As many of you may be aware Warwickshire County Record Office has acquired archive material relating to the Donald Healey Motor Company. The collection has now been catalogued and this is available to view via our website. More information can be found about this on the record office home page:  
http://heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk/category/warwick-healey-motor-company/
In order to continue to publicise the collection and to provide glimpses of the content we have agreed to a monthly bulletin being made available via the website Car Scene International.  If you would like to receive regular bulletins promoting the content in the Warwick Healey Motor Company Archive please follow the link below to subscribe: 
http://www.carsceneinternational.com/warwick-healey-motor-company-archive-bulletin/

Carmelo Oliva's post on Facebook showing the Aaaltonen/Baker entry for the Targa Florio in 1965...

...and the Hopkirk/Wisdom car 693 LAC at the previous year's event

7080 AC in the hands of Jack Wheeler and Martin Davidson at the Targa in 1968

and 693 LAC again in the same race

AVAILABILITY OF SEBRING FASTBACK BODYWORK
Marcus Fellowes who is a good friend of Andrew Forster tells me "I have begun the production of Ali-bodied fastback Peel based Sprites with Andrew's help. I currently have one in full build in prep to be raced in the 2018 season both internationally and Nationally. Two more bodies have been completed and await donor chassis for building or sale. More bodies are planned after Christmas. So, in short, the fast back bodies are available through either myself or Andrew in either fiberglass or Aluminium".
Contact Marcus or Andrew via email.

DIMENSION WANTED PLEASE
Dave Marriott asks: "I'm hoping yourself or one of the site followers can tell the distance between the top of the rocker box and the bonnet (Sebring style ) on a Sebring rep, I need to know how much room there is for an idea I have". Contact Dave by email

NEC CLASSIC CAR SHOW
For those visiting the show this coming weekend don't miss Pete Taylor's newly completed and quite stunning replica of a Healey Sprite Le Mans.

SPRITE CALENDAR 2018
Just released by the Healey Museum at €14.95

whose address is:
"Groot Kantwijk”, Bergseweg 28q, 3633 AK Vreeland, The Netherlands.
See website

THE HEALEY ROADSTER
(8426 UE) is now owned by Mads Nielsen. He is planning to make a copy of the car for international long distance Racing, so will need to get his new car FIA approved.

Petition: "Stop Classic modified vehicles losing their original registration number"

A quote from the petition's creator: "I have been a classic car enthusiast for a long time and have built, maintained and modified cars to a very high standard. I think to lose the vehicle's original registration would be a shame . But I agree that the build quality needs to be kept a check on" .

So, PLEASE SIGN NOW (6,556 have done so to date (3 Nov 2017)

Sebring Sprite (Unfinished Project) for sale
Archers Fastback and Monza Bonnet
Mg Midget 1974 shell repairs completed by Severn Classic Cars. Front damper top link arm; Peter may competition wire wheel half shafts; 6 x 5.5 Wire wheel with Toyo tyres; New set of ETB classic gauges; 1.8 K-series engine; Type 9 gearbox (2.98 first gear ratio); Modified Frogeye doors; painted in LandRover Evoque red; New front shock absorbers; Full rollcage; New stainless 4-1 exhausts manifold and silencer; Upholstered interior seats and door cards; Alloy fuel tank; Willwood front brake calipers; New balanced propshaft; New girling master cylinders; Modified Sprite doors for Perspex screens; New side mirrors; Rebuilt rear brake drums; Premier wiring loom.
£16,500
Contact: FEMI ODUTOLU via email if interested

Femi also has these spares for sale:
Sebring bonnet; a pair of Frogeye doors complete with Speedwell door handles; semi-elliptic axle casing; wishbone pans with spring supports; spring shackles and base plates; door latches, etc as photos. He is looking for £800 for the lot. Contact him by email.

THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS - TO WHOM I SEND MY GRATEFUL THANKS:
Femi Odutolu; Hans van der Kerkhof; Mads Nielsen; Marcus Fellowes; Dave Marriott; Carmelo Oliva; Rob Eyre; John Egan; Shigeru Tanaka; Steuart Crofts; Alistair Ross; Ian Hulett; Roger Friend; Richard Rooks; Alan Anstead; Cynthia Longhurst; Stephen Bowen; Paul Slangen; Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird; Charles Clegg; Tom Coulthard; Steve Nash; Sarah Gold; and Pete Taylor.

AND, TALKING OF GARAGES:
Despite having plans to move North early in 2018 we have, as yet, no garage facility to move the cars to. We are negotiating to purchase a little piece of land among the trees opposite our cottage (seen left in my brother John's drone picture). Then we have to get planning permission which in an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' can be tricky! [MEI]

JUERGEN'S NEW GARAGE

"Hi Friends, The attached is for all of You, who are to some extent interested in my automobilistic career. These pics illustrate the latest status of my new extended multipurpose garage/workshop/men's refuge/party marquee. A few explanatory comments:
- the yellowish monster on the left side of the front view is the full-bio intruder-deterrent, set up by Silvia.
- the bunk beds on both inner sides upstairs are feeble attempts to recover fractions of the horrifying cost of this endeavour. Renting them out to students, displaced persons or homeless husbands is presently illegal in the EU, but with hope of Franconia becoming independent from the extortionist oppressive conservative bavarian government, the future will look bright ! We DO NOT consider seriously to offer them to visiting friends !!!
- The little plate on top of the gate is the original NZ registration of my spridget. Likewise - not visible in the pics -, we have SAMs original reg - SAM 976 H - on the left wall of the new structure, where Silvias Moggie has its place, so she will not accidentally try the wrong entry !
- the unopened boxes in the centre contain the hydraulic scissor lift and the mobile workbench, to be commissioned next week. Lift and controls have been set in place yesterday, electrics for light, power and heating, and safety flooring to be installed after our trip to UK.
- info only for Martin and Sven: The weather vane on the roof acc. to Alistair Ross' patent will take substantially more time. His water jet cutting software does not contain data for the substructure, only the "banner". Furthermore, this depicts the "standard sebring" bonnetted coupe/hardtop shape, not my Monza bonnet and fastback. Completing and correcting these will be a task for my old days.
- for Dominic only: the rear exit is a proviso for future extension. Quite obviously, my contortionist skills to access Spridgets will inevitably be further reduced. Magnette or Moggie Pick-up are on the radar for possible solutions ! Will have a chat in Ombersley the week before the NEC show. Are you around ?
Regards and have fun, Juergen"

46 BXN ~ damaged at Goodwood earlier this year.
Paul Woolmer: "The damage to BXN was only cosmetic, the door & sill needed some reshaping, as did the bonnet. We are part way through the repairs, as always clients' cars come before our own. She will be back out next season".

SEBRING BODY PANEL SUPPLIERS

I receive quite a lot of enquiries for Sebring bonnets and tops and with the demise of Archers Garage these are the firms I am recommending. However I believe none of them has a mould for the Peel Fastback and gather that Andrew Forster is making 1 or 2 in his spare time - still contactable on archersclassicccars@supanet.com

CCK Historic, Rosehill Farm, Burnt Oak Road, High Hurstwood TN22 4AE
Phone: 01825 733060 Website: www.cckhistoric.com

Midland Classic Restorations, Unit 4 Woodfield Business, 2 Kidderminster Rd, Ombersley, Droitwich WR9 0JH
Phone: 01905 622166 Website: www.midlandclassicrestorations.co.uk

Halls Garage, Folkingham Road, Morton,Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 0NS
Telephone:Tel. 01778 570286 Website: http://hallsgarage.uk

Speedwell Badge
For sale on ebay
currently at £75
expires 5 Nov

is now owned by Lawrence Maudsley who is clocking up a few miles. "She has been set up nicely by Barry Hathaway who auto-crosses and is converted back to the Cobra seats originally fitted by Brian Mulcare. I have also put in a carpet set to smarten up the cockpit and am hoping to do a few track days in 2018".

[archive photo]

Petition: "Stop Classic modified vehicles losing their original registration number"

A quote from the petition's creator: "I have been a classic car enthusiast for a long time and have built, maintained and modified cars to a very high standard. I think to lose the vehicle's original registration would be a shame . But I agree that the build quality needs to be kept a check on" .

So, PLEASE SIGN NOW (6,518 have done so to date (30 Oct 2017)

TOYOTA T50 5-SPEED GEARBOX CONVERSION
What appears to be a complete Frontline kit is currently available on Gumtree for £600 (Derbyshire UK)
[I have one in JJO as does Derek Stewart in his Fastback]

793 XPP
Some lovely photos of Graham Robson's WSM Midget for sale through Woolmer Classic Engineering
£74,950 ONO

728 H
was a registration number which seems to have been used by Speedwells on several of their cars. I have just put together a web page which mentions two of them.

TRAGIC NEWS ~ TONY BENNETTO DROWNS ON HOLIDAY
I have just heard this morning (20th) of the tragic loss of Tony Bennetto who ran the Bugeye Barn in Melbourne, Victoria, in Australia. Apparently he and his family were snorkelling on Heron Island when they got into difficulties. Tony's wife Kerry was rescued but sadly Tony drowned. We send our sincere condolences to Kerry and the family. A very sad loss of one of the Sprite world's great characters. Many in the UK will have met Tony and Kerry when they shipped their Sprites over here for the Sprite 50 celebrations back in 2008. [Pictured right is Tony in Ray English's Sprite Room in 2014]

The 4444 DA web page has now been up-dated.

PETER BOWER HAS BEEN ENJOYING RACING HIS FROGEYE (ACQUIRED EARLIER THIS YEAR).
"Just a few notes from my recent escapades, my orange (OK, vermillion) Frog has completed half of the Equipe GTS 3 Hrs along with Jamie Mason in his natty little Turner (Ford sadly). On youtube, watch me going backwards mostly as the next slowest car had at least 50 horses on me.  Next outing was at the Autumn Classic in Fiscar, got to drive in the rain for the first time and actually completed 6 laps in the race before calamity.  Was having a great time at the back of the field dicing with a Kieft sports race with a 1100 climax and a Lancia see the moment again on youtube New bonnet on order!I Have to say that the little Frogeye motor isn't afraid of revs - look at the tacho to see it pulling 7000 in top! A winter rebuild and a  mnew motor is in store.  I was going to Sebring it but the body is so original it would be a crime!"

FROM KEES van BEIJMERWERDT:

"Hi Martin, See attached two pictures of my Sprite with the just delivered replica Healey hardtop. Fantastic job doen by Sven Eckhart, all bits and pieces (rubbers, clips, rear perspex window and fixtures) were included in this special earlymorning delivery. Quality is fantastic so I really have to speed up to get everything going (my Ashley Sprite is also making good progress). 3rd Picture is of Sven towing his Special Sprite home with one roofless! He has 10 hours to go!"

I spotted a photo of a Speedwell GT on Facebook so copied it to Speedwell guru Alistair Ross. He replied:

"I do have it as it was sent by the chap in Sweden, Mr Jonas Lindquist who had spent some time trying to trace the car. This car(?) was take by Lutz Arnstien and wife to Sweden as a promotion for Speedwells and was sold there. There are several pictures of it racing in the snow and also a YouTube clip of it. Somewhere I do have a Swedish Motoring feature (in Swedish) mentioning Speedwells attempt to sell cars there. Attached is I think is the same car or maybe another in Sweden. I'm sure that Jonas could fill in some of the gaps?"
And sure enough he has:
" Hi Alistair and Martin, Nice to hear from you again! I talked to one of the owners of this car several years ago, Mr. Carrhage, and he told me that after the heavy crash during ice racing in 1963, the car was taken to a workshop in the Stockholm area but later destroyed in a fire in the workshop in the mid 60´s, and the remains of the car were buried in the ground somewhere (!?) Unfortunately he is no longer alive and it’s very difficult to have this information confirmed. I have tried to find out which colour the car had since the black and white photos available doesn’t give a clue, but it might have been light blue (?). An interesting thing is that I once owned an aluminium Speedwell Monza front end which had some serious damage to the forward RH side and it once had a light blue paint, the aluminium front ends are pretty rare and this just might have been from the crashed car... During the few years this car were “alive” in Sweden it must have had a rough life, photos show different paint jobs but no colour photos have been found yet, unfortunately. This made me wonder if there might have been more than one Speedwell GT in Sweden but everyone I talked to confirm there’s only been one, and it is 728H/AA8155. What I found out so far is the car had three different owners during the short period in Sweden : P-I Brandström, Jan-Eric “Nenne” Andreasson and Sven Carrhage.  P-I Brandström had a company selling tuning parts called “Motor Speed AB”, Speedwell parts were one of the brands they had on their shelves. Jan-Eric “Nenne” Andreasson also had a company selling car parts called “BABEA”. Another interesting thing is that the registration number “728H” this Speedwell car had when it appearead on motor shows in Sweden was later used on a Lotus Eleven owned by “Nenne”, see attached photo (728H_skrpnk.jpg). The only Swedish registration number used on the Speedwell car was “AA8155” and it was registered for the first time in Sweden 21 may 1962 and last record found is from an insurance company in 1966, I have a copy of the registration documents showing the chassi number, but I believe there’s no archive or information left from the time when the Speedwell GT’s were made? Hope this little bit of information is useful. Best Regards Jonas Lindquist, Sigtuna, Sweden".

KEN GRASING flew in from Oklahoma City over the weekend to inspect his new Sebring in the making. Here he admires Darren Welch of Creative Classics' amazing bodywork - the car now at CCK Historic to be put on its wheels. He is talking with John Baggott while Daniel Lackey makes notes. In one day Ken was also able to see JJO, WJB 707 and the Lumbertubs and his own new car so went off to his hotel quite intoxicated with Sebrings.

FOR SALE - 1961 AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE MK 1

Very good condition, 1275cc engine, refurbished gearbox ( Ribcase) New front disc brakes, new rear dampers, new dynamo, new master cylinder and much more. Very good and solid body, Royal blue with red interior in also good condition.
Original and rare steering wheel, steel bonnet in mint condition, This Healey sprite is one of the best sprite avaliable for the price. Comes with new hood, Tonneau cover and Sidescreens. Original gearbox and wheels comes with the car aswell.
Danish V5 and Heritage certificate. Worldwide delivery possible. £18.000
Contact Nikolaj Mortensen via email if interested

STEVE NASH took these lovely shots of his re-born 'Kermit' in the sunset with his mobile phone. Great to see another completed Sebring project on the road.

MIKE HEATH:

"As hardtops seem to be the flavour of the month I thought I'd seek the assistance of you and your "family" to try and  help resolve the Serial Number riddle on my hardtop. It sits atop my Ashley Mk 1  bonneted Sprite and landed along with the bonnet at some point in the early sixties. The serial number is affected by corrosion, particularly the first digit, which could be an S, 8, 5 or more unlikely 3. I'd always assumed it to be a BMC item but now am beginning to have my doubts as I can't imagine that they produced 5 let alone 8 thousand. Also on the subject of identification, has anyone ever seen what looks like some form of build documentation attached to the transmission tunnel?"
ANYONE FAMILIAR WITH BMC HARDTOP NUMBERING? AND HAS ANYONE ELSE GOT A LABEL LIKE MIKE'S? Feedback please

BOB HINCHLIFFE ON DAVID PRATLEY'S STORY
"I was delighted to read David Pratley’s article about his racing Sprites in the 1960’s and particularly his account of owning and racing UMW685. I have referred back to my piece of 18th March 2015 in your “comments” section about seeing the car at Silverstone on 3rd August 1963. On that occasion it was driven by Mr. P.R.G. Cole, so in answer to David’s query it was raced by Mr. Cole during 1963 and 1964. We always used to go to the NSCC meetings at Silverstone so I probably saw David racing the car but didn’t recognise it in the new colour scheme. It is very interesting to find out so much more about that exciting little Sprite that so fired my imagination on that wet Saturday at Silverstone so many years ago. Thank you David Pratley and let’s hope that one day we find out more about Mr. P.R.G. Cole and the ultimate fate of UMW685".

XSC 500 - Standard-bodied Sebring Sprite
After Ben Tyer sold on his ebay project 458 STJ, he bought this lovely SBSS. Sadly "in 2007 due to wear and tear the owner changed the original engine and some of the front brake parts including the Girling calipers. The 'Sebring' parts (brakes and pedal box) were painted red. I have been in touch with him but none of the original parts were kept".  Never mind - a lovely example. Perhaps a candidate for one of Sven's new hardtops?

Fitted with my old bonnet

New DHMC rep hardtop

Battered rear end will need some panel beating before the car is painted

4444 DA
Sven dropped by yesterday with DA on the trailer. A bit battered around the rear end - genuine rally damage I gather - the interior now resprayed in Cherry Red (Stan Annis left those parts in original colour when he repainted the exterior and Sven wants to keep it authentic)

Paddy Greenwood has sent me these photos of Sven Eckhardt's replica DHMC hardtop and says:

"For the benefit of anyone considering buying one of these, the quality is quite simply superb- far better than the original. Typical German quality!"

SEBRING SPRITE WEATHER VANE
The postman brought me a wonderful surprise yesterday. Alistair Ross, who heads the Department of Engineering's main workshops at Cambridge University, has been trying out their water jet cutting machine and made me a beautiful Sebring weather vane which will look really great above my new garage in Teesdale. If anyone wants the CAD file to use with a laser or water jet machine email Alistair and he will be happy to supply you with a copy.
Thanks a million Alistair.

Stop Classic modified vehicles losing their original registration number

Sign this petition 4,632 signatures [Created by Steve Grannon - deadline 4 April 2018]

DEREK STEWART HAS FINALLY GOT HIS COVENTRY CLIMAX ENGINE INSTALLED IN HIS SEBRING FASTBACK:
"The engine is installed and at long last the car is back on its wheels with the bonnet fitted!  The engine is running with good oil pressure and thankfully an operating clutch  - just the minor problem of getting the Webers to run more smoothly!" What a splendid job he's made of it - it looks fantastic. I expect it drives well too.

"Some Memories of 1960's Sprite racing" by David Pratley
I spotted David Pratley's name on a letter he wrote to Classic & Sportscar magazine recently and managed to track him down. As a result he was able to fill me in on a lot of the history of UMV 685, and as I now have 4 bpictures of that car I have prepared a new web page in its honour. I wonder what became of it. [Photo courtesy of Ted Walker, Ferret Reprographics]

JOHN BAGGOTT has kindly supplied me with a couple of photos from the FIRLE HILL REVIVAL 2017, depicting Pierre Lequeux in 2080 PO and his daughter Camilla's Frogeye in the paddock.

GRAHAM BISH: "Have you seen the following films of the 1963 Le mans on the British Pathe site? https://www.britishpathe.com/search/query/le+mans+1963
They are really interesting and you will see 58FAC in action at the event. I have quickly looked though and unfortunately could not see the crash. A few screen snips are attached (above)".

Bob Blayden on the "Bay to Birdwood Rally" in Adelaide, South Australia which had 1600 cars. Appropriately Bob ran as No.1275.

AN ATMOSPHERIC SHOT from Woolmer Classic Engineering shows the Robson and Corry Sebrings waiting to go on track

ANOTHER MEMBER FOR THE SEBRING FAMILY:
JOCHEN SCHMIDT, from Aumuehle, near Hamburg, Germany bought his Frogeye 182 DAL in 1982 in Doncaster and used it as his daily driver (in summer) until the early 90s including several local races and numerous runs on the 'Eifel Classic' on the Nordschleife. In late 90s corrosion forced a storage period. 4 years ago it was restored and back on the road and widely enjoyed by my son. In the early 90s Jochen used to co-drive in historic races at the Nurburgring with his friend Martin Burhenne, several of them in S221 during Martin's ownership.
During these times he was lucky to buy a DHMC hardtop locally, whichhe has now fully restored.

STEVE NASH tells me his Spridget now rebuilt as a Sebring Coupe: "Kermit had his first MOT for 27 years on Saturday. After a two and a half year build, immediately went to the MGCC race meet at Snetterton".

ROB CLUBBE's
Lenham GT has now progressed to the painting stage:

MG CC 4 HOUR RELAY RACE AT SNETTERTON
"The 'Supersprites' team made their annual appearance last Sunday. The team consisted of Simon Page (Sprinzel Sebring replica), John Hopwood (Sebring Frogeye), Charles Marriott (Turner Mk2 - a Sprite in drag) and Ian Hulett (W&P Sebring Sprite), ably controlled by Team Manager: Richard Angood. Whilst it was wet for practice, the rain stopped at lunch time and the track dried out during the afternoon. The team finished 9th overall, 14 laps behind the winning Morgan Mustangs and 9th on handicap as well, gaining a class win. For the first time in memory no significant mechanical issues were experienced, each car completing two 30 minute runs as planned". IAN HULETT

MORE ON SEBRING BONNET FITMENT - from Paul Slangen
" Best way is to laminate with polyester resin and fibreglass. Then metal cannot get loose anymore and can stand bumping and torsion. I should not recommend only bonding. (Built a MINI Marcos and had to laminate a lot of metal strips and stands onto existing polyester parts)"

SEBRING BONNET HINGE FITMENT
"I used Sikaflex on my Sebring to fit the rear body, where I used it in conjunction with pop rivets. It was very good but where I used it on its own it became unstuck over time and this was in an area with no torsional strength. I think for any type of hinge on fibreglass, bolting and plating at the back is the only way to go. Ian Watts"."

CONGRATULATIONS TO PHIL ZAMLYNSKI WHO HAS JUST GOT HIS NEW SEBRING REP ON THE ROAD
Is this the first Sebring Replica to be completed in the States? See the full spec here.

THANKS TO CLIVE COOKE
for these action shots of David Abram and Steve Casson taking part in the Tunbridge Wells Motor Club's sprint at Goodwood last weekend.

CAN ANYONE HELP BOB HEPPELL WITH THIS ONE?
"What is the best bonding agent for fibreglass to metal - I was going to use Sikaflex 91 to fix the front opening bonnet hinge."
Feedback please

JAMIE COIA is offering this painting of his late father Ronnie's cars for sale on Facebook. Unsurprising the current owner of OFH175 Mark Warne has already expressed interest.

Finishing touches to Pete Taylor's streamliner

RICHARD ROOKS is working on some lovely side-view drawings of the various Sprites including the W & P Sebring: He is looking for side view photos of Ashley, WSM, Lenham etc: "The greater distance from the side would give me better view of the front and tail details (like a mechanical drawing). Here is the update version of the Sebring". If you can assist please send photos to him by email.

FROM JOE ARMOUR:
"Martin, as Jim Dougherty mentions in the photo of the 'works' cars on the transporter ready for the trip to Sebring there was obviously another transport vehicle as the spare Healey 3000 57FACc is also not shown. This car is now in South Australia garaged with a 100S"

ALAN ANSTEAD:
" The changes to MOT and VHI is causing quite a stir. Definition and interpretation are problematic. What is a kit of parts? A custom hardtop could be a kit of parts viz top and fittings and would most certainly change the vehicles identity which is why there are so many different styles. Is not your's & mine style of Sebring merely a hardtop? Is there a rule that says a hardtop cannot be left on throughout the year(s)? If the rivets across the bulkhead make it permanent then they can be substituted for other fittings to make fitting 'temporary'."

TIFOSI OPEN DAY
Jason Elliott reports " Our TIFOSI, Midget and Sprite Open Day is on 14th October 2017 at Hall's Garage Morton Lincolnshire between 11:00 to 4:00".

DAVID SCOTHORN AGAIN:
"So, under the new rules, you can get a '59 Frogeye losing it's MOT exemption because it has a modification done in 1989, yet a 1962 Mk2 gaining one if its mods were in 1987.
How on earth is this going to work in the real world?
What 'professional' would put their name to it?"

ROGER FRIEND:

"I think this sums up the new DVLA regulations, this will be the final nail in the coffin for the cottage industry that makes these replicas and parts".
[ Let's hope not. MEI ]

RTL 304 FOR SALE WITH PENDINE IN OXFORDSHIRE
I couldn't resist reproducing these beautiful photos of RTL - surely one of the best looking of all the Sebrings [they're all lovely though aren't they?] despite the original owner calling it an Austin-Healey 1000GT and saying that the Sebrings were the enemy! Now on the market at £75,000 http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C914540

BEING OFFERED ON EBAY and stated to be a Sebring Sprite Formula Junior Head, block Crank etc (but for a 1071 engine which was transverse) at £2750

"Having a "power to weight ratio of more than 15% in excess of its original design, unless such a modification took place before 1988".
This must cover just about every Sprite on the road these days not to mention the 1000s of other classic cars which have undergone even minor upgrades in nthe last 30 years! MEI

MARK WILSON:        
Hi Martin, Re: Historic vehicle classification.
Is there an assumption being made here  that the pre 88 rule applies to all criteria for VHI rather than just the ‘more than 15% increase in power’. The criteria for ‘substantial change’ depriving a vehicle of Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) status includes the following paragraph:-(https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/644962/vehicles-of-historical-interest-substantial-change-guidance.pdf)
‘is a kit conversion, where a kit of new parts is added to an existing vehicle, or old parts are added to a kit of a manufactured body, chassis or monocoque bodyshell changing the general appearance of the vehicle.’
Is that not a definition of a Sebring Sprite to name but one car. I don’t see mention of exemptions where the conversion was done before a certain date. Best regards, Mark Wilson"

"Martin- I certainly enjoyed seeing the photo of the transporter loaded with the Team cars and headed for Sebring 1963, but one team car is conspicuously missing. It's the Sprite prototype 58 FAC driven by John Colgate and Clive Baker. Unfortunately 58 FAC was destroyed in an accident later that year at Le Mans. As an interesting side note Stirling Moss was the Austin Healey team captain for the 1963 Sebring 12 Hour race. He was unable to participate as a driver due to a recent injury.
Many thanks for your continued efforts, the website is really appreciated! Jim Dougherty"

David Scothorn:         "Re: 40 Year MOT exemption.I would like to know what/ who is 'professional advice' and who polices it".

[GOOD POINT]

BOB HEPPELL is "looking for set of Frogeye Sprite steel wheels, with hub caps if possible. Will buy or exchange for new set (4) Mini- lites telephone 01386 860499 or email

MOT EXEMPTION FOR 40 YEAR OLD VEHICLES
Graham Bish asks: "Did you read that the DFT have finally announced in making 40 year old vehicles exempt form MOT testing. This is unless they are substantially modified or on a Q Plate. https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/radically-altered-vehicles"
Stuart Brown of 3D Engineers Ltd says on LinkedIn: "The DVLA has today published draft guidance re Vehicles of Historical Interest (VHI) that have undergone “Substantial Change”. Proposed implementation is 20th May 2018 and it must be remembered that the consultation period came and went in 2016. This is happening. Only changes to detail remain.

The draft guidance builds on the existing eight point rule system, the variation of which is not known, but does appear to lean towards being more onerous. Substantially changed classics are broadly classed as:
* Having a "power to weight ratio of more than 15% in excess of its original design, unless such a modification took place before 1988".
* Have been issued with a Q plate or a kit car, reconstructed classic or kit conversion.
DVLA today urged owners of cars that may fit in the above categories to "seek professional advice".
More worrying is DVLA proposing that "where the vehicle keeper is re-licensing their vehicle on-line it is intended that an additional question be asked whether the vehicle has a current MOT and the vehicle keeper will be required to declare that their vehicle has NOT been substantially changed since 1988. Appropriate safeguards will be in place that will prevent a vehicle keeper from declaring the vehicle is over 40 years of age and progressing to the next stage of the licensing process before first declaring or not as to whether their vehicle has been substantially changed."
The above means that if you have a modified car or modify a car, every year you will be asked to confirm if the vehicle has been "substantially changed" since 1988. Ominously the Department for Transport stated that "safeguards will be in place" to ensure compliance".
So, how does all this affect those of us who have built Sebring Replicas, or Lenhams, or WSMs since 1988? If asked the question when re-licencing your car can you truthfully say it has not been radically altered since 1988. My own car retains its original bodyshell, albeit with many new panels but has a supercharged 1098 attached to a Toyota T50 gearbox. I think I get 9 points so am OK on that score. I should be very interested to hear what others of you have to say on this. Feedback please.

FROM STEVE NASH:
"Interesting to see the comments on wiper arms. I chose to park mine to the left to keep them out of driver line of sight. I used the TEX adjustable bayonet arms and 11" blades. Looking at photos of other cars, it would seem I'm in the minority though".

CLASSIC UPDATES & MONTE NEWS FROM DOUGLAS ANDERSON
" Here are the latest Classic Updates and Monte News.  As you will see, I have put the ADO on the front cover with an update.  I am now informed that the engine revs to 9000rpm and develops 120 bhp.  I said in the previous update that it was 8000 and 100bhp!!!!  It will be a very lively car". NEWS on PDF

A QUESTION RE: FITTING SPOTLAMPS TO A SEBRING
" I have a pair of Lucas 5¾” Lucas rear-mounted spotlamps. Looking at historical pictures they look to be widely fitted to Sebrings and Frogeye's just like yours Martin. As my bonnet is fiberglass I am concerned that the central mount will put stress on the bonnet due to vibration and ultimately crack the surrounding fiberglass. Can someone please advise what they have done to reinforce the mounting area and stop this happening? Pictures would be excellent, Many Thanks, Graham Bish".   Feedback please. 
[To be honest - I just bolted mine on and they've been on and off the car over the last 25 years with no sign of any stress cracking, thouigh I'm on the 2nd bonnet now. MEI]

"Looking at the Tex web site recommended by Graham, below, the alternatives would seem to be the U80 Range 5.2mm Spoon/Wedge Lock arms (cranked left) which are adjustable between 220mm and 285mm (or the similar A8 Range one) and the B00310 - 10" blades". [MEI]

FROM GRAHAM BISH - HELP WITH WIPERS
"Your arms look to be the later type with the wedge lock head screw fix. This will take out any wear on the splines. A good reference is Tex web site: http://www.texautomotive.com/classic_wiper_arms.html The blades and arms are widely available from most AH/MG suppliers and E-bay. I would use the TEX site to find the version required and then do a web search for the best price delivered. Regards,  Graham".

WIPER ARMS AND BLADES FOR SEBRING REPLICA
Can anyone advise Keith Egar where to get these items? Mine are 10" blades and have cranked adjustable arms about 10.5" long. Is that what most people use? Where is a good place to buy them? Feedback please.

photo supplied Karsten Stelk


painting by Dennis Wharf

DENNIS WHARF AND THE TARGA FLORIO
Hi Martin, What a fabulous photograph of the 1964 Targa Florio, which Karsten Stelk has sent you.  Its difficult to know if it was taken during practice or just prior to the race, but I would say practice.  Either way it shows in the foreground two of my favourite cars of all time, the Porsche 904 GTS, this one driven by Herbert Muller/Rayers, which retired on the last lap with engine failure, and the exquisite little Abarth-Simca of Spychger/Riolo, which retired on the second lap with gearbox trouble. In front of the Sprite is the Phil Hill/Bob Bondurant AC Cobra, (retired on lap nine with broken suspension), and in front of that the white Alfa Romeo, of Sabbia/Spampinato, which finished in 24th and last place, plus the Ferrari 330 GT of Bourillo/Bourbon, which finished 10th, and one of the works Ferrari GTO's, which I think is the Guichet/Facetti entry that retired on the 6th lap also with transmission trouble.  Gruelling race the Targa, the Hopkirk/Wisdom Sprite also succumbing on the 4th lap with, as you know, a broken half shaft. Although it was dangerous and we lost many talented young drivers, for me this brief period from around 1962/3 until 1967/8, was simply the most exciting and charismatic for motor sport, especially endurance racing.  The cars were beautiful, almost works of art, the pace of development intense, and they sounded wonderful.  In addition to those mentioned above were of course other Ferraris, including the 250/275LM's, and the P cars, various Porsche's, culminating in the 917 of 1969, the GT40, some beautiful Elva's, Lola's, Chevron's, the list goes on, and not forgetting of course the Jacobs Midget's.  We were so lucky to live through this period.  I've continued to enjoy endurance racing through its many phases, and still do today, but those cars back then..... I painted a picture depicting the 1964 Targa showing my two favourites battling it out.  The Abarth-Simca of Conti/Venturi which lasted until the 6th lap, then went out also with transmission trouble, and the 904GTS of Linge/Balzarini, which finished second.  Think I've got the cars about right, but the watching group of spectators and trees are a bit suspect! All best wishes Den.

See the car's web page for more photos

RICHARD PUGH'S FASTBACK SEBRING REPLICA IS UP FOR SALE

In its original ‘Frogeye’ form we rallied the car (with some success) for four years. Kermie then stood at the back of our garage until September 2005 when I met the late Brian Archer (Archers Garage Ltd) at the Goodwood Revival.  An expensive meeting! Over the next couple of years the car was totally rebuilt by Archers Garage + transformed into a  “Sebring Sprite” with new fastback + Monza bonnet, roll cage, competition engine, close ratio gearbox, disc brakes, alternator etc. Very sadly as the car was nearing completion Brian became ill + sadly passed away. Kermie is therefore the last “Sebring” to have been prepared by Brian. In its second life we enjoined several seasons sprinting + hill climbing with the AHC managing, no less, than to win the Phil Meek handicap trophy in 2010. In 2013 the engine was again rebuilt by Mike Parry of Race Techniques in Cheltenham,  but as I got distracted by other things we have not run the car in competition since.    £24,750.00
For further information please contact:   Richard Pugh by email

PLANNED HOUSE MOVE
As many of you will know, Susan and I have been renovating a cottage in Teesdale in County Durham. Originally intended as an occasional hideaway we subsequently decided on a permanent move there. As a result our Kent home is now on the market (anyone interested in a 2/3 bed character property 4 miles from M25 yet in rural surroundings, having a large 2 car garage/ workshop with heating, plus another large timber garage?) and I have a mountain of Sprite parts to sort out and find new homes for before we can leave. Please forgive any breaks in the flow of the website while all this turmoil gets underway. MEI

FROM JOHN POULTER
Hi Martin, just read the article about WJB and the comments about most original Sebring. I just wondered how 2214 UE would be placed? It still has the original frogeye basic shell (there are still traces of original blue paint and JS fitted the goodies of the period such as the wire wheels, discs and big drums etc. It got its alloy bodywork ( and fibreglass bonnet) by Mike Reid - built by Peels not W & P in late 61 prior to the 62 Racing car Show. Does an original Sebring have to have W&P bodywork? 2214 still wears the alloy panels now straightened after the accident and John Tizard did have an alloy bonnet made but I have seen the original fibreglass one in his back garden! Whilst much of the suspension has been replaced either from the conversion to alloy wheels or due to the accident in 1978 the "essence" of the car is very original. I vote for 2214UE!!   Cheers John

MY REPLY:
Yes, of course John, I should have said "The most original of the remaing W & P bodied Sebring Sprites". As you say there is 2214 UE and also 52 LPH in Ireland - perhaps others. Very many thanks, Martin.

"PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT"

THE TRUTH ABOUT WJB 707'S LONG HISTORY - on PDF

12 NEW SHOTS OF PETE TAYLOR'S AMAZING LE MANS REPLICA

Trevor McIlroy had a great weekend at the Bo'ness Hill Climb, breaking the class hill record twice & won the class. 16th overall, out of 118 starters. Not bad for a 1959 Sebring Sprite

The above shots show Pete Taylor's replica of one of the works Le Mans Sprites from 1965 under construction - can't be long before it's cruising down the Mulsanne!

All packed up and ready for Sebring 1963. Maarten Engels has 54 FAC today and Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird, 9253 WD

ENGINE FOR SALE
Mark Warne has a 1000cc engine for sale. It is currently with Andrew Forster at Aldons. Price & photo follow. Contact Mark can be contacted by email

ARMSTRONG ADJUSTARIDE REAR SHOCKS

Ken Grasing is short of a set of the DAS 9 shockers for one of his 3 cars but has heard that the larger DAS 10 ones designed for the MGB have, on occasion, been fitted to Triumphs fitted initially with the DAS9. "There is a bracket/adapter for fitting the larger shock as the center-to-center dimension of the mounting holes is larger". Anyone familiar with doing a similar swap on the Sprite? If so Ken would love to hear. Feedback please.

WINDSCREEN & SIDE-SCREENS WANTED
Bob Heppell, who owns Archer Sebring Rep No.17, seeks a Frogeye windscreen and side-screens.
NOW SORTED THANK YOU

SPEEDWELL GT COOLING
Alistair Ross has sent these 2 new photos of Richard Rooks' engine bay showing his Fiat 1500 engine, now with aluminium radiator: "Richard say that this conversion has cut the running temp by a good 20 deg from a constant 200F to 160/180F"

ANDY ACTMAN'S SEBRING REPLICA No. 1 - 108 CPX goes up FOR SALE

[Reproduced from Facebook's Sebring sprite Group page - PETER MAY ENGINEERING:
" We have been asked to help one of our customers find a new home for their Sebring Sprite replica. This very well-known Sprite has had a long and extremely successful competition career over the last 25 plus years".

FROM ALISTAIR ROSS:
"Reading Douglas Anderson's comments about trying different engines reminded me of Speedwells using the FIAT 1500cc engines in two of the GT's, both Richard Rooks car (MM) and my car (HX), these engines made about 75hp. Richards car still has the engine to this day and was the first of the two to be converted, this being done following discussions the then owner Dave Hurn had with Speedwells. My car was also fitted with this type of engine the only difference being that Speedwells cut the chassis rails so the engine would sit lower. Both cars suffered from over heating. Richard has cured this problem by fitting an aluminium radiator and I believe ceramic coating on the exhaust manifold.
Attached are couple of pictures of Richard's engine in situ, these pictures were take some years ago so don't show the aluminium rad. HX lost its engine some years ago because of the overheating problem then going back to the 'A' series unit".

SPRITE 60 - AUSTIN-HEALEY CLUB SPRITE 60TH CELEBRATION WEEKEND
AT CHATEAU IMPNEY, DROITWICH, WORCESTERSHIRE
18TH TO 20TH MAY, 2018
Get your booking in now if you want to be there. Read more on the website.

XOH 276
Robert Visser is making great progress with the rear.

ADO 34/50 DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS
DOUGLAS ANDERSON reports:

"We are trying out a different engine.  I hope this doesn’t upset the purists!!! My MG 1500 is now the test mule for the ADO34/50.  I am using it to test some engineering alternatives to the standard car.  Clark Dawson and I had been thinking for a while about a modern alternative power unit for the new car – a modern equivalent of the Coventry Climax which was light and advanced for its time.  As most ‘A’ series engine enthusiasts will know, the ‘K’ series BMW motorbike twin-cam 16v head has been successfully joined to the ‘A’ series engine.  However, the conversion is not straightforward and can be expensive.  Unfortunately you are still left with an antiquated bottom end.  So we have used the complete BMW ‘K’ series engine and it makes a fantastic conversion.  An added advantage is that it can be done relatively cheaply.  The engine itself is a light-weight masterpiece.  It lies low and flat in the MG and this improves the car in all sorts of ways.  It revs safely to 8000rpm and provides a reliable 100+bhp in standard form.  At present it is joined to the MG 1500 gearbox to make the installation of the engine easy and cost effective.  We are now at the road test stage and it seems to work very well.  More updates later".
[This engine is not the (Honda) K-Series we know, as used in Rover/MG cars of 90s but the one made by BMW for their K100 motorcycle. It is a 987cc fuel-injected motor and details can be seen on Wikipedia. MEI]

FIA APPENDIX K TRACK WIDTH

KEN GRASING raised the following question with JOHN HOPWOOD, MSA-appointed Registrar:
"With the supercharged 1959 Sprite (Period F, GTS10) on the lift I begin to measure the rear track width and quickly determined that I didn’t know the appropriate methodology for measuring center-to-center rear track width.  I attempted to eyeball center of tire patch at point of pavement contact, but suspect this method might not be correct, certainly not very accurate. One method, used in racing in the USA,  is to measure inside rim to outside rim, at hub height center line both in front of and to the rear of the axle, and divide by two.  Could you advise reference to appropriate FIA Appendix K paragraph?"
to which JOHN replied: "Track is measured at ground level, centre of tyre tread to centre of tyre tread. One method is to dust some talcum powder on the floor and push the car over it, leaves good marks. The method I use is with a bar and movable plates that butt against the outside of one tyre wall and the inside of the other, then remove and measure the gap. You could use a small set square and chalk marks on  the floor. Hope this helps".

"MOUNTAIN LEGEND" - DAVID SCOTHORN points out that:
The ex-Jacobs Midget 770 BJB and 'works' Sprite EAC 90C appear at 60 sconds in and possibly? 2.25mins on the
YouTube trailer.

A PROMPT REPLY FROM BOB HINCHLIFFE
" In Menorca at present so it took a while to search out the Ashley bonnet car in your photo as I had to do it on my phone. The car is UMW 685 which was the subject of my original enquiry to you. In March 2015 you published a photo of it competing in the NSCC Silverstone meeting. I bought that photo and the other one of it when painted white, they are framed and hanging in my garage. Regards Bob".

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
US based Lew McAllan has sold his Sebring Fastback body (No. 80 on the Archers Replica List) and bonnet to Jim Fletcher in Elgin, Illinois who plans to mount them on a Mk2 Sprite bodyshell. Lew has retained his own chassis and plans to build it up as a Barchetta with Sebring bonnet and aero screens, perhaps later with a removable Sebring top like Andy Hide's car. Lew asks where he can buy a Sebring top these days to which the answer is CCK Historic or Midland Classic Restorations or Halls Garage.

2 FREE TICKETS FOR THE BEAULIEU AUTOJUMBLE ON 3RD SEPTEMBER
Russ Baldwin is unable to use these tickets and has kindly offered them to anyone who would like to go. Contact me via Feedback and I will send them on.

WISCOMBE PARK HILL CLIMB ~ 15/16 May 1965
I recently purchased these 2 not very good quality prints on ebay. On the left E700 (Stan Annis's Sebring) being driven by J. Kennard. David Pratley (right) in a Sprite with Ashley bonnet with various cut-outs and raked screen. It looks vaguely familiar but I can't read the registration. Feedback ?

TARGA FLORIO 1964
& 693 LAC 'works' Healey Sprite in the thick of it before the start. What a great photo supplied by Karsten Stelk.

RTL 304
This top photo makes the car look very like a WSM but it is fitted with" a Lenham Superfast bonnet – cribbed directly from Doug Wilson-Spratt’s one for the WSM" The lower shot shows the car in its new colours copied from WJB 707.

The Story of WER 354 which competed in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1961 and '62 and raced at the Nurburgring in the 500Ks - Part 1
by Tom Coulthard

Corry Motor sport are offering For Sale
Sebring Sprite 765BXN
Serious Enquiries ONLY
£32,500
07974-224191

"Ex-Mike Youles car; Extensively reworked in our ownership; Fully rebuilt prior to Goodwood 75th Members Meeting; 1380cc on single 45 Weber; New adjustable Armstrong dampers all round; Gearbox fully rebuilt by Peter May Engineering; New Clutch; New 3J LSD; New adjustable pedal box w/AP Cylinders; Fully re-plumbed; Available on wire or steel wheels; Far too much spec to list, please contact for further information. Car is on the button and ready to race. Can be used in a huge variety of HRDC/HRCA/Equipe GTS as well as being highly competitive on Hillclimb and Sprint events".

MORE ON THOSE EUROPA/INTATRIM SEATS - FROM STEVE NASH
"Just saw Rob's information on the manufacturer of my seats. Thought I'd upset myself by seeing how much cheaper they were!! But actually, the Intatrim shipping is huge and makes it more expensive to buy from them than Europa who only charge £9.95 to mainland UK. Just to clarify, I paid the following: £213 + VAT each for the seats with coloured piping and £9.95 shipping. The difference is only about £4 extra from Intatrim, so nothing in it really. Having driven the car a little, I don't actually notice the tightness across the width. Might notice it more on a long trip though. They seem quite comfortable so far".

IAN WATTS on fitting Sebring Sidescreens:
"Mine have quite large gaps at the bottom rail where it meets the door and dispite being a little drafty has never let in rain , even when used in really bad weather , I think the gutter deflects the water away . Also when I once said to Brian Archer that I was thinking of removing the gutter he said it would let loads of rain in.Hope this is of help. IAN"

ON XSP ENGINES: Neil Blaney reports: "HAN8.R.202 (is fitted with) XSP2604. Spare motor with Fuel Injection – XSP 306236, sitting on floor beside 5 speed gearbox. You already have XSP 1736-3 on the 1961 Sebring Sprite. The spare motor I told Joe Armour about and he contacted Jeff Brenner about it but couldn’t do a deal with him. I visited Jeff Brenner in May 2003 and obtained the info off the cars myself so it is reliable info. (being cheeky)" . [N.B. The engine Owen Tyson asks about is fitted to a 1964 Mini Super Deluxe converted for racing in 1969 so is a transverse unit while my list is of mostly in-line motors.] Owen says:"We'd like to know a bit more about where these engines were built and who would have been likely to have worked on the engine? The owner was based in Birmingham, athough there is is a receipt for parts from Downton Engineering and a Jack Knight gearbox".

COMMENTS ON THE PHOTO OF EAO [which came from the BMC Comps Dept Facebook Group]

DAVID MORYS: "Could the background be the exit of Druids going down into Graham Hill corner at Brands Hatch?"

DENNIS WHARF: "It appears to be Brands Hatch, probably pre-full GP circuit days.  If I recall correctly, didn't the original paddock run along where the tunnel road was constructed later, enabling cars access to the circuit from the new paddock, roughly where the Kentagon now stands?"

410 EAO in a paddock (where?) close to an early 'works' Mini, TMO.
[Pablo Raybould]

TREVOR McILROY BUYS LENHAM LE MANS
Trevor has just made a 48 hour round trip (from Northern Ireland) to pick up this Lenham Le Mans body shell which has been stored for around six years - a stalled project. He says: "It appears there was a problem with the paintwork, the rear of the shell, stripped back to the fibreglass, and never progressed any further. Trevor will be keeping me informed with its future progress. 

MORE ON THOSE SEATS

"Further to your piece on seats on the website I believe that these are the same as those featured. However they are direct from the manufacturer and are cheaper. You are also able to choose the colour of both the vinyl and the piping. If you send off a cutting from underneath your existing seat they will match it. I have plans to buy some for my car this Winter. http://www.intatrim.co.uk/apollo.html Regards Bob (Hinchliffe)

CHARLES CLEGG in his alloy fastback, 184 FGJ

SVEN ECKHARDT ON DHMC HARDTOPS

"I would like to share the trouble I have had fitting the tall sidescreens to DA.
Both the pair which came with DA and the Pete Farmer set I have are too tall and the radiuses on the top front and back aren´t right. Like Jochen Schmitt I resorted to cutting and rewelding the brackets and the fit is still far from a good one. I have been on to Pete to tell him about the problem and have arranged to call in on him with the car on the trailer next time I`m over (probably next week) so a proper pattern can be made."
Anyone else had these problems: Feedback please.

XSP ENGINE ORIGINS?
I have been contacted by Owen Tyson who has recently purchased a car with an XSP engine numbered XSP-3139/16. It is a 1293 engine, with a thin bottom flange and no tappet chest. Can anyone assist him in discovering its origins, etc? Our list so far does not include any close to this one. Any thoughts please via Feedback

DOUGLAS ANDERSON has sent me this image of the official poster for the UK Start of the Rallye Monte Carlo Historique and Classique 2018.  The main picture is of him and his wife in their Mark 2 going off to Monte Carlo as the course car in 2015.

STEVE NASH'S SEATS
Douglas Anderson inquired about Steve's seats and he has replied with " You wouldn't believe how many people have asked about the seats! If you feel it's appropriate, please feel free to share the link on your web site. I chose them because they have a thin base to give more headroom. Only 1.25" base foam as standard, but can be supplied to your specification. Just one word of warning.... they are *very* narrow!!
http://www.europaspares.com/interior-parts/seats/custom-classic-kitcar-seats/apollo-black-vinyl-including-coloured-piping.html

RON SCOMA WROTE TO NICK CONKLIN ABOUT 8427UE/1413 WD
"I had sold it to Dick Skipworth in the late 90's, a factory team car. Don't remember the chassis number off hand but the Registration number was 8427 UE when racing at Sebring; Walt Hansgen - 4 hour and Joe Buzetta / Glenn Carlsson - Prototype Class . After returning to the works it was re-registered to 1413 WD, the number used when it ran at Le Mans. One of the few cars, of any make, to run at both Sebring and LeMans using the same original engine. At LM it ran under the Ecurie Ecosse flag. I want to say Ninian Sanderson and Bill McKay were the drivers - they crashed early on. I haven't thought about the car in 15 years but somewhere I have a file. My friend, Graham Gauld, wrote the book on EE, helped arrange the sale to Skipworth. Because of the car (as opposed to my charming personality...) I was invited to the 1994 (I think it was '94) EE Christmas banquet in E'burgh, David Coulthard was the guest speaker that evening. David also arranged for me to drive the new (at the time) Mclaren F1 road car which was one heck of an experience in London traffic. Also met Allen McNish and David Leslie........"
[I presume Ron was the guy in the States who sold the 'remains' of the original car to Dick Skipworth enabling him to build effectively a new car as a re-creation of the Le Mans Sprite 1413 WD]

2 GREAT PHOTOS OF "THE ROADSTER" ON FACEBOOK
The one on the right was taken "at the SOVREN Spring Sprints
Pacific Raceways, 28th April 2013.

PAUL SLANGEN: [See photos below right] "For sealing the sidescreens at the doorskin, I used special black foam rubber. It is perfect to have a piece which can be folded and put under the aluminium frame. Due to foam can be pressed almost to 1/2 of original thickness, it will fit without any problem and always presses itself making a tight fit sealing. ( open ends of folding should be inside the frame. outside looks as nice round rubber seal. They call it neoprene rubber. They sell in several thickness, on the roll or as a plate, here at a specialized rubber shop ( seriously, No joke !!) Also used for race motor bikes when saddle is too much weight. It can stand water etc, not absorbing. Hope it is clear. Best regards, Paul"

And from PAUL SLANGEN: "for sealing the sidescreens at the doorskin, I used special black foam rubber. It is perfect to have a piece which can be folded and put under the aluminium frame. Due to foam can be pressed almost to 1/2 of original thickness, it will fit without any problem and always presses itself making a tight fit sealing. (open ends of folding should be inside the frame. outside looks as nice round rubber seal. They call it neoprene rubber. They sell in several thickness, on the roll or as a plate, here at a specialized rubber shop (seriously, No joke !!) Also used for race motor bikes when saddle is too much weight. It can stand water etc, not absorbing. Hope it is clear. Best regards, Paul"

In reply to Mike Curtis, from Lew McAllan: "A few pics to show the I channel and rubber seal (trial fit). I am going to use a big Healey seal to seal better in the corner".
[N.B. I think Lew's screens are of his own design and may be slightly different to those supplied with the Archers' kits]

PAUL STAVENDEN asks: "I have been looking at the photos on your 'Sebring Sprite Latest News' page of the 8-port head and Lucas fuel injection. I note that the one illustrated is cast iron with downdraft ports, as used on the last Healey-made aerodynamic Sprites.  Is this the Works head which was abandoned in favour of the Arden / ST head?    I am interested to know how these two heads compare with each other in performance terms. Thanks for any comments, Paul Standeven.

Above: 4444 DA back on its wheels (Sven Eckhardt).

CAN ANYONE HELP SVEN EXKHARDT WITH HIS LOCKHEED THIN DISC BRAKES ?

"Hello everybody, Hello Martin, I have put 4444 DA back on its wheels in order to take her across to the UK.
I want to build a cage for her in Birmingham. An issue came up when assembling the front brake set-up: The two beautifully refurbished calipers supplied with the car by Paul Webb are identical i.e. there is no handedness to them. When I bolt them on the bleed nipple will point downwards on the driver's side. My initial thought was I had been supplied with two left hand calipers erroneously. I have looked at the article on the "thin disc" set-up in the technical subsection of this website and I have noticed 2 things. Firstly one of the illustrations shows the bleed nipple pointing downwards.
Secondly the parts list does not specify a handedness for the caliper. Would  anybody out there in the know or running this exceedingly rare set-up confirm there is no caliper handedness with the Lockheed PLC? Have you experienced any trouble bleeding the caliper with the downward pointing nipple? Sven"

PETER BOWER owns this '59 racing Sprite, which spent 40 years or so as a race car on the West Coast in the USA.  He plans to convert it to FIA spec with an alloy body and maybe in Sprinzel or Peel fastback guise. He says:

"It is a very sound shell with a modified Kellison bonnet I believe.  It's not to my taste but is a nice period piece I guess.  I am just having a straight cut box repaired and will fit that and try it out in a race meeting and see how it goes....".

FITTING SEBRING SIDE-SCREENS
Mike Curtis would like helpful advice:

"A question for you…what do most people use to seal the gap between the sebring sidescreens and the door skin. Needs to be fairly flexible I guess, but without it I anticipate getting very wet!" Feedback please.

CAN ANYONE HELP ME IDENTIFY THIS (?)PEEL-BODIED SEBRING? Colin Barnett posted it with the caption"Broome - 1963 RAC Rally).Could it be 52 LPH or 2214 UE or E 700 ?

Throttle bodies on 8-port head, unfitted

Lightening holes in lower door.

Lightening holes in front edge of door frame.

Clip to retain side screen at speed.

Throttle bodies on 8-port head, fitted on HAN9-R-238

Metering pump with toothed belt.  Note crossmember narrowed for clearance.

Metering pump with toothed belt - note drive cog on cam extension, forward, through timing cover, and drive belt crossing behind generator and water pump drive.

With one exception the above photos are of HAN9-R-238, the 2nd 1968 'works' Le Mans car (the one that didn't race but went on to race at Sebring and at other international circuits in private hands). Now owned by Steve Coleman in Texas.

D20 AT THE BOXING DAY BRANDS HATCH MEETING IN 1961 [From Facebook]
Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird: " A rare shot of the W&P, alloy bodied coupe, Sebring Sprite D 20 in action - owned by David Seigle-Morris - seen here at the Brands Hatch, Boxing Day event in 1961, chasing down a Speedwell bonneted Mk.I Sprite registered 130 UML". John Sprinzel: "I do clearly remember having to nudge John Miles Sprite coming around Clearways on the penultimate lap, as he had been very hard to pass. We had a laugh about it afterwards. It was also VERY icy when we got to Brands, and I helped Nick Syrett, the BRSCC secretary by doing dozens of slow laps early on to clear the ice patches". Tom Coulthard: "Yes, it is John Sprinzel driving, though "Spritely Years" specifies the wrong car. (Oddly enough this isn't a mistake. As stated in the rubric, we made the logical assumption competitors were driving their own cars in the absence of evidence to the contrary - and we hadn't seen this photo!) D 20 had been offered for sale at The Mews since early November and John was no doubt giving prospective purchasers the opportunity to see it in action at this festive 'end of term bash' widely attended by the motorsport community". No, Tom doesn't make mistakes!

GRAHAM BISH WAS AT THE HAREWOOD SPEED HILL CLIMB LAST WEEKEND:

"Spent a good Saturday with the family at the Harewood Hillclimb. I introduced myself to David Abram. My good friend Peter Green used to race with David in the 80's and we discussed the two racing at the old Longridge circuit. Colin Gale was equally chatty and we enjoyed watching the final ascents of the day together".

Colin Gale

Dave Abram

Steve Casson

Garrow Shand

Results Sheet here.

WINTON FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2017, Victoria, Australia.
Simon (Sprite) & Damien Meyer (Midget), left, prepare for their race which included 4 other Spridgets. According to Wikipaedia the circuit, Winton Motor Raceway "has a combination of long fast straights and twisty and tight bends. It is also known as "Australia's Action Track". Bob Blayden tells me: "The Austin Healey Sprites cleaned up! The class results show how well they performed against much more powerful cars under wet and cold conditions".

PETER BOWER has "acquired a  '59 racing Sprite, which has spent 40 years or so as a race car on the West Coast of the USA.  He plans to convert it to FIA spec with an alloy body of either Sprinzel or Peel fastback guise". 

STUART JAMES has "this year completed an Archers replica on a late model Midget shell YBX886V.  Its taken about 5 years but of course is always undergoing tweaks.  I imagine it was around the 100th supplied. The car is unusual in that it is a barchetta style with a small full width racing deflector, inspired by images of 678XUM which I believe is a French or Belgian vehicle".

Richard Pugh enjoying his FJ Stanguellini in the Monaco Historique. He also owns a Sebring.

TREVOR MCILROY'S NEWS:
"I've enclosed a few images of our cars in 1/42 models, commissioned locally. 

We've been campaigning XXC818 in France, Scotland, England & of course Ireland over this season. New engine, gearbox & diff fitted. Just back from Shelsley Walsh a few weeks ago & off to Bo'ness Scotland 1st September. A couple of home hills & sprints to finish the busy season".

JUST A SELECTED FEW FROM DENNIS WHARF'S EXCELLENT PHOTOS

MG LIVE
SILVERSTONE:

Ollie Friend's antics

James Willis

Richard McKoen

Jim Mackie

Asher Robson

Dennis's Midget

BRANDS
SUPERPRIX:

Charles Rainford

Tony Davis

Great photo of Steve Casson at Lower Esses, Shelsley Walsh last weekend, 29/30 July.
[Photo by Ian Mellor]

Ton Blankespoor's
Lenham GT
[Photo recently posted on Facebook]

TZA (pictured below), the Alec Poole/James Thacker racing Frogeye is featured in this week's 'MotorSport News'
under 'Historics' on Page 11 so rush out and buy a copy. [2 Aug 2017]

A MOMENT OF PANIC! when TZA failed to start at Chateau Impney - it turned out to be a loose wire under the dash! (Photos: Gary Lazarus - many thanks)

OUR HERO JOHN SPRINZEL
is included in the list of 2017 inductions to the US Hall of Fame
"Won the British Rally Championship and his class at the 12 Hours of Sebring behind the wheel of an Austin-Healey Sprite, one of the best known racing and rally drivers of his era".

THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS - TO WHOM I SEND MY GRATEFUL THANKS:
John Sprinzel; Gary Lazarus; John Baggott; Rob Clubbe; Dennis Wharf; Trevor McIlroy; Peter Bower; Stuart James; Richard Pugh; Bob Blayden; Graham Bish; Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird/Tom Coulthard; Ken Grasing; Mike Curtis; Colin Barnett; Peter Bower; Mike Curtis; Sven Eckhardt; Owen (?); Steve Nash; Paul Slangen; Pete Taylor; Lew McAllan; Paul Stavenden; Karsten Stelk; Douglas Anderson; Bob Hinchliffe; Joe Armour; David Scothorn; Ken Grasing; John Hopwood; Robert Visser.

SPOTTED by Michael Davis - the 'Speedring' at Castle Combe over the weekend. (The name was given to it by its builders Bill McDonnough & Dave Groves). Now owned by Mark Warne - thank you Derek.

AS WE COME TO THE END OF ANOTHER BUSY MONTH, MAY I EXTEND MY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SUPPORTED ME AND THE WEBSITE WITH CONTRIBUTIONS & HELPFUL MESSAGES.

AMENDED PRICE TAG: BILL PROUT is offering his Sebring bonnet and rare W&P detachable hardtop for sale in the States. He is looking for £3,500 for the pair which are understood to be in good condition. Bill can be reached by email

RESTORATION OF TOM COULTHARD'S EX-BILL FRANKLIN/DENYS BURGESS RALLY SPRITE WER 354 BEGINS.
Tom: "In June last year, WER's shell was ready and waiting in my ancient-but-venerable covered trailer, booked in for a full, professional restoration more than 40 years after it was last on the road. The DH MoCo boot rack (beautifully replicated by Peter Seamen) is shown adjacent to the surviving holes in the rear shroud. The shot of the rear wing shows the 1969 yellow ochre as well as some 1965 midnight blue - the diagonal stripe of rust is probably damage from the crash at the 1960 Nurburgring 500km ...".
I understand that the restoration is being undertaken by Westgate Classics in Aldridge and is being project managed by Tom's good friend Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird so I think we can expect some fairly exacting standards:
"The main monocoque is now virtually finished and almost ready for paint.  It's been a long, hard, slog to get it to this point, but it's looking good!"

GRAHAM BISH met up with Bob Hinchliffe, owner of USU 607 at the 'Classics on the Common' meet at Harpenden

GLENN CASTLE FITS
A 45 DCOE TO AMU
".........VROOOOOOOOOOM!"  

NEW SPEEDWELL HANDLES
(above) are now available from
MotoBuild at £399.
See their ad on ebay

SPRIDGET 60 MEET AT ZANDVOORT 27 - 29 JULY 2018

Ian Grainger: "Had a great weekend of Healey racing at Zandvoort recently. Already organised for the last weekend in July next year,to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Sprite. An international Sprite race with a grid of 48 Sprites from around the world. The Healey Museum is providing a large camp site with facilities for the event".

FROM PHIL ZAMLYNSKI IN THE STATES:
" Yesterday was the day that I finally drove the Sebring. What an Exciting day. After weeks of things not working, broken and leaking all is operational. There are several smaller items to handle to make the car fully road worthy but it's all together and did I say what FUN, FUN to drive. The car is light on its feet and accelerates smartly in all 5 gears; shifting is very smooth too. The race type front suspension is quick to corner! Plan to followup next week with pics. Best Regards, Phil Z "   

THOSE 'HEALEY' ROCKER BOXES
Ian Grainger was quick to respond to my question and says: "These were copies of my rocker cover on 2341 UE, still with the car in the Healey Museum. Colin Cooper had a batch of copies made, when he owned Frogeye Spares here in Oxfordshire. Unfortunately, there was some unexpected shrinkage which caused problems with rocker clearance, I believe". However I don't recall any clearance problems when using mine.

ARCHERS' FIBREGLASS PANELS
I hear that Andrew (Forster) is working on the first of his Peel Fastbacks since closure of Archers Garage. He only has limited spare time in which to do this work as he has a full time job, and a family to enjoy, but it's good to hear the supply of these components goes on, albeit slowly.

THE FIRST OF SVEN ECKHARDT'S REPLICA DHMC HARDTOPS LEAVES THE MOULD

Sven has "made a set of holding brackets as well as sourced rear screens (perspex for the time being glass is possible at a price). The clamps fitting it to the windscreen are available from Moss or AH spares". He has made a trial fitting of the prototype hardtop to one of his cars - more soon.

Steve Nash: "So, went for the first drive in Kermit for some 27 years. Just been for a drive around the farm. A few jobs still to do, but Kermit lives again!"

Does anyone recall who produced the rather attractive Healey rocker covers? Might be worth getting some more. Feedback please

WJB 707
I have now added the 'Octane' article to the list on the 'Articles' page now that you have all had a chance to buy a copy!

ONE OF A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF SUPPORTIVE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM CONTRIBUTORS (THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH) FOLLOWING PUBLICATION OF THE FACEBOOK MESSAGES SHOWN LOWER DOWN THIS PAGE:

"Hallo Martin
It surprised me that you placed the comments from Jonathon and Tom on your site. Very honest but if they can do everything better then let them do it themselves. It is and remains your site to do what you like and it does not need to be all their opinion because that is fact in their eyes. Also I think their comments were rude and disrespectful.
You started your website with your own ideas and learnt as you went along and it has continually improved. You have very many people who enjoy this site and like it the way it is and read it every day. Not everyone wants Forums, Facebook and an Interactive site. Plus what is the point there is only one set of facts which is correct. The many wrong facts on your site ’not my words’ are also a matter of opinion and not everyone agrees with the experts. Many facts have been manipulated at the time and some have changed due to new information.  Also information is not always 100% accurate as with me. I have a letter from Ian Walker when I bought his car in 1966 and he said he competed in it at the Nurburgring  500km but this is incorrect according to race results etc. I have owned the car for 51 years and I probably tell facts that I believe correct as after such a long time you remember it differently, sometimes as you hoped it would happen. I do not agree with every opinion written on your site but as I try to tell my wife  ‘ Many faults I have but being wrong is not one of them’  and unfortunately she only laughs.
There will always be people that comment on your site and it is usually the same but hundreds think otherwise but do not send you compliments every day.
Remember above everything else it is your site.
Keep up the good work and do it your way.
Cheers
Steve (Bowen)"

ANOTHER MEMBER FOR THE SEBRING SPRITE FAMILY
"Hi Martin, Would like to join the "Family". Own a 59 Sprite MK1 special (998 engine with approx. 65HP, LSD etc.) Also building an Ashley on 59 MK1 base with original 1960 fiberglass hardtop, bonnet and rear. Engine will be supercharged 1098 with CR gearbox and 3.7 LSD. Regards, Kees van Beijmerwerdt
Extra: I am quite happy with your set up of the site. If you open it like Facebook the risk of on-going arguments (true/fake) will go on forever! Just leave (it), if somebody really wants to help you he should just do it, not just commenting....."

PIERRE LEQUEUX

has finally fitted his DHMC hardtop (No 300) to 2080 PO and just needs to find an upholsterer to refurbish the original screens...."i painted it old English white to match the car ....so much more headroom when you seat in the car...."

FROM BOB BLAYDEN DOWN UNDER:
Hi Martin, Hope all is well in the UK. Well I finally fitted my Sebring Knock ons with help from Russ who has a hoist in his garage it sure makes it easy on the body (my body) while doing the job we found a leaking rear wheel cylinder & found a front wheel bearing on the way out so the green car had a full service & when I got home I fitted 2 Lucas lamps (looks great) all good in sunny Australia.

FROM MAARTEN KRIKKEN:
"Hi Martin, Look what I found today while on holiday in Normandy. Great to see Sebring Sprites pop up in the most unusual publications, just a shame it is described as a plastic car... All the best, Maarten"
Maybe Jonathan can tell us more about the photo.

FROM FACEBOOK GROUP: Austin-Healey Historic Pictures (read entries in reverse order)
Martin Ingall: In response to Tom’s, Jonathan’s and Rob’s comments and in defence of my website sebringsprite.com: It was created initially to support Brian Archer’s supply of the Sebring replica and quickly developed into a more wide-ranging site covering all sorts of “special Sprites”. Today it has around 220 individual web pages and some 6,500 photos. Some pages were created from my own knowledge or gleaned from the many Sprite books or by personal research of a particular subject but many others, as in the case of 1411 WD, came about by my receipt of information via emails over a period . I have always felt that the beauty of a website is that incorrect information can easily be corrected. (I have re-written the paragraph about 1411 WD mentioned by Tom and apologise if I omitted to do so earlier but I didn’t then quite understand where he felt it to be defective). Books and magazines once published and circulated contain their errors for all time whereas if I am told of an error I usually do my best to put it right on the website poste haste. If, Jonathan, you are aware of errors please do let me know about them as I would very much like to correct them all. On the subject of making the site more interactive I did look at creating a blog alongside it but found the task beyond my capability. The software I use is now dated and having re-written the whole site once when FrontPage disappeared I cannot now face doing that again. If someone else wishes to take on the task I would consider passing it over. At the present time I spend an hour almost every morning updating the site and feel that is the limit of the time I can or wish to spend on it. The site does seem to be of interest to quite a large group of enthusiasts on a regular basis and has been instrumental in selling many parts as well as complete cars, and in discovering all sorts of facts and information which otherwise might never have come to light. While I can see the benefits of the interactive Facebook pages I am not sure how anyone seeking information in future years would access it unless that can be achieved by ‘Googling it’, and many of the entries seem to be very incomplete with photos supplied with no caption or details. Anyone able to assist me in improving the site is very welcome to submit suggestions to me and I will certainly consider them with interest.
Rob Lad Clubbe: That was one of the reasons of setting up the Sebring Sprite Facebook group to give a forum but it doesn't seamlessly link the two.
Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird:Well said Tom ...the single most frustrating aspect I find, regarding the Sebring Sprite webpage, is that it's not interactive, in the way that Facebook or other internet forums are. True discussion is not possible. Once a 'statement of fact' (true or otherwise) is posted, it remains there indefinitely for all to see, and taken as gospel, by any unsuspecting reader, unless someone does take the trouble to contact Martin to correct the error; even then, as Tom has pointed out, such an appeal may go unrecognised or misunderstood. Come on Martin...find a more direct way of interacting with your audience, so that such errors (of which there are many) on your otherwise excellent site are easier to irradicate.
Tom Coultard: It’s not often acknowledged that 1411 WD is actually the coupé version of Les Ireland’s SuperSprite design. It pains me that the Sebring Sprite webpage on 1411 WD still says that I heard “about an unidentified alloy-bodied car in a lock-up at the back of Battersea power station which WAS BEING scrapped” (my emphasis). This implies I didn’t go to see it when I could have done, when the truth is I would have walked through fire or lime to see such a car, or indeed any alloy-bodied Sprite. This calumny has stayed up for many years, despite protest from me. The fact is that I was told the story by Tony Elshof, who was clearly talking about a time 10 or 20 years before ... I had a number of phone calls with Tony, then owner of the wreck of PMO 200, in the run-up to the publication of “Spritely Years” in 1993/4. Naturally I was desperate to see PMO, but I now realise he had no intention of allowing this – he wrongly suspected the car was a fake and didn’t want me uncovering that. Our conversations ranged widely through the world of special Sprites, with me anxious to establish my credentials as a true enthusiast and him ... just stringing me along. Tony had been Comps Sec for the Healey Club: someone had contacted the club about mangled remains in a lock-up. Unfortunately, it was around a bank holiday weekend, and by the time he got to hear about it and someone was despatched to investigate, the entire site had been cleared and nothing remained of garages or contents. Now the main part of Battersea power station closed in 1975 and it was declared a heritage site and Grade II listed in 1980. Sadly it was not unknown for property developers to hear about impending listed building status and strike over a bank holiday weekend – when they knew officialdom was unlikely to respond – and remove unwanted or potentially expensive features before having to seek permission. (Indeed, the entire Art Deco facade of the Firestone factory on the Great West Road was one such loss – and that was destroyed over the August bank holiday in 1980.) Anyway, if it’s any consolation, 1411 WD must have been in a dire state by that time. Already damaged and fitted with a crude ‘bobtail’ by Mike Garton, the guy he sold it to had crashed it in a race very shortly after acquiring it, and ‘rolled it up into a ball’ as the saying went.

Richard Hart has for sale on ebay

a genuine Paul Ivey EN40 race crank for the 948 inline A-series – i.e. for Sebring Sprite, Midget, Austin A35 and the early production-based Formula Junior engines with standard 1.75 inch main bearings, and wet sump. The crank is brand new old stock, never used. They went out of production when Paul Ivey retired about 5 years ago, and will never be made again. Click on the link above. Expires 23 July. Asking £2,600

TZA & JAMES THACKER AT THE RECENT CHATEAU IMPNEY HILLCLIMB

James tells me: "My ex Midget racing friend Peter Richings and his wife, Joy, came to watch me at the Chateau last weekend and Joy sent me a plethora of photos which she kindly took on Sunday. Peter went on to race F3 and clubmans [won the championship again last year] and has this year retired as a director of JLR.
When replacing a kingpin I discovered that the front O/S damper on the Sprite  was not working at all so that may explain why this year,  at the same corner I am not lifting the N/S wheel so much! In a class of 15 pre 1961 Sports and Sports racing cars up to 2200cc I managed to come 4th behind a Cooper Monaco and Cooper Bristol and a Lotus Elite". Well done James.

Nick Conklin still has still a few replica winged 'Supercharged' badges
at US$ 75 plus $12 p&p.
Email

 

"

Paddy Greenwood has pointed out that:

"there are potential issues with headlight/ sidelight alignment with replica (Sebring) bonnets and buyers should check this alignment before accepting their noses".

Robert Visser is nearing completion of his restoration of the ex-works rally Sprite XOH 276 seen here using its sister car's registration plate. "Touring abroad, a practical guide to Carefree Motoring" from Tommy Wisdom.

EX-WORKS SPRITES AT THE US CONCLAVE
Tuesday, 11th, after Steve Coleman and his brother, Mike, set up their display at the US Conclave in Waco, Texas. (Photos: Neil Anderson)

Great to see more Sebrings Reps being built including this one for Keith Egar

"I've been building a Sebring replica for the last 18 months. The car is nearing completion, and is intended for use as a race car. Most of the hard work was completed by Hall's Garage at Morton, who did a lovely job fitting the bodywork and glass. The side screens are also from Hall's. The aim is to race, later in the year. I have a 1293 engine and 1380 for the car. I went with the Speedwell Blue. The car will be road legal and MOT'd.  It’s not intended for much road use as the interior is bare and fairly stiff suspension. My aim is to race it in the Equipe/Swinging Sixties and European circuits. The shell is a semi-elliptic1965 on a 'C' plate. Registered on the same day that I was born.
Many thanks for your superb website, it brings a lot of joy. Especially when the work is challenging in the day time".

SVEN ECKHARDT on progress with reproducing DONALD HEALEY MOTOR CO HARDTOPS

"I went to my friend Martin Unzeitig day before yesterday and asked him what progress he had made as my last information was that he was getting the old hardtop ready to take the mould off. He said I couldn´t see the hardtop really because it was in the mould. Obviously I had to have a look and the mould is well on the way.
There will have to be some more layers laminated and the tool will have to come apart. Locating bolts will have to be fitted etc. But I really think it will be weeks rather than months before we can make the first hardtop.
I have made a set of holding brackets as well as sourced rear screens (perspex for the time being glass is possible at a price). The clamps fitting it to the windscreen are available from Moss or AH spares (I have got a pair ready to be fitted). We will make a trial run fitting the prototype hardtop to one of my cars to make sure everything pans out".

LEW McALLAN has been concentrating on the mechanicals for his Sebring Fastback:
"Thought I should provide you an update on Replica #80 ! Have made substantial progress over the last 2 months and actually fired the car up last weekend. Car has a 1275 recent rebuild with "fast street" cam, smooth idle with 45mm Weber DCOE, Pacesetter headers and a straight pipe to Monza dual tip exhaust. Nice and throaty. Need to bleed brakes and clutch this weekend and I may sneek a drive before bonding the fastback. Decided to get the car to driver level before the bonding. A few pics attached". 

Anyone recognise this Frog's bonnet? Could it be an early Alexander. Andrew Vigor took the photo on TV from "Shadow of Fear" Feedback

Steuart Crofts
has this Midget Mk 1 hardtop for sale at £500. Email him if interested

SEAN SANDOE
is offering this pair of Armstrong Adjustable shocks (left) at £600 and a Weber carb on a Derrington manifold at £199 on ebay.
Both expire 9th July.

PETER FELLOWES' SEBRING ROADSTER
"Hi Martin. Love this site and check it each morning hoping for new information. I am building a  Sebring Replica and would like to be included in your list of owners please. My car is a mk11a Sprite with Archers Garage rear end and bonnet. I also have a pair of Archers Garage seats. It will still be a convertible as I love open cars. I also have a Speedwell Weston tacho and Les Leston steering wheel. Engine is a warm 1340 with straight cut close ratio box. The car is getting close to being finished. I live on the Gold Coast in Australia but was Born in Wolverhampton. We do come back to England every couple of years. I will send you some photos Soon. Keep up the good work Martin. Peter Fellows." Queensland, Australia.

My sincere thanks to all of those who have contributed to this page during the month of June.

The "FOR SALE" PAGE
has been UPDATED

Bill Emerson's WSM Sanction 2 is currently on display in the BRITISH SPORTS CAR HALL of FAME in Virginia alongside a 1948 Healey Westland and 1955 Austin-Healey 100S.

It is worth getting the August edition of 'Octane' magazine which features Stephen Bowen's ex-Ian Walker Sebring - the one all the replicas are modelled on.

DAC 952C on the road. Enjoy this little video posted by Bruno Verstraete

20 new shots of 138 DJB at MG Live, Silverstone taken by David Morys at jacobsmidget.com

THE EX-STEVE NORTON, EX-SIMON DURLING REP FOR SALE
at £28,500 through Paul Matty Sportscars
See Pistonheads

Bruce Small in Oz wanted to know the colour of Mike Haigh's car so: " ..on the paint colour for the Lenham Le Mans. It is one of the Aston Martin colours virtually, slightly amended but not much, as we were trying to match to the original paintwork we discovered under many layers of paint on the bulkhead! Please see the enclosed colour basis that was used. Good result at the Harewood Hillclimb Classic and Vintage Meeting 2 weeks ago I won the up to 2 litre class outright and had second fastest FTD overall for the meeting! All the best Mike".  

Here are a few pics of your ex-rally engine in its new home. Replacing the 1098, it is 998 now to Sebring Sprite competition spec., apart from smaller carbs for throttle response and economy on the road. Gearbox is 1275, rebuilt with heavy duty clutch and roller release bearing. I have added a mild anti-roll bar with up-rated front dampers (ex-Roger Friend). The wheels are from my Sprite Mk1, refurbished. Other than the Les Leston steering wheel and an ammeter, the remainder of the car is standard. Cheers, Bryn

A PAIR OF SPEEDWELL DOOR HANDLES + DOORS on ebay
at £500!!!
BUY NOW OR OFFER

BARRY SIDERY-SMITH
I was very sorry to hear that one of the real characters of MG club racing known as Barry "Sideways" has died aged 81. See MGOC report

Barry with Sir Stirling Moss

LENHAM LE MANS COUPE PROJECT FOR SALE
Rod Allsworth is offering his Lenham project for sale with
W & P bonnet (see full specification on PDF)
£3,500 for the kit or £12,000 for complete project.
Rod can be contacted by email

Rallye Monte Carlo Classique 2018
Douglas Anderson sent me details of next winter's event.
Click on Monte News Flash

ANYONE NEED SOME OF THESE?
Mark Boldry does and is thinking of getting some made. They are SU return spring mounts. If you are interested please let me know on Feedback.

The owner of this 1958 Sprite would be very interested to know who built its alloy bodywork, when and where. The car formerly resided in Lisbon, Portugal and is now in Belgium. Nothing is known of its history before 1982. Feedback please.

MIKE THOMPSON (FORMERLY OF SPEEDWELLS) ~ WHERE ARE YOU ?

Alistair Ross says "I am trying to retrace Mike Thompson who worked for Speedwells and went with the Streamliner to Belgium. Mike has moved from his house in Norwood and the new owners don't have forwarding address"
IF YOU CAN HELP PLEASE REPORT BACK TO ME VIA FEEDBACK .

photo: Peter French

OLIVER FRIEND

"Picture from Silverstone MG Live - Oliver started from the back row of the grid (28th) and finished 6th overall, track temps exceeding 47 degrees !! Results sheet from race two on Sunday. Saturday's race was a disaster as he was shunted off whilst lying in 3rd place dropping down to 20th and then on the 7th lap ran out of fuel , - my fault, didn't allow enough for the hot track temperatures, Roger".

SEBRING/SPEEDWELL GT REP FOR SALE
Steve Pye Cars of Lancashire are offering this kit of parts which appears to include a fibreglass Speedwell GT top and Monza bonnet. Offered on ebay at £5,490. Interesting!!! Looks like this lot has found a buyer (23/6/17)

EARLY MARK 2 SPRITE FOR SALE
Shaun Rainford has known this car since 1974 and remembers it being restored the first time in the 70’s by fellow Austin-Healey Club member, Ian Gowenlock who used it frequently in the 80’s. In 2005 Shaun noticed the car while clearing some others in Faversham and bought it as he didn't want to see it broken for spares. He had intended to restore the car for one of his sons but they went the route of building Lenhams. Shaun would therefore like to offer it to someone who will restore it. The body is rusty but the car is complete. CCK are happy for people to book an appointment to view the car. The asking price is £2500. (Cobwebs are extra) Call Shaun or Daniel on 01825 733060

DAVID LOVEGROVE HAS FOR SALE:
Complete external bodywork of 1969 Mk IV Sprite painted white including front wings, rear end (in one piece), bonnet, boot lid, boot lining, luggage rack, dashboard, doors including glass and quarterlights, windscreen including glass, front grille and surround, frame for soft top, rear lights and bumbers. Surplus to requirements as re-bodying as Sebring Coupe. Would rather sell as one lot; buyer collects, near Stroud, Gloucestershire. All bits fit within my small van, Citroen Berlingo, (which is also for sale!) Email David if interested

PADDY GREENWOOD'S ALLOY COUPE
I spent a very pleasant hour or so the other evening with Paddy Greenwood who has several Sprites including this alloy coupe built on a new Frogeye Spares chassis by Craig Chapman. Paddy says: "My body chappie is very happy with it- everything fits and door shuts are all fine". He is also building another car with a Shorrock C75 supercharger.

Hi Martin, A question from Oz if I may thanks? Just wondering if it is possible to determine what the paint colour is that Mike Haigh used on his wonderful restoration of his Lenham LM Rego HYL 838C. The paint colour  just looks so striking on the Lenham body shape and my AH enthusiast friend here in OZ and I were debating if it was a Aston Martin colour.I look forward to your response. Kind regards, Bruce Small.

AN APPEAL FOR PARTS - REAR MAIN CAP & LIGHTENED FLYWHEEL
Alex Robertson sent me this request: "Hi Martin, I am looking for a rear main bearing cap  and a well lightened flywheel for my spare 1275 engine.  Can anyone help out?

I have sent a photo of one of my Spridgets in action at Morgan Park Raceway in Queensland a couple of weeks ago. I also drove the same car on a 5300Km trip to Victoria & back to join a Sprite tour of the eastern Victorian highlands in company with another 24 cars. (20 of them were Spridgets.) Cheers from Alex Robertson. (Sprite Car Club of Queensland.) Email him if you can help, please.

KEN GRASING'S ALLOY SPRINZEL COUPE
Latest photos show the car fitted with its side-screens. Shortly to go back to CCK Historic for partial assembly prior to shipping across the pond. Beautiful work by Darren Welsh of Creative Classics

JJO's SHUNT
on the Tulip Rally
back in 1995 (mentioned below). A rather sad sight after its shipment home from Metz in France. Partly my fault for braking suddenly when I misread a junction but largely due to the driver behind reading his map!

CROFT
CASTLE COMBE
NORTH WEALD
BLYTON PARK
CASTLE COMBE
DONINGTON PARK
ANGLESEY
GOODWOOD
BRANDS HATCH

SEBRING SPRITE COUPE
model on ebay at
BUY NOW price of £83.62

Ian Polley racing the '68 Le Mans 'works' Sprite at Brands Hatch in the late 70's

MAARTEN KRIKKEN'S PHOTOS
from the Tulip Rally in April 1995
(22 years later I receive some great photos of our rallying efforts which I had not seen before).

"I have just sent you the pictures I took of JJO and Stephen Bowen's blue Sebring during the Tuliprally (1994 I believe). It was the first time I saw a Sebring Sprite. I was following the rally as a 17 year old photographer aboard an Alfa Romeo 164 which was organised by the Dutch Austin Healey club as a quick support vehicle with Mark Schmidt of LB Racing driving the car.  For me it not only sparked my interested in special Sprites, but it also delivered my first publication of my pictures in a classic car magazine as I was introduced to Peter Ecury (yes, he of RTL 304) who used my pictures in his report on the rally (in Auto Motor Klassiek). As I was still learning a lot about photography at the time, these are not the greatest action shots, but nevertheless I hope you enjoy them. I have got no idea in what position both of you finished the rally..."

Well, sadly my rally, with Andy Gibson navigating, ended in quite a nasty accident when we were rammed from behind by a Jeep at a junction. The car was badly damaged and Andy spent a night in hospital. Brian Archer rebuilt the rear half of the car and it was soon as good as ever. Stephen's car was newly built at the time and had been meticulously prepared by friends. He got a special mention at the end of the event as he and his co-driver dropped down the ranks after stopping to assist another Healey competitor and fitting a new fuel pump for him.

FROM BERNARD CARPENTER:
"You may be interested in seeing how this car (a Tifosi Rana) was produced from a dodgy MG Midget. It's quite a lengthy story, but all inspired by my ownership of a Speedwell Sprite, 1526 UE, back in the early sixties. This was my attempt to recreate that car, with limited resources, but with an ability to 'keep up with the traffic!"

ANDREW LOWIS NEEDS A DOOR SKIN
" Where can I obtain an aluminium door skin from? I have managed to damage the driver's side door on my car and would prefer not to have the expense of buying a new complete aluminium door (are these still available)? Photos are of my completed Sebring following initial successful shakedown at Blyton Park a few weeks ago".
PLEASE CONTACT ANDREW IF YOU CAN HELP

STAN ANNIS GUIDES SVEN ECKHARDT ON THE REBUILD OF HIS FORMER RALLY CAR, 4444 DA

"The Halda Speed Pilot looks like the Speedpilot Neuere Ausfuhrung in Black nothing to reflect light for the navigator, he also had a Magnified map reader with a plastic bottom with a miles & inches scale on it which he used on the 1 inch to a mile map. The speed pilot was used mostly on long sections so that we did not exceed the 40mph average over 20 miles on public roads. We did not use it on special stages.  Most of the rallies in the UK  were on Ordnance survey maps that were 1 inch to the mile; the navigator was given the map references of the controls & the direction to approach - he then had to plot his route, he was also given the times allowed. You were allowed 29 minutes lateness before you had a failed section so you could make up time between controls but 30min late at a control was a failed control The navigator also had a black curtain to stop reflected light on the screen so has not to effect the driver. Today it seems that it is one special stage after the other; this is because we could not average more than 30mph on the roads by law which soon became very easy. My navigator Richard Binns was the first to set a rally on Forestry roads where the 30mph did not apply  & the special stage was born; it was The Express & Star Rally. Hope this of interest  for you it has been a nostalgic trip for me."

LENHAM ARTICLE
Rob Clubbe sent me this article first published in 'Motorsport' in June 1971.
Link

SVEN ON THAT ANTI-ROLL BAR: "Well whatever it is I´m pretty sure it ain´t Speedwell. TRV/UYU had an ARB fitted which looked like the one on Tommy Gold´s car 642GEH and the one in the big Speedwell catalogue and it looks different to that one. I shall send a picture. You can however make it out on the first picture of TRV202´s subpage. The other 2 are AH100 and ain´t looking like that one either though".

Mark also has A COMPLETE FROGEYE WINDSCREEN with glass to give away to a good home. It's in rough shape and one of the tips of the alloy frame sides has broken off but it might be useful to someone. He is in Horley, Surrey. Email him if interested.

MARK MAGUIRE'S ANTI-ROLL BAR
Fitted to his Frogeye when he bought it, he wonders if it is a Speedwell one? Can anyone identify it please? Feedback

SVEN'S LATEST NEWS
"I´ve moved my first Sprite out of the shed at long last and put it next to the big Healey in another place. These are the next 2 projects after completion of DA. Work on the shell of DA has been interupted the last three months because of my various engine issues. All cars are up and running at the moment. I have put together a 10CG engine out of a block and crank I had from Juergen Schaefer a while back which was on a +60 bore already. I had it bored to +80 and used the last set of +80 RE pistons Keith Calver had.
Head, front cover, and front plate from the 10CC, engine back plate from a 948, as well as the flywheel which has been modified to take a 1275 clutch and lightened. MG Metro cam and a pair of H4´s. All in all a very lively engine probably around 70 brake This one has gone into the Speedwell and I am in the process of getting it road legal over here. I shall put together another big 10CC engine using the block I had from Ian Hulett for the Sebring later in the year so I can use the Warwick 998 for DA. Sven (Eckhardt)"

GRAHAM BISH was at the Tatton Park (Cheshire) Classic Car Show on Sunday (4 June)......

He Says: "Spent a good day at the Tatton Classic car show yesterday on the Austin Healey Club stand. My car sat next to Emryn & Pauline's Sebring. There was a suggestion that it was the first time that Sprites had out numbered their big brothers on the stand!"

ROB'S PROGRESS
More photos of Rob's Lenham GT under construction
courtesy of Will Corry

FOLLOWING UP ON MICHAEL BERG'S ENQUIRY ABOUT SEBRING FRONT & REAR SCREENS...
I contacted Andrew Forster who still has both and can supply him...
Alan Anstead replied: "Pilkingtons at Queensborough will make a Sebring windscreen. I had contact with them, albeit 14 years ago, and was told that it would have to be cash and collect. I have the 'part number' if needed". ...
and Sven Eckhardt: "As far as I am aware there is still supply from Archer´s supplier, a screenglass manufacturer in Birmingham I can´t remember the name I´m sure Andrew would be willing to help. If there is no luck (there): The front screen of my Archer´s replica first time round is still there. It did not get damaged in the crash. Its a very early screen and Andrew told me even though it is safety glass it might not comply with Automotive regulations which is the reason I replaced it with one from the new suppliers when we did the rebuild in 2014. Sven"

FRONTLINE FROGEYE
An article by Simon Charlesworth published in Dep-O magazine back in 2012 but worth a read.

EARLY ASHLEY HARDTOP FOR SALE

Michael is also looking for Sebring Front and Rear Screens. Any suggestions please via Feedback

STEPHEN BOWEN ON STEERING RACKS:
" Re: the steering racks for Sprite and Midget, a left hand drive Sprite rack is the same as a right hand drive for Morris Minor and ditto right hand drive Sprite rack is the same as left hand drive Morris Minor. This was intersting for me in the 70's (as a dealer in parts for Belgium and the Netherlands) when people were reconditioning British Minors and Sprites and were swapping to LHD, and I always had exchange units".

ROB CLUBBE'S LENHAM GT BUILD

Will Corry and Pete Moorland-Moore is building this Lenham GT for Rob Clubbe in Northern Ireland based on a Mk 2 Sprite and is to be completed to HRDC spec with an engine used in Will's Weslake Trophy entry at Goodwood earlier this year.  It would appear that the bonnet is an Ashley Mk 2 type. The good Mk 2 rear bodywork is up for sale.

AN INTERESTING POINT FROM STEVE NASH
Has anyone wondered why there is a spacer under the LH steering rack mount on early RHD Spridgets?
It's because the rack originates from a Morris Minor and if it was bolted directly to the cross member, the column angle would put the steering wheel touching the door! Have a look at the rack. It is not straight across the car with the spacer installed. If you try to leave the spacer out, it preloads the pinion against the column.... not a good idea! I'm sure it must be the same on LHD cars, but with the spacer under the RH mount. {Facebook}

Healey Motor Company Archive Catalogue Launch Day – 22 May, 2017

Nick Maltby reports on the event at the Warwickshire County Records Office, Warwick, England.
Link to the ‘online’ catalogue –
http://archivesunlocked.warwickshire.gov.uk/CalmView/Overview.aspx
To get started type Healey in the search box in the upper right corner.

[Thanks to David Scothorn for passing this on to me]

WANTED
Iain Prince is looking for a Sebring bonnet for his Frogeye. If you have one going spare please contact him via email

SHORROCK SUPERCHARGERS

Having received an enquiry for the name of a repairer for a Shorrock C75 I have added Keith Luck's name to both the Shorrock page and the Parts Suppliers page.

WHEN THE DONALD HEALEY MOTOR CO.....
....sold on one of their racing Sprites they supplied the new owner with its full specification and advice as to how to run the car successfully. Dudley Lucas has kindly provided a copy of the documentation which came with the 1965/6 Targa Florio car EAC 90C when he bought it in 1967. Some of his photos are to follow shortly. Click on the image to read the PDF.

JOHN BAGGOTT reports on
THE STEVE EVERITT MEMORIAL TROPHY RACE AT BRANDS HATCH
on 30th April, accompanied by photos courtesy of Dennis Wharf.
“As ever, a good number of Steve’s friends, including his sister Ros and former mechanic Dave Woodgate, assembled at Paddock Hill Bend to watch the 30th running of Steve’s race.  Also present were a number of former Midget racers who competed with Steve in the day. The battle for the trophy, which goes to the first Class A “Fully Modified” Sprite or Midget to cross the line, was initially a three horse race between pole sitter, Stephen Collier (46), Richard Wildman (99) driving David Weston’s car and Edward Reeve (2) who has raced in the series since its inception. Collier and Wildman made good starts from the front row, but as Richard had rolled forward a couple of inches before the lights went out, he was adjudged to have made a false start and was given a 10 second penalty. This proved too much for him to surpass. Stephen was going well but coasted to a halt shortly after the safety car period, leaving Ted and Richard to fight it out, with Ted getting the verdict to put his name on the trophy for a second time. Paul Campfield (11) was second overall in his very rapid class E Frogeye. Carl Chadwick (52) took class B spoils despite also collecting a 10 second false start penalty. Class D went the way of Nigel Lackford (3) with Kim Dear (49) winning Class C. A good race celebrating an exceptional driver -  as Ros observed before presenting the trophy ‘Was Steve’s untimely death really 30 years ago?’ ”

Pole man Stephen Collier leads the pack

Richard Wildman was penalised by a jumped start

Ed Reeve took the trophy for a second time

Paul Campfield - 2nd overall and took Class E

Carl Chadwick won Class B despite a 10 sec penalty

Class D went to Nigel Lackford

and Kim Dear won Class C

The Everitt Trophy

Mk 2 BODYSHELL
FOR SALE
(See the FOR SALE page)

MORE FROM ALISTAIR (ROSS):
" Further to Gordon Elwell's help, to the front left of 137 VMX is 4149 MV and is a nice comparison between the two companies that made the coupé top for these cars. The Williams & Pritchard MV has that distinct angular corner where the side screen meets the top and Classic Motor Crafts VMX bodied car with the much rounder corner. The CMC  cars were also fitted with a rain gully. See attached picture of MV just repainted red".

SAD TO RELATE
THE LAST OF RAY ENGLISH'S MARQUE ONE MAGAZINES (No.100) DUE OUT SHORTLY.
Our thanks to Ray for his brilliant journal produced over the last 25 years and to his wife, Diane, who ably shared the publishing chores.

VERY MUCH STILL GOING HOWEVER IS THE MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB'S "MASCOT" published by GARY LAZARUS.
In April the cover showed Alan Anstead's newly painted Sebring Rep
577 DNX

IDENTFYING SPEEDWELL GTs
After writing my submission 12 rows down this page I picked up John Baggott's book "Frogeye Sprite" and read about Jack Mathe owning XYU 383 and 7140 RO and how their identities were transposed after an accident, and it is suggested there that perhaps a similar thing happened between the 'new' 7140 RO and 137 VMX. I doubt we shall ever know exactly what parts were swapped from which car to car. Suffice to say the black and yellow car shown bearing No.160 further down this page is, I understand, pretty much how the car is/will be after Bill McDonnough's rebuild. Dave Grove has, I believe the remains of XYU as well as 5755 MM, the 3rd shell thought to be elsewhere. As an aside I believe there are 8 known surviving Speedwell GTs. [Change that, ~ looks like it may be 10 or even 11]

and No.40 was driven by Tony Harvey of Flintstone Racing

From GORDON ELWELL:
"Very interested to see the photos of the ex Bill Graham Speedwell (VMX) at Silverstone......the one headed 'VMX on another grid'. [left] I can be certain when that was taken....Easter Bank Holiday Monday 30th March 1964 at a meeting run by the Notts Sports Car Club. The reason I can be certain, is because I am alongside Bill in my road going Frogeye TEA 913 ! It was my first ever race, and as I recall it actually snowed in practice...fairly typical Bank Holiday weather I suppose! Regards, Gordon. (Classic Revival)".

PHIL ZAMLYNSKI
reports on his Sebring Rep: "The Sebring is awaiting gas in the tank. All else is done.Will keep you up to speed as the car gets sorted out".

ARCHERS SEBRING SIDE-SCREENS
I am pleased to report that 11 sets of alloy framed side-screens have now been completed, despatched and received by those who requested them. A further 5 are on a new list.

PAUL TARRY
on 4646 UE which he bought on ebay, if I remember correctly, and is rebuilding as an alloy bodied Sebring Coupe: "I wish I could say that it was finished but sadly not, business commitments over the past couple of years have taken their toll, I have to say it is coming together and was pretty frustrated that I’d received an invite for Goodwood but just couldn’t find the time to complete the car - shame having raced their last year in an A35. I’m currently away but will send you a few photo’s in a couple of weeks. Cheers Paul"

IAN TURNER
recently moved house which has delayed his rebuild of 6699 WD, a works-modified Sprite Mk 2 he bought from Tony Griffiths. He says: "It is almost back together again except for the engine and gearbox which are built, but have (yet) to be fitted. Hopefully it will be running again this year. During my years of interest in Sprites I have collected many spares. I have three 948cc engines which I do not need. They are stripped but all major parts are there. If you know of any one who needs one let me know. My phone No is 01295 738815". or email him

UNidentified Sebring - whose is it?

A nice early Gilbern GT - probably 948 s/c

A trio of Turner BMCs

Space framed 'Mini' with 4 litre range Rover V8 - scary!

(Above) David Morys took his camera to a Round Table or Rotary Club do at Prescott last weekend 13/14 May.

Sven Eckhardt recently purchased a photo of E700 on ebay (above left) taken by Guy Griffiths, of Jim Kennard at Bugatti OC Prescott on 12th July 1964 when he won his class with a time of 62.995 secs. "Having read the history of the car again I wonder if there is anything in the story of a restoration of the car going on. I wonder who would have had a go at it and what the state of it might be". It would be good to find out. [Readers may recall that the car was rolled spectacularly by the late Gabriel Konig who some years before her death claimed to still have the remains and planned to rebuild it]. The other photos arte of the engine which Sven bought with 4444DA: "As I said I have put one of the heads I modified on it. It is the one which came with the MK II, which had been ported quite nicely. I had changed the combustion chambers to a similar shape as the ones depicted and fitted 1 1/4 valves on the inlet and 1 1/16 on the exhaust. Hardened valve seats on inlet and exhaust. You can make out the large capacity sump on the other photograph. The depicted head is the Cape modified head stripped to have valve seats fitted. I had it back yesterday it needs to be put together. I am in two minds whether to put it back on the Cape engine (which is going quite nicely as it is) or whether to keep it for a rainy day. Cheers Sven"
[You seem to have plenty of breathers on that engine Sven - what with a front cover chimney (from a 1275?) and a vent on the side cover (from a 1098?) MEI]

Many thanks to all those who responded to Sven Eckhardt's plea for a 1098 block. He has received two offers of complete engines as well as one of a block. Isn't it great how these things work on the 'net.

IDENTIFYING 7140 RO FROM 137 VMX
It didn't take long for Bill McDonnough to see the photos below and pick up the phone. He tells me that 7140 RO can often be indentified from other Speedwell GTs by the fact it only ever had one wiper, no hole ever being drilled for a passenger one, and it had flat perspex side windows with a round vent hole rather than the double-curvature side screens otherwise fitted by Speedwell. Both 7140 RO and 137 VMX spent time in the same ownership and were, for a time, painted the same colour which helps to confuse matters. In the photo 2 rows down car No.160 is painted black and yellow and in the one above is the same car repainted but still with its yellow wires. The photo with cars on the grid facing the camera also shows 7140 RO, and not 137 VMX. Bill is gathering parts together for RO's rebuild and was pleased to receive a message from the late owner's widow to say she had found the driver's door!

137 VMX

7140 RO on the grid

VMX on another grid

7140 RO in action

Another Speedwell GT once owned by Bill Graham which seems to have disappeared is 137 VMX above. Anyone know anything of it, please let me know through Feedback ? [Photos kindly supplied by Alistair Ross]

7140 RO
I have prepared a new web page for this Speedwell GT

Another photo of 7140 RO supplied by Alistair Ross with Jack Mathe at the wheel

REVS LIBRARY, STANDARD UNIVERSITY
Ken Grasing has reminded me of this wonderful source of Sprite (and other) racing photos: https://revslib.stanford.edu/?utf8=%E2%9C%93&f%5Bmodel_ssim%5D%5B%5D=Austin-Healey+Sprite&view=detailed&q=&search_match=any

MORE ON PANHARD ROD FITMENT
I was talking yesterday to Keith Ashby who has raced Sprites since the early 60's and learned that he had a panhard rod fitted to his car for the 1965 season. An Aston Martin employee Chas Beatty fitted it for him. Any advance on 1965?
Our conversation then turned to the Speedwell GT 585 MY which Keith tells me he owned in 1970. I have added a paragraph to the relevant web page: "Keith Ashby bought the car in 1970 from a dealer who had somehow managed to register it as a new car with a 'J' registration. It was then painted Harvest Gold. Keith had the car for only a year and before selling it, stripped out its 1293 engine, close-ratio gearbox, LSD and competition shock absorbers. He recalls that he sold the rolling shell for £300 to someone in the Vale of Pusey". The car is now owned by Guenther Lainer in Germany and is for sale at 115,000 Euros.
Keith's own Sprite 6209 AH he bought in January 1963 and has owned ever since - that's 54 years and I thought I'd had my Gilbern a long time (48 yrs). I will be prepping a web page on Keith's Frogeye's racing history in the coming weeks.

Re: Derek Stewart's wheels below. My apologies, the email link was not working correctly - now sorted.

MG MIDGET MK1 PROJECT
FOR SALE

 

Open to sensible offers Mk1 Midget suitable for further renovations or Sebring /Lenham conversation. All welding completed to good standard and many new panels fitted good panel gaps maintained. Rare BMC hardtop in excellent condition. Engine / gearbox present condition unknown. Some history and V5 present. Please contact Steuart Crofts for further details . Via email or Mobile: 07966 256787

5½J WIRE WHEELS & TYRES FOR SALE
Derek Stewart is offering these four MWS 5½ X 13" wire wheels

fitted with Yokohama A539 tyres which have done under 2000 miles. They would cost around £900 today - his asking price is £600. Contact him via email. NOW SOLD

MORE HISTORY OF PIERRE LEQUEUX' 2080 PO UNFOLDS

Pierre recently heard from Christopher York, now living in Alberta, Canada:
"Just recently I discovered some more pictures and in a way I believe some important history of your car. The attached pictures were taken by myself at Brands Hatch in July of 1967 of 2080-PO with Colin (Starley) driving. It was an important test day for Colin and my brother (Robin) as they were setting up the cars for the next event. During that day 2080-PO suffered a major engine failure, so much so that according to my brother it never ran again whilst owned by Colin! Although one of these pictures is not the greatest quality, I thought it important to send both of them to you for your history file".

STEVE EVERITT MEMORIAL TROPHY
Dennis Wharf has sent me a large batch of photos he took at Brands Hatch a couple of weeks ago when Ed Reeve took the bronze trophy 30 years on from Steve's untimely death. Report and many more photos to come shortly.

ALAN GILBERT has enquired: " I was viewing the website today and notice the STEVE NASH SEBRING REPLICA. I have a question for Steve regarding the timing cover on his new engine as to whether it was a chain or belt engine and who made his cover for him? It looks very engineered!!"
AND STEVE replies: "Martin has forwarded your enquiry about my aluminium timing cover. I used to be part owner of a company that developed CNC machined parts for Mini's. I sold my share in the company about 18 months ago but still have close involvement. We made a timing cover for the transverse Mini engine and this is the first version for the in-line engines. It isn't available for sale at present as we want to test it properly first. It uses the standard chain setup. It's good for the simplex and duplex chains, with or without the A+ tensioner. It is also suitable for popular vernier chain kits. I'm not a fan of the belt systems for the A series. The pulleys are too small and the belts wear too quickly for anything other than race engines that are rebuilt every few races. This CNC case significantly reduces weight as the steel plate is replaced as well as the timing cover. It also moves the sealing surface, eliminating oil leaks so common in the standard system. If you are interested in the products currently produced, please have a look at their web site www.dsnclassics.co.uk. For future developments, I'd suggest liking their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dsnclassics/ Hope this is of help. Steve".

1:43 scale AutoCult Sebring Sprite Model on ebay
at £69.99 plus postage

www.frogeye.smugmug.com
Gary Lazarus: "Please check the photographic database of UK registered Mk1 Sprites to see if yours is registered there. There are also over 100 period adverts and magazine articles. Thanks"

STEVE NASH ON FASTBACK RIGIDITY

"Regarding Lew McAllan's questions about platform rigidity. I can see the point with semi-elliptic springs having load transferred at the rear. However, the structure is in the frame over the arch and the box section around the inner arch. The outer skins have little effect as the rear of them is cantilevered off a boot floor extension".

... And PAUL SLANGEN:
"When Lew Mcallen looks at the pictures of my car on this website (Sebring Sprite) then he can see how my car was prepared by Archers. On the picture of Lew's car, I see the 2 top plates on top of the wheelarches - already sprayed in blue - I think they should be removed. When the car is finished, he can hardly stock material in the boot and it will be difficult to reach the spare wheel !! Perhaps you can inform him!! with kind regards, Paul"

... AND MY OWN

"As to rigidity, the Spridget does not rely on its outer panels for body stiffness. I did a similar exercise when building a racing Frogeye many years ago. I bonded a fibreglass rear body section on to a semi-elliptic shell having converted the scuttle, etc just as you have done. I rivetted the back edge to the floor and in the B post area, then bonded with fibreglass all round the rear arches. I did stiffen up the top of the shroud but that was purely because I had opened out the area behind the seats. I raced the car for a number of years and it was stiff as could be. I even bounced it off an Armco barrier at the Castle Combe circuit with no ill effects except a bit of crazing to the fibreglass, Martin".

THE WARREN CLASSIC & SUPERCAR SHOW
will take place on SUNDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2017 near Maldon in Essex, UK.
"The Warren Classic and Concours firmly established itself in 2013 as one of the key events on the classic car social calendar and the event attracted thousands of visitors to a celebration of Veteran, Vintage and Classic cars at The Warren Golf & Country Club near Maldon, in Essex. There are 12 different classes for cars of all ages judged by a knowledgeable panel of highly respected collector car afficionados.
This year, the overall Best of Show winner will be invited to display their car at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall for the following week…this is a very exclusive invitation and a great honour for the winning car. There is no entry fee and all entrants receive two VIP passes and will be our guests for the day. 
We will also be running the WARREN CLASSIC TOUR again on the SATURDAY the 23rd SEPTEMBER. This was also a great success last year but is limited to 50 cars so if you are interested in joining the tour please contact me in order to secure your place. Further details for the tour will be announced soon!  If you would like more information please take a look at the web site: www.warrenclassic.co.uk where you will find the link for the entry details. Nic Waller, The Warren Concours d'Elegance, Tel: 01892 547850 Mob: 0787 5516817 nic@nicwaller.co.uk

TONY GRIFFITHS' PARTS FOR SALE
I still have the rare steering wheel to dash bezel, and Midget engine and Toyota gearbox,
and now have a Sprite Mk2 body shell with doors needing a little work but it is not a rotting hulk
and is ideal for a Sebring conversion. These parts are priced to sell. 
Contact Tony by email if interested.

GABRIEL KONIG & E700
Recently a link was shown on Facebook taking the reader to an article about the life of Gabriel Konig in which it was said "After a quiet 1967, during which she may have raced an Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite..." I responded: 'In "Spritely Years" Tom Coulthard explains what became of her Peel bodied coupe E 700: "Some years later this car was owned and raced by the glamorous and extremely quick lady driver Gabriel Konig who had the misfortune to be involved in one of the most lurid accidents in the history of club racing. ...trying to outbrake Jean Denton's MGB into the notorious Quarry Corner when the Sprite got out of shape and proceeded to barrel roll five and a half times along the bank." (Photo courtesy of John Baggott's Mighty Midgets & Special Sprites'). "Tom Coulthard has added: "This scary incident - which happily did not dim Gabriel's enthusiasm for motorsport - was caught on film and included by David Roscoe in his 1967 film for the BRSCC "Charge of the Fright Brigade". This was issued on DVD in 2006 in Motorfilms Quarterly's Vol. 14 - available through the Motorfilms website or on Amazon".

I was fascinated to see this photo which shows the rear end of the car we know as 770 KNX fitted with a new registration DAC 951C. It ran alongside the new streamlined car DAC 952C at Sebring in 1965 but I had not realised before that it had been re-registered. It continues to puzzle me that the car has completely vanished from sight. [The other car in the photo (from sebringrace.com) is the Andrew Hedges/Roger Mac ex-Jacobs MG Midget]

A QUESTION ABOUT FASTBACK BODY RIGIDITY FROM LEW McALLAN

"I have a question regarding the Sebring fastback implementation. My car is based on a Mk IV '68 Sprite body, with all square panels removed. I have also replaced B panels with new Bugeye panels, new Bugeye outer wheel arches and even replaced the scuttle with new Bugeye scuttle. Floors (without strengtheners since Mk IV) are original, Tunnel, rear bulkhead, rear floor and inner wheel arches are unmodified. Having removed the square body and potentially some body rigidity provided by the cockpit structure, are there any concerns with body flex and strength ? I am sure others have created fastbacks with semi elliptic spring setup so would be interested to know if any additional framework or bracing is required. Thoughts? Lew McAllan" Feedback please

The Lenham Le Mans on its side, further down this page, is that of Andy Southcott, which was built by Ian Langford. See Utube video
Gil Duffy tells me: "The red flag was not shown at Druids by the time the cars arrived (there). The Clerk of the Course afterwards apologised for the delay. He said Mike Chalk's black car (which started the incident) did not show up on the TV screen, so they did not realise it was a hazard! The car is apparently quite badly damaged".

Paul Garside's Fastback
at Tadcaster Classic Show

BOB BLAYDEN has been to the Morgan Park Historics
in convoy with his chum's Morgan: "Had a great trip travelling with the Morgan covered around 1300 kilometres the green car never missed a beat. The Morgan & Sebring attracted a fair bit of attention. Hope all is well in the UK. Cheers Bob (Sydney, Aus)

DAVID MORYS'S PHOTOS
FROM SHELSLEY WALSH
~ 6TH MAY

GURSTON DOWN HILL CLIMB
A nice photo from Chris Burch of Steve Casson's Sebring Sprite in action.

Some poor soul managed to tip over their Lenham at Brands in the Lackford Engineering Midget & Sprite Challenge

ASK PROFESSOR SPEEDWELL (ALISTAIR ROSS) ABOUT A SPEEDWELL GT AND BACK COMES THE ANSWER:
"Dear Martin, This is Frank Mabry's car that he crashed in an orange orchard of Airport(?)Road on his way to the Sebring 12 hr race in 1962, Frank was due to be numbered as 70. The number 10 comes from the previous day's 3hr race when Frank did not show up, so did not race. This car also had a disastrous crash driven by Frank at the Peco sponsored race at Brands Hatch (1961); at this race the car was very heavily damaged (I have seen the photos) and it was beyond full economic repair (I'm a sure as I can be that this was UGU 874) Frank was a very demanding cash customer and insisted that Speedwells built/rebuilt this car. Peter Eva recalls that Frank had a suitcase full of cash. Frank Mabry was a US service man returning to the USA (via Speedwell) from doing National Service in Germany. Speedwells did buy insurance write off cars, and I believe (pretty sure) that one of these chassis was used to rebuild/build Frank another car. This car then went straight to the USA minus its UK registration number. How much of UGU was transferred is anybody's guess, and I'm still trying to find out.
I am always willing to be corrected on what I submit as I'm still going through Speedwell stuff and sometimes miss the obvious. ttfn....Alistair" [This refers to the 2 photos below right, MEI]

JONATHAN has also recently discovered, quite by chance he says, a whole series of photos on the website www.sebringrace.com of which these are just a very few. Worth a look.

JONATHAN WHITEHOUSE-BIRD ON EAC 90C
" I read with interest Dudley Lucas' piece on his old 'works' Sprite EAC 90C.  Of particular interest was his comment regarding the car having raced or (to quote) 'being used on a least one occasion before it came into my possession because I was recently shown a photo of the car in pole position, next to John Willetts in the Sebring car [9253 WD], at Oulton Park and I have no recollection of this event at all - it would be nice to find out more.'
Well, I'm pleased to say that I can hopefully put Dudley out of his misery (or worry him slightly) by saying that the driver of EAC 90C at the event in question: The MG Car Club's North-Western Centre, meeting at Oulton Park, on 30th September 1967, was none other than... D. G. D. LUCAS ............ A.H. Sprite    1293 c.c.
EAC 90C was entered in Class B - 1151 to 1500 c.c.  Race #52. Dudley scored a 3rd in class / 4th overall. Please see attached images to confirm (above). Hope this helps?! Kind Regards, Jonathan 

New Photos of Pete Fletcher's Fastback (Archers 103) He also owns Coupe 103. See his photo gallery here.

STEVE NASH SEBRING REPLICA tells me: "Finally have paint on Kermit. Just needs some final polishing and I can start bolting bits back on :-). Period replica, it ain't! But I'm really looking forward to driving him again after 25 years".

LACKFORD ENGINEERING
MIDGET SPRITE CHALLENGE BRANDS HATCH 2017
RACE 2
(TWO TEAS RACING TEAM)

Watch a good dice with Carl Chadwick (car 52) pretty much throughout the whole race... big brakes… and wide (but old) slick tyres versus big engine power and less rolling resistance on skinnier slicks.
Enjoy!

OLLY FRIEND'S 2ND RACE ~ BRANDS HATCH
A pole position, a 3rd place on Saturday and 4th on Sunday with fastest lap!!. OllY was lying 2nd when Saturday's race was red flagged. Not bad for a rookie, eh? "Pictures of Olly in a very closely fought battle, work will start soon on the 1300 engine, certainly misses out down the straight with the 1100". So says proud Dad, Roger.

RONNIE WHITE
in 52 LPH on the
Circuit of Ireland
in 1963
[With thanks to Edward Fitzgerald]

EAC 90C ~ EX-WORKS SPRITE
I heard recently that former owner of this car, Dudley Lucas considered my web page had numerous errors. I have since been able to contact him and below is his reply, which will enable me to make corrections:

"Being home again, having dealt with the first needs, I can now update the post-works life of EAC 90C. I bought the car as raced but fitted with Dunlop SP tyres on a very good-looking set of magnesium alloy wheels from which the much less attractive Healey wheels were copied. It was fitted with the 1293cc dry sump engine and 4 speed gearbox,  ~ at no time in its career did it have a 5 speed box. Nor did I ever fit a 997cc unit although I did have an ex-works dry sump engine of that capacity several years earlier that went into my Mk.II Sprite in which I did many club events. EAC did many UK club events, being part of the winning Sprite team in the 1967 6 Hour Relay and 1968 4 Hour Relay. It was also used on at least one occasion before it came into​ my possession because I was recently shown a photo of the car in pole position, next to John Willets in the Sebring car, at Oulton Park and I have no recollection of this event at all - it would be nice to find out more. The 1970 Mugello race crash was preceded by an attempt to sabotage the car. The day before the event Arthur was invited to move lodgings by some people attending the event, which he did. Then on the first lap he noticed the water temperature rise alarmingly, which had never happened before, and stopped t the pits to investigate. The radiator was empty, further scrutiny revealed that the Jubilee clip securing the bottom hose to it had been undone and was now hanging loose. The Sprite was hardly a threat to the big cars but would have stood a good chance in the class. Anyway the Abarth driver put paid to that. The car was broken up and​ the undamaged parts sold off although the unfortunate new owner of the gearbox had trouble with it as the force of the accident had distorted one or more of the shafts. The body went to a local scrapyard and I doubt it ever got buried! To the best of my knowledge l have never met a Dave Groves, a Richard Groves certainly, and my wife never​ had a cousin of that name. I would love to know how these things start. I have in my possession numerous photos of the car, also the Healey works specifications, several sheets op of details, which Geoff Healey gave me when I collected it. If you want anything I can scan and email to you, or if there is any other information​ you would like I will do my best to supply same. Hope this provides a more accurate history of EAC, had it not been for that Italian moron I would still have the car today...
Dudley."

THE ECURIE ECOSSE SPRITE ~ WESLAKE CUP ACCIDENT
" Great coverage of the 2017 Westlake cup in the news letter/webpage. Always difficult to dissect any accident.
Jims side of the story is that he was in the process of overtaking 2 cars on the outside at Madgwick. From Madgwick down through Fordwater and St Mary’s is flat out in the Sprite.  He had no opportunity to tighten his line as he had traffic inside. As he washed out to the outer edge of the corner he was collected by Richard Woolmer in BXN who was trying to rejoin the race at 10mph. The bonnet is quite badly damaged but Duncan Ricketts has very kindly offered to tap it out and reform it. The front end of the car is also badly damaged and will need putting on the jig and straightening. The rebuild does provide an opportunity to develop the car a little and get it back to how it looked in period". Nick Skipworth

Re: PANHARD RODS.
"Hi all. Mike Reid ran 2214UE with a panhard rod when he converted it into a full alloy bodied Sebring in 1962. Howard Steel took it off when he had the car in 63 as he found the car too twitchy. I believe there was one on the car when the present owner John Tizard bought it in 1972. I took a photo of the original axle bent in the later accident in 2010 which clearly shows the mounting bracket welded to the axle tube.  John Poulter.
P.S. My photos of the original axle fitted to 2214 taken in 2010 - now a bent piece of scrap but the extra panhard rod bracket is visible. I have nothing on the attachment to to the body".

GREAT PROGRESS
ON THE MUSSSCHE BROTHERS'
ZAGATO SPRITE

DID ANY 1/4 ELLIPTIC SPRITES RACE WITH PANHARD RODS IN PERIOD?
Ian Grainger: "One of the many topics discussed at the first round of the Healeysport Hillclimb and Sprint season at Gurston last Sunday was that of Panhard Rods. Did any 1/4 elliptic Sprites race with Panhard Rods in period? Hopefully someone with knowledge can help. A period photo would be even better. FEEDBACK please.

Paul Slangen can finally sayhis "car is 100% finished and ready for the rally season 2017. The sidescreens are fitted as well are the wider wirewheels and Michelin 175 / 70 series.
Due to these new “shoes”, the car looks much more powerful, but is also  a bit faster and runs beautiful and stable. I am quite happy now with the Green Sebring Sprite". Looks great, Paul.

Bonnet Mould
For Sale on ebay
£1560
Expires 1st May

FROM MIKE CURTIS:
" I recall there was a dialogue / discussion some time ago on wheel / tyre combination incl brands for Sebrings – am I right / have you a link? I am considering what tyres to go for. I have a spare set of Mminator 5 x13 rims already with 20mm offset. 165/ 70 X 13 fit (which I have run on other spridgets to good effect) but that combo is very close to the top link bracket on the ¼ elliptic / tyre sidewall area and may I think need spacing out a little to allow for any axle movement (see attached). Any advice, albeit I know you are running wires? Mike". Feedback please.
I have Uniroyal RainExpert 175/60s on my Sebring on 5.5" rims but when I was competing with the car I did find the tyres could rub on the inside. I turned the bolts in the spring clamps round so the heads were nearest the tyre. I also modified the brackets on which the trailing arms pivot so they are slightly narrower and used countersunk head Allen screws in place of the hexagonal head bolts. Anyone any other ideas?

ZANDVOORT BRITISH RACING FESTIVAL 2018
In the summer of 2018 we will be celebrating 60 years since the Austin-Healey Sprite was launched on the market. A big event is due to take place in the Netherlands, at the Zandvoort race circuit, on the 8/9 July.
Click here for the Provisional Timetable.
Albert Voogd of the Healey Museum describes below the full details of this prestigious event:

"Last week registration started for the Zandvoort British Race Festival on July 8/9th. I’ve attached some information about the event. The organizing committee from the Dutch Healey Club (AHOCN) has asked me to enquire if Spridget enthusiasts from the UK might be interested in visiting the event.

The AHOCN has made a special “Healey Meets Zandvoort” arrangement for Dutch and UK Healey Club members (including members of Midget & Sprite Club). This arrangement costs € 75.00 for 1 car and two persons, and includes entrance to the track and parking at the Healey Plaza in the paddock on Saturday as well as Sunday, with coffee or tea with cake in the Healey tents and 20 min. track time on Saturday. Also included on Saturday is a concours for “Best Everyday Big Healey and Spridget” and a “longest Healey parade”, to be held on the track and around the village centre of Zandvoort. From 1:00 PM on Saturday the beach pavilion Club Nautique near the circuit entrance will be opened for Healey participants, including use of the private terrace and (a limited number of) deck chairs. From 18:30 PM a barbecue will take place at the pavillion, at extra cost of € 25.00 p.p..  On the menu are shish kebab skewer, Irish Angus beef burger and bass filet. During the evening the cars can stay parked in the paddock (15 min. walking distance from pavillion to paddock).

On both days the qualifying and races can be seen from the dunes as well as from all stands and the paddock area. The Donald Healey Memorial Trophy Racing programme is organised by Healey Driver International and Dutch Healey Competitions. Some 25 participants from the UK, Holland, Sweden, Germany and the Philippines have registered by now. Among these, according to the information that I now have, are  historic Spridgets who will compete for the  John Sprinzel Trophy. I believe that Paul Woolmer is closely involved with this part of the racing programme.

Registration for “Healey Meets Zandvoort” can be done my means of a form on the Dutch Healey Club (AHOCN) website (www.healey.nl). However, this is only available in Dutch language, which might be a little problematic to those in the UK. Any UK AH /Sprite / Midget club member who is interested in visiting the event can get into contact with me by email and I will then help to make further arrangements.

A  group of Austin Healey club members from the UK with Big Healeys are already planning a visit to the event, with a stay at the Van der Valk Hotel in Breukelen and a visit to the Healey Museum on Friday. This is being coordinated by Rob Hudson. Rob has let us know that he may be able to accomodate a (small) group of Spridgets from the UK. If this sounds like an interesting option, I can arrange contact with Rob."

So, How about it guys? Let me know if you are interested in making the trip and maybe we can set up a convoy from the UK. Feedback

A complete set of H4 1½" SU carbs removed from 1961 Sebring Sprite. Nice and clean, with modified manifold. These carbs are rare these days, and very attractive for APP.K racing in Minis, Spridgets etc. Worldwide shipping possible. Price - £550
Contact Nikolaj Mortensen via email

A REASONABLY PRICED COPY OF "SPRITELY YEARS" IS CURRENTLY FOR SALE ON EBAY AT £70

PARTS FOR SALE

Complete quarter elliptic wire conversion (rear axle,front suspension etc) SOLD
1275 engine with Toyota 5 speed gear box and all parts to fit it.
Late Mk2 Sprite dashboard with instruments (SOLD) and very rare steering wheel bezel.
Contact Tony Griffiths by email.

DAN'S GOODWOOD PHOTOS
I've started processing some 40 great shots from the Weslake Cup sent in by Dan Paul, with more to come shortly.

SPEEDWELL REV COUNTER
Mark Wilson has now developed a 10K RPM Speedwell gauge and has one available now, built up with an original Weston case.
£245
more

Weslake Cup Report nears completion but a large gallery of photos still to add.

Part of the unfortunate result of James Dean's collision with Richard Woolmer's BXN at Goodwood. See YouTube

Peter May Eng
are also now offering copies of Will Corry's special bonnet.

TEAM RAINFORD

OLLY FRIEND'S first race, at Donnington, - rotor arm broke after 6 laps due to the dizzy touching the steering column.

CAN ANYONE ASSIST TONY HEYWORTH WITH THE RESTORATION OF HIS W & P HARDTOP?

Hi Martin, Great website and very interesting to read that William & Pritchard were more involved in the Sebring Sprites than I thought. I acquired a William & Pritchard Sebring Hardtop to replace my works hardtop on a MKIV Austin Healey Sprite. It needs restoring and I've been looking for a restored example to act as a reference or a knowledgeable owner to share experiences and pictures. Sometime ago I met an owner of an MG Midget with W&P hardtop, Damien Saunders and he was the inspiration to find a W&P hardtop. I saw that you helped out another interested party with an introduction to Tim Saunders (not sure if they are related...) It would be great if you could put me in touch. I'm also looking for someone who could potentially help with the hardtop restoration. Many thanks, Tony (Wokingham, Berkshire, UK).
Email Tony if you can assist, please.

LE MANS START 1968
The Roger Enever/Alec Poole Sprite No.50 about to get under way.
[Karsten Stelk]

James Colburn's WINNING LENHAM GT IS ALSO UP FOR SALE
Link

FOLLOWING THEIR OUTINGS IN THE WESLAKE CUP
both Shaun Rainford's SS 1800 (link) and Daryl Davis's new Sebring Rep are on the market, the latter at £35,000

SPRINZEL IN ACTION IN THE 60'S

"Start of the 1958 Liege, sadly a broken stub axle put us out when very well placed" JS

"Stuart and I on the top of the lonely Vivionne Pass heading for a class win on the 1959 Liege" JS

2214 UE Liege - 1960.
JS with the car's owner John Patten. They came 3rd overall and won their class.

JS with Willy Cave and the TR RAC Rally 1962, 15th overall, 4th in class. [Photos kindly sent in by Pierre Lequeux]

A SUBSEQUENT EMAIL FROM MIKE CURTIS reads: "Martin, I have now made contact with Peter Caldwell, by email, who was most helpful. Anyone wanting information / prices, make contact direct as per your original web site contact information".

ADJUSTABLE LEVER ARM SHOCK ABSORBERS
Mike Curtis writes: "I was looking into the availability of these, due to the (in my view) high price for ‘new’ standard units. It seems Peter May is not the UK agent. One needs to contact ‘World Wide etc’ in the USA direct. I have tried to get in touch, but no joy thus far. It occurs to me that there must be scope for someone in the UK to produce similar, for a variety of Classic marques, particularly bearing in mind the premium prices charged by the likes of Frontline for upgrades, which in my experience are not that much of an improvement!"
Any suggestions will be forwarded.
I pointed out the Peter Caldwell items but Mike has had difficulty contacting Peter in USA.

This new book by Pablo Raybould tells of CHRISTABEL CARLISLE's motor racing career £23.50 incl UK post. He can be contacted by email

Trevor McIlroy sent in these great images (above) of the first round of the N.I. Hill climb championship held at Croft, Holywood Co Down N.I. on 1st April. This is their standard bodied Sebring, on its first outing in the 2017 season. 

Paul Garside's Sebring Rep which he bought last year from Richard Sands looking very smart.

.I hear there is to be a "Spridget 60 Meet at Zandvoort 27-29 July 2018". (I am trying to find out more).

PETER MAY ENGINEERING
are now producing a Sebring fastback top with opening boot lid and modified to take Rolls/Bentley rear lights. They also mention (on Facebook) that they are expecting a first batch of Alexander bonnets soon.

1293cc FAST ROAD ENGINE FOR SALE
Having built himself a 1071cc motor, Nikolaj Moertensen is now offering his 1293 for sale. With 11:1 c/r; std journals; fully balanced; ARP bolts and Mahle bearings; lightened/balanced S con rods; centre main strap; 29/33 valves; 11 stud 12G940 head; baffled sump, etc it is to a pretty high spec. Asking price is £4,950. Email him.

Goodwood Weslake Cup 2017 ~ I have started to put together a page about the race

STILL FOR SALE IN FRANCE - SYLVAIN PROYART'S SEBRING SPRITE REPLICA

(1960), LHD. Complete with FIA HTP papers, 2016. Ready to race. and based in France (near Paris). Offers on £32,000. For more information and photos, etc please contact Sylvain by Email

Bill Prout's standard-bodied Sebring For Sale in the USA

Finished with the exception of some interior and engine details and presently fitted with a W & P Sebring bonnet and hardtop. The car recently ran at the Lime Rock Park Vintage Fall Festival finishing 2nd in class to an Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ. Just about everything on the car is new or rebuilt  and it has both a Frogeye and Sebring bonnets. Bill has recently spent 30,000 USD on new parts and labor. A short video is on YouTube. The car is now for sale at US $ 60,000. Contact Bill by email if interested.

Just 4 hours left as I write if you want a set of Speedwell door handles offered on ebay at 'Buy Now' price of £500

Will Corry's Sebring in preparation for the Weslake Cup ~ what happened to him in the race?

Bob Hinchliffe
recently received his opening left hand side-screen and reports he is delighted with it.

Rare ADAMS & BROWN bonnet for sale on Gumtree
in Australia
at Aus$1195

Dave Wood of Orson Equipment reports:

"We have finally finished the (latest batch of Sebring) front hubs – and have also made the “special" (Sebring) spinners. We have a couple of pairs of front (hub)s left if anyone is interested. Contact Dave by email or phone: (UK) 01902 906290"
www.orsonequipment.co.uk

Back at the desk this morning (Apr 5th) after 2+ weeks away so lots of catching up to do, not least my report on the Weslake Cup though it must all be old news by this time. Any photos and stories of the event to complete the 'picture' appreciated. While away my email was hacked so the PC has to go to our local geek for attention leaving me without it for a day or 2.

DON'T FORGET GOODWOOD LIVE ONLINE SUNDAY MORNING 9 O'CLOCK (UK TIME)

I will be away for 2 weeks after Goodwood on 19th March, back at the beginning of April. Until then please keep all the photos, articles and other info coming in so that I can update the website on my return. Thank you.
Use Feedback which I will acknowledge and respond to from the Ipad while I am away.

RICHARD HART OFFERS FOR SALE ON EBAY:
A Frogeye Steering Wheel,
and (providing you are not thinking of racing at Goodwood!) a set of Roller Rockers
both at £200 and both expiring on 26 March.

THAT INLET MANIFOLD (see below)
I recall now that Hans van der Kerkhof, of the Healey Museum NL, was, early last year, offered a similar manifold (but with bolt-on balance pipe), and asked me if I could identify it. Ivo Cappon later offered it (or one the same) for sale on ebay (in July) and it sold for £475. At the time none of us knew quite what it was.

FROM ROGER SIELING:         re: RON'S QUESTIONS ON 1½" CARBS (& INLET MANIFOLD).
"I don't remember the exact number, but its prefix is AEA, which was a common enough BMC number series. I've never seen another manifold or cylinder head like these. The valves in the head are large enough that the top of the block had to be "eye-browed". The manifold surface where it meets the carbs has a pair of studs to accept the pair of H4 carbs, but there are another pair of drillings for a pair of studs that would have all 4 studs (for the 2 carbs) in line horizontally.I believe there is a photo of the manifold sitting on the fuel tank on the Falcon page. The manifold is a one piece casting, encompassing both throats in one casting w/ the plugs in the ends so that part looks stock. The H4 carbs are of fixed jet type w/ no provisions to drop the jet down for enriching the mixture for cold starting. The jets are mounted in threaded collars to allow them to be adjusted for running mixture. Some of these parts were missing but those parts were found to be used on Jag XK-120 etc so I have a complete kit. From sitting out in the open for those years during the 60's until I rescued it, one carb is still corroded together, despite them sitting in ATF for 30 years. I did buy a nice set of MGA carbs 20 years ago in case I have to abandon the original, and that is what is on the mock-up right now.      Roger.
PS: I am handicapped by not having access to the car and its pieces during winter season, but that will change in about 6 weeks".

SECOND MESSAGE FROM ROGER: "The photo on the Falcon page of this website is not of the fuel tank, but rather the engine block, [see photo above right] rocker cover and the manifold. Sorry for the poor photo quality, but this was taken many years ago, possibly with natural light in my basement with Tri-X 400 film and digitized to the form you see. If you look closely, you can make out the cruciform shape of the carb flange".

THERE ALL CONVERGING ON GOODWOOD FOR THE BIG RACE - THE WESLAKE CUP

Brian Small's Ashley GT gets on its trailer. Fitted with Peter May engine and gear box and prepared by Midland Classic Restorations. [Graham Walden]

Will Corry said on 11th March: "It's been a journey to get this car ready for Goodwood Members Meeting 75MM. It is finally ready to test ahead of packing up and heading over next week. Too many people to thank but we will update next week once we land into Goodwood race circuit"

Original press photo of both record breakers
Austin Healey Sprite and the MG one [karsten Stelk]

SS 1800
off to Goodwood

AND MORE FROM RON GORDON
"Sorry about Q vs O on the part number.  I disassembled the balance pipe from the manifold for Tom.  Picture attached of the gasket and orifice plate.  The plate is fairly well made but whether original or not ?  The center hole is 7 mm.  There was .06 mm (1/16")gasket material on both sides of the orifice plate which I reproduced". 

FROGEYE SPRITE WANTED
A new member of Midget & Sprite Club is seeking to buy a Frogeye in the region of£12,000. Information leading to the purchase of same can be forwarded:
enquiries@midgetandspriteclub.co.uk

S221 & 184 FGJ safely arrived at Goodwood and all set for this weekend's Members Meeting! First time both cars have been out racing together for a couple of years...

NO ROLLER ROCKERS OR SPLIT WEBERS IN WESLAKE CUP AT GOODWOOD!!

I was interested to learn that these instructions have been sent out to all those competing in the Weslake Cup:

"It has come to our attention that a number of competitors may be running roller-rockers on their engines for the Weslake Cup. This is not allowed under the technical regulations set out by us. The regulations state that the cars must adhere to Appendix K, which prohibits the use of roller-rockers. Our regulations go on to make further, more specific, clarifications. We appreciate that our regulations do not explicitly state that these are illegal, but as no specific reference to them is made, and they are prohibited under Appendix K, they are similarly illegal under our own regulations.
As we are so close to the event we are in a difficult situation and making last minute technical amendments is not practical. Therefore would like to clarify our intended actions at the 75th Members’ Meeting:

1. Cars running roller-rockers will not be disqualified from the Meeting, however they will be issued with a penalty.
2. All competitors must declare whether they are using roller-rockers before qualifying, anyone found to be using roller-rockers who did not declare it beforehand will be disqualified.
3. Practice/qualifying will happen as normal on Saturday.
4. Qualifying positions for cars running roller-rockers will be in accordance with their qualifying times, but with the fastest roller-rocker car starting behind the slowest ‘legal’ car – i.e. the grid will be separated into two classes (those with roller-rockers and those without).
5. To avoid any further confusion, split Weber carburettors are not permitted – a single twin-choke Weber is permitted as per the regulations.

  For future reference:

 Many thanks, Matt Hearn, Motorsport Competitions Secretary,
Tony Gaze Building, Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0PH)

WATCH GOODWOOD LIVE THIS WEEKEND (18/19 MARCH) JUST CLICK HERE

The Weslake Cup (aAt 9am Sunday 19th) - Entry List
which includes 26 Spridgets, 2 Turners a Rochdale Olympic and an Ogle SX1000

A GREAT PHOTO
of WJB 707 being driven on the ragged edge by Ian Walker back in '61

MY OWN THOUGHTS ON RON GORDON'S NOTE BELOW: "I would imagine the Healey inlets were made specifically for use with the 1½" SUs as that was a standard tuning modification on Sebring Sprites, but others may correct me? I think a hole appearing in the head casting was not that rare - my first Midget Mk 1 had just such a hole when I bought it and I had to get it repaired, but it would be great if on could prove this was from the Moss car/engine. MEI"

FROM RON GORDON:
"Martin, I hope all is well with you.   I have been following the discussion of XSP engines with interest and Roger noted that his Falcon Sprite had 1.5" carbs.  In the parts that came with my car was a set of 1.5" carbs and intake manifolds (Healey 02344, pic attached) which accept the 1.5" carbs.  Judging by the quality of modification work on other components with the car I would say this was done professionally if in fact modified. Were these intakes originally made to accept 1.25" carbs? The head with the manifold has casting number 90152.  This head has a lump of weld in the #3 port (pic attached).  On page 126 of 'More Healeys' it was mentioned that the Moss car cracked the head warming up for the 1960 Sebring 4hr and it was repaired with a lump of weld. The intake manifold and head are port matched at 1.25".  Whether the head I have is the head from 1960 is a coincidence or in fact the same but I feel this set was together at some point".
COMMENTS PLEASE via FEEDBACK

SEBRING SPRITE FOR SALE ON EBAY
This appears to have all the right bits to make it a standard-bodied Sebring and in nice condition. Looks like an age related plate and possibly re-imported from USA, expires 23rd March
Buy Now price is £19,495

ALEXANDER ANTI-ROLL BAR
Pierre Lequeux has kindly supplied these photos of his anti-rollbar which has incredibly long arms and as he points out "the diameter of the bar is 16.21 millimetres (about 5/8 of an inch after Brexit I guess..)

The Woolmer Classic Engineering cars have been out practicing at Goodwood. Good to see Ian Hulett's black and yellow WSM restored to good health after its accident.

PMO 15
Does it still exist? Ray English found this in an Australian magazine: Modern Motor. Feedback please if you know.

PHOTO FOR SALE ON ebay
Taken by Guy Griffiths of Jim Kennard at Bugatti OC Prescott on 12/7/64 when he won his class. 1 bid at £9.99 exp 19 Mar

FROM SPRINZEL:
" While BMC Canada did indeed pay for most of Abingdon and Healey entries at Sebring, Hambros was actually the US Importer for BMC Products; Canada provided a lot of the mechanics, and several drivers and 'Dusty' Miller did the publicity. I seem to remember that they also prepared the MG's that competed. I don't recall the US folks being very concerned with Sebring. J"

Another pair of ARMSTRONG ADJUSTABLES being offered by Steuart Crofts on ebay - at the 'Buy Now' price of £500

and a 40 DCOE Weber being offered by John Poulter on ebay auction at £42 - expires 15 March

ALAN ANSTEAD'S SEBRING REP - 577 DNX
now not only sports its new side-screens but has had a complete re-spray after he fitted a flexible seal between the coupe top and the bodyshell. Very smart Alan - and talking of patience - you got your side-screens eventually!

AND, FROM ROGER SIELING (Owner of the Falcon Sprite):

"When I visited Geoffrey (Healey), March 1990, he pulled out his little note book and gave me some tidbits of information. ST401 had two different XSP motors, I believe an earlier one used for Nassau '59 and Sebring, then a new unit for Le Mans and retained for Nassau '60. The later engine is the one I have and the one listed in the book. GH informed me of the number and I wrote it down. That info is in my file cabinet in Ohio and I will let you know the number when I return.
In the John Christy Nassau article, he mentions in a photo caption that the engine was fitted with 1¼" carbs. The XSP engine I have has a unique manifold and 1½" carbs. The manifold has cast into it an AEA BMC part number, one or two numbers off the unique head casting number, so I'm pretty sure it is correct and original.
The late XSP engine is mocked up in the Falcon and the air horns of the carbs do extend out over the bonnet edge. The later carb bonnet bulge does extend over the edge of the bonnet opening and is first seen on the car for LeMans. When they installed this bulge and cut away the edge of the bonnet, severely weakened the bonnet and this is part of the reason the bonnet has been re-made and re-inforced the way it has been done. The bulge is the original that has been nicely repaired, then damaged in THE accident.  Roger".

XSP ENGINE NUMBERS
For those fascinated by numbers I have been amending my web page of XSP engines/numbers after Pete Taylor sent me a list published in an American magazine called 'Flash' and prepared by the secretary of  the Healey Sports and Touring Club, Del Border, based he thinks in Philadelphia. The article was written in 2010 and can be found on the internet at   http://en.calameo.com/read/000075539f07ea94e00bb (pages 18 to 21). It's impossible to know how accurate the list now is, especially as engines probably got swapped from car to car, even at the time they were first raced.

OULTON PARK
18th March
1961

Maarten Krikken has recently received the above programme copies and lap chart "from Robert Pennington who is researching the race history of TVR Granturas and saw my website dedicated to the early Marcos cars. It is interesting to read a CMM Williams is competing in a Sebring Sprite at Oulton Park in March 1961 - probably Chris Williams in 52 LPH in standard body form, I would guess? I would also be curious to know who C McLaren was who drove a Sprite. Could he be the same Chris McLaren who drove a Marcos Gullwing and Fastback?". Feedback if you can help please.

FROM ALISTAIR ROSS: Your picture of the back end of VP7 reminded me that I have number of photo's of VP7 that JVP gave me showing VP7 metamorphosing into a Speedwell GT. Attached are 4 photos showing the main changes. The photo of the finished GT at full chat is at Goodwood.

728 H - SPEEDWELL GT
This car belonged to Richard Melville and was entered, by Peter Jackson, in the Sebring 3 hour race in 61. It was to be driven by Graham Hill and Richard. Graham did the first stint in the race and it suffered with too high oil temperature and was soon retired. It was returned to England and Richard drove it at La Chartre when he was 2nd behind Peter in BXN; he then drove it at Clermont Ferrand in the 6 hour race when it again retired with overheating, and BXN was 3rd in class behind a couple of Abarths. At the '61 Nurburgring 500kms Richard wrote off 728 H in practice and its special Eddy Mayer engine was taken out and transferred into BXN. [Peter Jackson]

Sebring Sprite Family now stands at 72. To join send me your home town and your interest in the marque.

MORE ON EARLY ANTI-ROLL BARS
"Just for information I have attached a pic of a 1960 Sprite fitted with a period a-roll bar. I presume this is a Speedwell one being mounted quite near to the king pins and the shape being more of the dog leg. For comparison there is a pic of the one on 2214UE (right) with the connecting links mounted upside down to keep the bar away from rocks when rallying. I'm sure there is a comment from JS about doing this. Cheers John (Poulter)".

Has anyone got a copy of the article shown right entitled "Living the Life", about XWW2?
Feedback

XWW 2 - SPEEDWELL GT
Another period shot from Maarten Krikken shows the car owned for most of its life by Peter Smith and still used by him in competition. Venue is Harewood, 16th September 1962. Nikk Aveyard adds "that was the first ever Harewood Hillclimb. Several friends of my parents were in attendance (sadly all now deceased). XWW2 was entered by PJ Smith and states 996cc.
He won the class with a time of 55.48 (the track was more or less cinder at that date)... a Lotus 11 Le Mans was only half a second quicker and FTD was Tony Lanfanci in an Elva Mk6 racing car only 4 seconds quicker". See results {Thanks also to Tom Coulthard & Mike Curtis on this]

THE 1959 WORKS SEBRING CAR DRIVEN BY STILES & SUTHERLAND which was restored by the late Butch Gilbert in the USA is now owned by Jon Curtis (UK) and is registered UWD 97. I have renamed the webpage "sutherland59car" . Watch out for it in the Hertfordshire countryside.

FROM GUILLAUME GAGNARD of WG British Racing
"Hello, About the black fastback spotted at Epoqu Auto last year in France.  We built this car from a 'corpse' using Archer fibreglass panels. Most of steel panels of the chassis are new, some from Moss and others recreated by ourselves. The engine is a 1293cc with steel crank, forged pistons, H Beam conrods...etc  We have MED dog box. 
I add some pictures of the engine bay. Best regards.
Guillaume (Gangnard) WG RACING "
P.S. I forgot to mention that we have a second Sebring replica here (not fastback).

ANOTHER ONE from Maarten Krikken shows a Monza bonneted Sprite leading one of the Dick Jacobs team MGAs.
Looks like the Autosport 3 Hours 1960 with Henry Elwes in VDD 680 - another shot (right) from Nicolas Billion-Rey. I wonder what became of car and driver?

AND MORE:
Tom Coulthard points out: "it’s not the Autosport Three Hours and I believe the Marcos is being driven not by Jackie Oliver, but by Ian Walker, WJB 707 by then being sold (or having been sold) from Lancaster Mews. It is the Autosport Three Hours meeting, but as the big race started at 5.30 pm and went on into the darkness – justifying its ‘mini Le Mans’ moniker – there were supporting races for saloon cars, Formula Juniors and the Molyslip Trophy race for GT cars. (This is actually as given in “Spritely Years” page 193!!) Peter Jackson told me he was “trying everything he knew” (which, as we know, as a racer was quite a lot) to keep ahead of Ian Walker in the works Marcos ... which I gather Peter managed for many laps, though neither of them got ‘onto the podium’ in class".
[So, is it Peter or is it Melville? More later perhaps.]

THAT SNETTERTON PHOTO (3 rows down)
Former owner of 46 BXN, Peter Jackson tels me: "Thanks for photo, it is not one that I have seen before. In fact it is Richard Melville driving BXN. He borrowed it from me to do that race at Snetterton, I think using the engine which we had used for the 500 ks at the Ring,where we had finished 3rd overall. I cannot remember how he got on, though I was pleased to get it back in one piece!!. I am in constant E mail contact with Richard so I will ask him if he can remember, and let you know if I get any info. Hope your supercharger is working ok. Cheers P.J."

SEAN SANDOE
is offering these Sebring items for sale on ebay.
The Armstrong shocks are at £599 sold £620 11 Mar
and the Hubs are at £299 unsold 11 March

MG Mecca www.mgmecca.co.uk are advertising that they can manufacture 2/3 Sebring Sprites per year from £27,995.

Kindly sent in by Maarten Krikken this photo of 46 BXN in its original standard-bodied style is captioned "Snetterton 3 Hours 1961 - Jackie Oliver". Looking at the excellent "racingsportscars" website I can't see Jackie in the race, only Andrew Hedges and a D.Randall in Sprites apparently finishing 5th & 6th.

SEBRING PAMPHLETS & CIRCUIT MAP now scanned to a higher resolution. [Pete Taylor]
Click on each to open.

VAUXHALL VENTORA DISCS
This is the Dave Richards from projectShop.tv., late Editor of Classic Car Weekly who knows all about Vauxhall and Eastern European cars in response to John Baggott's request: "With 30 Ventoras left? He'd need to buy a complete car to take them off it. And the last scrapper that sold on ebay made £3900. What he needs to do is get a new pair machined from billet".

"Talking of Alfa engines, apparently Halls Garage (Tifosi Rana) are looking to fit Suzuki engines & boxes.
I have started to fit my new sidescreens. Alan Anstead".

SVEN HAS SOME ANSWERS: ALFA ENGINE/BOX & SPEEDWELL v HEALEY 100 ANTI-ROLL BARS

About fitting an Alfa engine and gearbox: There was for sale a MkIII on ebay recently with a Sebring front with an Alfa engine and gearbox in it - seemed to fit nicely. It looked like the battery tray had to be modified or removed. I could not make out whether anything had to be done to the cross-member to make the gearbox fit. But it looked like similar problems to installing a Kent block based engine or a K-series. All of these have 5 main bearings and are a bit longer than the good old A-series.
The second bit is about the Speedwell and the Austin Healey 100 anti-roll bars: I believe there was an original Speedwell anti-roll bar on TRV202. It  can be viewed on the first photograph on TRV´s sub-page. Like the Austin Healey 100 bar the eyelet is horizontal, albeit a bit smaller. It is longer and has a somewhat more complex shape. The links are mounted further out on the wishbone. The links are not available anymore. I have modified rear shock absorber links to do the job.
If you are interested I shall send photographs.

DUPLICATE MODEL BOUGHT IN ERROR
Exem EX RLM 008
"Austin-Healey Sprite No.48 Le Mans 1965 Aaltonen/Baker" £29.99 box unopened. Contact John Baggott SOLD

EQUIPE GTS TEST DAY ~ GOODWOOD 28 FEBRUARY
'This smart Frog bearing the legend "Friend Racing Developments" looked good through the chicane and had an aluminium bonnet, [Roger Friend's son, Oliver] and Shaun Rainford shakes down son, Charles', Lenham Le Mans'.
(Photos/text: John Baggott)

KEN GRASING'S DEVELOPMENTS
For his supercharged car, this newly fitted air scoop replicates that on 7080 AC in the early days, the airbox (not shown) similar to the one seen in pictures of FEY 678. (this work carried out by Skunk River Restorations of Ames, Iowa).   The airbox is made of aluminum and designed to fit a new K&N cone filter, the scoop blending in with the headlamp shape.
Ken is also building a 10CG 1098 for his Innocenti S which uses a well worked on 12G295 head, fast road cam, plus .040 overbore and a bit of compression boost to be mated to a Datsun 5-speed gearbox.
His naturally aspirated 948cc engine is also just about completed - built to FIA Appendix K, bored to 998cc and fitted with FIA correct size valves, correct rockers, and correct head.

SPEEDWELL GT - 585 MY
Still looking for a new home at 115000 Euros
Link

SPOTTED AT LAKE TAHOE in 2002 (Genuine 1959 Sebring team car or a copy?)
[Pete Taylor]

HNX 456D ~ A photo from Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird of the Baker/Hedges car at Le Mans in 1967

and EAO in the SNETTERTON 3 HOURS in 1961 - Andrew Hedges at the wheel

JOHN BAGGOTT
is looking for a pair of Vauxhall Ventora brake discs (a regular mod in bygone days for Modified Midgets)
Feedback please if you can help.

OULTON PARK ~ 30 Sept 1967 (right)
Dudley Lucas in EAC 90C (special bodied Healey 'works' Sprite far left) alongside John Willetts in 9253 WD (Healey 'works' Mk.II Sprite) on the grid at an MGCC event. John Willetts scored a 1st in class, 5th overall, but was penalised 1 minute for a push start! Therefore not placed! He also recorded the fastest lap in class with 9253 WD at a speed of 80.81 m.p.h. [JWB - Facebook]

MG MIDGET GT (JACOBS REPLICA) PROJECT
Some of you are probably aware that over the last 8 years, since the death of Brian Archer, I have been working on a project to produce a replica of the GT Midget often referred to as the Dick Jacobs Midget. This is something Brian always planned to do though when the opportunity arose to build a copy of the Sprinzel Sebring Sprite he went down that route, initially, instead. When Brian was ill his partner Andrew Forster made a start on making a buck of the front end and I took on the job of building one for the main body. This has proved to be long and time-consuming work and at the age of 71, and having begun the renovation of a cottage 300 miles from our current home, the car project has had to be set aside. I have therefore decided to dispose of the partially completed buck if I can find someone interested in taking it over. For more details please take a look at my web page: www.jacobsmidget.com/replica.html which tells the story so far.
I am now offering for sale:
* The sound Midget bodyshell with modified rear arches, dummy windscreen (aluminium) fitted with a central spine profile (MDF) together with a shortened bonnet, tatty front wings, a pair of doors and a boot lid.
* Ready-bent aluminium extrusions and curved polycarbonate sheet to complete the wind-up windows with winding mechanisms and chrome handles.
* Chassis stand supports with castors.
* Assorted working drawings - and photos of the original cars.
* Aluminium former for production of further polycarbonate windows.
* Plywood former for working on door/window frames.
* 3 newly manufactured Pilkington Glass laminated windscreens and all rights to the tooling. (These alone cost £2,400)
* The original 1969 car's identity, V5 etc documents
* An alternative 5-digit 1969 registration on retention certificate: NVJ 6G (New Version Jacobs)

A SALE HAS NOW BEEN AGREED

ANYONE ANY EXPERIENCE OF FITTING AN ALFA 105 TYPE (1300 or 1600) ENGINE AND GEARBOX IN A SPRIDGET?
Apparently they are dimensionally similar. Feedback would be appreciated (by David Bruzas, for a friend)(.

On 20th Feb CCK were at Brands hatch with Mike Haigh testing his Lenham Le Mans. "The car has been prepped for the Weslake Cup at Goodwood’s 75th Members Meeting, and is performing well with only a couple of jobs to do before Goodwood.

JUST TO PROVE THOSE ILLUSIVE SIDE-SCREENS
ARE FINALLY ARRIVING
THESE PHOTOS ARE FROM
ALAN ANSTEAD & DAVE MARRIOTT

PETE TAYLOR kindly sent in these copies of a leaflet about the SEBRING RACE CIRCUIT in FLORIDA
Unfortunately the resolution is not very high so I will see if I can get a better copy for display later.

AG Thorpe front and rear bodywork for sale - very rare.
On ebay expires today 1 Mar
Asking £500

Oxford Universities Motorsport Foundation Sebring ready for Race Retro

JOHN MOON appeals on Facebook: "This is an appeal for a Spridget enthusiast to give me a hand with my racing Lenham GT. The car is very competitive and has been raced at circuits all over Europe. I have a schedule of about 6 races planned for this year, including a trip to Zandvoort. I live near Chipping Sodbury and have excellent workshop facilities including a 2 post ramp. But not enough time! I am currently fitting the rebuilt engine. The ideal person will have racing experience and a thorough knowledge of Spridgets. Modest beer money for the right person but mainly great fun and memorable experiences. PM me or call 07813 084046. John"

Ken Grasing's Sebring Coupe makes progress at Creative Classics now that its side-screens have arrived.

JONAS LINDQUIST (SWEDEN) joins the 'Family' and asks: "What's the difference between a genuine Speedwell front anti roll bar and a A-H 100 anti roll bar? How do you verify which is which?
Are there any advantages in using a genuine Speedwell front anti roll bar compare to an original/OEM used on later cars?
Thanks! Feedback please. Homepage: speedwell.se

DAN DARE HARDTOP
FOR SALE ON EBAY
offered by Pierre Lequeux
currently at £102
expires 5th March

LWD 959E
A new photo, kindly supplied by Steve Nash of the 1967 Targa Florio car, on display somewhere?

THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS - TO WHOM I SEND MY GRATEFUL THANKS:
Pierre Lequeux; Steve Nash; Ken Grasing; Jonas Lindquist; John Moon; Pete Taylor; Alan Anstead; Dave Marriott; CCK Historic; David Bruzas; John Baggott; Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird; Jan Mussche; Pete Taylor, John Baggott; Sven Eckhardt; Alan Anstead; Sean Sandoe; David Scothorn; Nicolas Billion-Rey; Peter Jackson; Guillaume Gagnard; Jon Curtis; Tom Coulthard; Nik Aveyard; Mike Curtis.

Described as a Sebring Sprite Tribute this Frog in Southern California was recently on ebay at $12,600. It has a forward-opening bonnet, 1275 power unit and Healey-style grille being a 'tribute' to the Healey 100S.

CHARLIE CLEGG'S ALLOY FASTBACK 184 FGJ
appears to have a new paint job with a brighter yellow nose.

If you are a member of Facebook you may like to join the Facebook Sebring Sprite Group - but please keeping visiting and contributing to this website too.

DTA 949C
seems to struggle to find a permanent home. Up for sale at £19,995 on
car and classic

THAT ADO 34/50 PROJECT:

Douglas Anderson explains: "We have now finished the 1/5 scale model of the project and are very happy with the final result.  This model will be scanned up to full size and a buck prepared for the production of moulds.  It has been designed to fit a standard Midget tub. There is still a lot of work to do but we are very pleased with the way it is going.  Our aim is to have a finished car by the end of the year.  I would be very interested to hear comments from the Sebring community". Feedback please

"In the midst of sorting my garage before moving house, have found a MkII Midget radiator, complete with shroud and drain tap.  From memory I think the top tank has a small weep, so although usable in an emergency, could do with some attention". NOW SOLD

JOHN SPRINZEL points out that "Ian's car is not really as original as all that. Ian and I delivered it to the new owner​, and he crashed it badly at a Brands Hatch open day  - on the first go around Paddock I believe.  Rob Walker's garage did the rebuild. I think S221 is the nearest to original of the first Sebrings". [See WJB 707 below]

Roger Friend offers this pair of uprated front shocks for sale 800 miles only ideal for fast road use £100 the pair.
Email him NOW SOLD

"This photo was taken at a recent Brands Hatch test day when Ian Burford was testing in readiness for Goodwood with CCK in attendance. No.46 is his new Cheetah fitted with an enormous V8. The very tricky conditions with sleet and rain meant they only had time to do some shake downs on the Cheetah, and the Lumbertubs - No. 31 - did not get out. John Baggott, (who took the picture) had an enjoyable morning watching, but it was very, very cold"

John Egan has posted on Facebook these 2 great photos of the ex-Ian Walker Sebring WJB 707, which he took at the NEC in 2014 - which reminds me that Octane magazine were due to do an article on the car which is still for sale at CCK Historic. I'm surprised someone hasn't snapped it up, being the most original of the 4 remaining Sprinzel cars.

GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING - WESLAKE CUP, SUNDAY 19TH MARCH
I gather the Sprites will practice on Saturday 18th and the race will be the opener on Sunday at 9 o'clock so it will be an early start for spectators too. Graham Robson tells me his son Asher now has an entry for his pale blue Sebring replica so that will be 3 father/son duos competing: Chris and Charles Clegg, Shaun and Charlie Rainford, and Graham and Asher Robson. I thought the Woolmers might have made a 4th ? Looks like a great grid. Unfortunately I think all tickets are sold out.

There are now 65 Members of the Sebring Sprite Family

ARCHER'S SIDE-SCREENS
I am pleased to report that the new batch of side-screens are now ready for despatch and Andrew is collecting payments before delivery. A couple more pairs will be supplied later to complete the current list. These 14 pairs have worked out at £435 a pair which is about 20% up on the 1990's price which had never been increased. The future price is expected to be about £500 per pair which is still only the same as was charged for DHMC side-screens several years ago. Our thanks to our friend (who shall be nameless) who has put in a lot of effort to make these for us, and to Andrew as well, of course..

PHIL ZAMLYNSKI'S STORY

"Yes please add me to the Sebring Sprite Family. Address is Allegan, Michigan, USA.
Martin, Here are some words about my interests and a brief history of some of my car related activities. Use any or as much of this as you feel appropriate and/or reasonable. My interest started in or about 1960 with the purchase of a 1957 MGA Coupe for $750 that I drove the wheels off of until 1964. I drove this MGA 1500 at speed many times on all kinds US roads. What fun. I was hooked!!! Then while in the US Army came a 1964 Porsche Coupe purchased in Germany. It was driven across Europe. On my first trip to England in 1965 I saw Jim Clark at Silverstone in a Lotus Cortina and Lotus Formula car.  Many years later I educated myself on Jim Clark and Colin Chapman..   Years passed in a flash without a sports car but in 1985 my wife Marian financed a 1962 Lotus Super 7. We restored the 7 and fitted it with a upgraded non-cross flow engine in phase 3 tune. The 7 has a Silverstone Club Placard on its right hand driver side panel. Jim Clark became my favorite driver and in 1985 I also joined the Lotus Corps car club in Chicago Illinois. The 7 was sold in 2005.  While at a locale Fun Fair, visions of sugar plums overcame me and a 1960 Sprite was purchased, I freely admit an impulse buy. The Sprite came home in boxes and boxes of parts with several boxes of 948 engine bits. But then there was a series of articles in the Austin Healey Magazine on the Sebring Sprite. For the second time in my life, I was hooked. The parts were purchased from Archer’s Garage, shipped to the US and the Sprite conversion project started. As usual many life experiences got in the way of getting things done including other diversions: restoring and racing a Formula VW in vintage events and races for several years, building ¼ mile drag front engine rail car and some auto-crossing too.
While the Sebring is being assembled, a 1960 MGA 1600 Coupe was purchased in 2013 as a daily driver. So I’m starting over with the same English car I got hooked with. What fun. Recently, while re-evaluating what I really like to do, it’s clear looking around my work shop that I like to build all kinds of things including many car related items. I’ve built many exhaust headers, mostly for British race cars and loads of other specialty car related parts. Our 1960 Sebring will be on the road this year and my 1960 MGA Coupe, it was discovered recently has a very sick engine. The MGA will be getting a new phase 2 upgrade engine soon. Lastly, there is a home built H-Mod race car, circa late 1950s, in my garage. The H-Mod car was brought home in boxes, bags and handfuls of parts. The H-Mod is Morris Minor based on 1948/51 parts including a side-valve/flat-head engine with an ALTA overhead conversion kit. In parallel many parts are being fabricated for the H-Mod phase 3 engine, disk brakes, … and chassis safety updated. Regards, Phil."

MikeCurtis's car 1367 VU is coming along nicely.

WIPER ARMS & BLADES FOR THE SPRINZEL SEBRING SPRITE (COUPE & FASTBACK)
Mike Curtis has sourced suitable arms and blades for his replica and believes MGB Hive are the cheapest. He says "In case other builders are interested details are as follows:
Arm – MGB ROADSTER & GT TEX S/S WIPER ARM ADJUSTABLE 5.2MM
Tex Part No. U70300 (10 deg crank) Adjusts form 235 – 300 mm
[mine are set at approx. 260 mm / 10 ¼ inch ~ MEI]
Blade - MGB ROADSTER 10" S/S WIPER BLADE 5.2MM Tex Part No. B05110
Fitment to suit original 9/16th boss via Tex branded “wedge lock” (14.8 mm clamps down to 9/16th boss, allowing for fitment if splines are worn) Regards Mike Curtis."

EAO - JONATHAN WHITEHOUSE-BIRD RELATES THE RESTORATION STORY ON FACEBOOK
Many of you will be members of the Sebring Sprite group on Facebook where Jonathan is currently telling the story of his discovery and restoration of 410 EAO. If you use Facebook and want to join the group go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/SebringSprite/
The photo, by John Egan, shows EAO in the company of 46 BXN, and 2 Speedwells.

The 4 pictures below were sent to me (with no message) by Jan Mussche. They depict his "Zagato-Sprite" which is under construction. I recall his brother Lubbert telling me they had bought the fibreglass body created by Mike Youles for a customer whose name escapes me (I will find it later) from which this alloy body has now been made.

From IVO CAPPON
" Firstly I would like to thank you for the post you did, in the "Latest News" area on your website. Naoki Suganu most certainly did a very nice job with the drawing of my RTL304 Replica project. As it (is) still is a ongoing project, I am collecting the bits needed for the FIA approved Fastback Ton Blankespoor is making me. Progress is slow but hopeful. The aluminium fastback body will be finished this spring. Allthough the body of the car nbeds a lot of work done still. I will keep you updated on any news.
I also found this ad of an Ashley bonnet offered for sale here in Holland. Maybe someone is interested". Asking price is 500 Euros.
http://www.speurders.nl/166952710

A QUESTION FROM BRYAN WELLS who is building a Sebring Replica in Australia:
"I intend to spray my coupe in Speedwell Blue colour and have seen several photos of cars where they have a dark blue across the nose. Do you know the name of that blue or can you point me in the right direction?" Email him if you can help please.

GRAHAM BISH has just joined the "Family" and his story is worth recording here:

"Martin, I thought I would send you my application to the Sebring family from my other email address! [austin-healey-sprite@........... ] John Sprinzel commented on it when I bought his book "Lucky John". As you probably can tell, I am very interested in all things "Spridget".  A little about me: I bought my 1966 Mk3 Sprite in 1993 and it was my first classic car. The following year I bought an accident damaged Mk2 with a Lenham bonnet intending to make a replica of the Sebring 1961 cars with their fiberglass fronts and rears. I had become aware of Archers Garage through the Austin Healey Club and approached them for one of their fiberglass rears. When I collected it from the garage, Brian spent the whole morning showing me around. S221 was in the workshop at the time and he was only too happy to discuss all things Spritely. Great memories. Unfortunately the body on the MK2 was just too badly damaged and the project was put on hold. The salvageable parts, the rear and panels I'd ordered from Wheeler and Davies came out of storage in 1998 when I decided to restore the MK3. By this point the bodywork was very tired and my desire for the replica had not gone away.  With the help of my friend I restored the shell and slowly it morphed into my standard-bodied Sebring homarge. I got married in June 1999 and the finished shell was put in my mother's garage. A new house, family and then another move to Harrogate took priority until 2011 when I finally had time to go back to Liverpool from time to time and build it back up. It's now MOT'd but there is still work to do! My other classic is a 1967 Austin A40 Farina Mk2. My desire for this car came from the fact that Pat Moss rallied one and John Sprinzel used a  supercharged one for his company van. My friend calls it the Sprite with the roof! You can see some pictures of the two using this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/37212640@N03/albums So after all that, I would be very happy if you could include me within the 'family'. Austin Healey Sprite Mk3 standard-bodied Sebring replica. GRZ1264 (formerly GFL232D) - Harrogate, N.Yorks, UK.

ANYONE GOT A TICKET FOR GOODWOOD ? I seem to have left it too late, so if anyone has a spare & will sell it me I should be pleased to hear. Martin

NOT TO BE OUTDONE BY THE 'OPPOSITION' (at Woolmer Engineering):
CCK Historic tell me they also have 5 cars entered in the Weslake Cup at the Goodwood Members' Meeting in March: boss, Shaun Rainford will be out in his Lenham GT SS1800, son, Charles will be in his Lenham LM; Mike Haigh, Lenham LM, Ian Burford, Lumbertubs; and the Ashley GT of Larry Tucker. Nothing like a bit of friendly rivalry to make for a good race! I make that 14 Sprites on the grid that we know about, perhaps there are more?

2 nice period photos of Donald Healey Motor Co's 5983 AC,
as displayed on Facebook
by Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird and Karsten Stelk

Graham Robson's WSM Midget race car, 793 XPP, is up for sale. Priced at £74,950 see it in detail on this link.

And Geoff Hill's luxuriously appointed road/hillclimb WSM 405 is also available (at around £50k) due to Geoff's neck injury. Make him an offer by email.

GRAHAM BISH enjoys collecting Sprite and Midget models and has a bit of a collection. He has kindly shared these pictures of the new "Spark" model of 1413WD which he has just received in the post. He says "It's a great model and captures the details of this historic Le Mans entry". Priced (according to Classic & Sportscar) mag at ££51.99

FROM KARSTEN STELK, on FACEBOOK
(Caption on the reverse of the photo reads:)

BRITISH MOTOR CORPORATION RECORD ATTEMPTS UTAH 1959
Attempts on existing Class E, F and G records will be made by the British Motor Corporation at Utah in September in special experimental cars using a team of international drivers headed by Stirling Moss, Great Britain, and Phil Hill, USA. The cars were recently shown to members of the press at the BMC sports car works at Abingdon-on-Thames, before being crated to go to Utah.
O.P.S. The cockpit and instruments of EX 219 (Austin-Healey Sprite).

David Morys tracked down this photo (not one I've seen before) of the two ex-Dick Jacobs Midgets before the 1965 Sebring 12 Hours race. No.68 was piloted by Andrew Hedges and Roger Mac to a class win. The sister car No.82 was driven by Chuck (Charles) Tannlund and John Wagstaff who retired after a con rod failure.

The coming GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING (on March 18/19) and the WESLAKE CUP in particular sounds like being quite something. Paul Woolmer tells me he is preparing 5 cars for the event so our cars should have quite a showing. He tells me these include 46 BXN (Richard Woolmer), S 221, 184 FGJ, WSM 202, WSM 207, WSM 208, WSM 401, 1413 WD, 505 BZ and MEG 199.

723 WPC

Anyone recognise this number or know the owner of the Mk2 Sprite - whose last MOT was issued in 2014. The car is now black (originally blue) and the first 5 registered owners (until 1967) were all based in Surrey. Sven bought this old log book on ebay.

SEBRING SPRITE FAMILY

now has 48 members. It has already put two Americans in touch with each other. Neil Anderson has suggested we might make it a discussion forum (or is Facebook doing that already) and Bruno Verstraete suggested "Stuffstory" which could put our details in a closed circle on a world map. Any other suggestions? Feedback
I'm happy to just put 2 members in touch leaving you to communicate confidentially if desired.

SVEN STARTS THE YEAR BY LAUNCHING INTO HIS RESTORATION OF THE EX-STAN ANNIS HISTORIC RALLY SPRITE, 4444DA

He explains "I have started work on 4444DA at last. You have seen the pictures - The drivers side outer sill outer footwell panel and A-post, missing floor and reinforcement panel in good condition (note original pic date of the floor section November 1996 - Andrew reckoned Brian Archer fitted that one). Sills, A-post and footwell panel have been fitted and the rear bulkhead tidied up. I have removed the complete  passenger side floor section having welded in  a new floor strengthener and repaired the inner rear bulkhead. All the repair sections were pop rivetted in. I am going to tidy up the rear outer bulkhead today and start fitting the floor section. Felt a bit bad about chopping up your old bonnet to make it fit but then again there was no other way and its the result that counts ey? Maybe I shall be finished in time to exhibit the complete car at the NEC this year". [The old Sebring bonnet with my racing decals from 1981 was secondhand when I bought it. After a few races on my Frog 5123 YG I replaced it with a Frog one. It then went to Tony Ellshof for his restoration of PMO - ended up with Paul Woolmer following Tony's death, then to Paul Webb and now to Sven!!]

THE PARTS BELOW OFFERED FOR SALE BY ROGER FRIEND - EMAIL HIM IF INTERESTED

Rear frogeye axle casing for wire wheels £100 SOLD

Rear back plates with new cylinders £30

New screw in type coil £10

Part brake kit for FIA spec £200 SOLD

Oil cooler to fit next to SOLD radiator with pipes and bkt £75

Rocker cover with breather pipes £15

Refurbished front stub axles for FIA brakes £75 SOLD

RICHARD HART
recently offered this Aquaplane alloy head for sale on ebay, achieving £677. [Unfortunately when he told me I was away.]

ZANDVOORT RACING FESTIVAL
in the Netherlands is on 8/9th July and includes
The John Sprinzel Trophy for "works, period and special-bodied Sprites".
Get your entries in Guys!

NOW SOLD

Naoki Suganuma drew up this image for Ivo Cappon for his Austin-Healey 1000GT web page

PETER FLETCHER'S SPEEDWELL/FASTBACK
see this link
[the car may soon be for sale]

Peter Fletcher tells me he is "very busy with 3 cars on the go at the same time". Building a new Sebring Coupe and a Midget for racing he also has his Speedwell/Fastback (above) and a Porsche on his drive. The coupe is just going for paint.

If anyone might be interested in buying Pete's well-sorted hil--climb Speedwell please email him direct.

Pinched/borrowed from Facebook (Sebring Sprite Group) - below.

Pablo Raybould: "A nice little gathering at Gaydon today (14 Jan) at the HRCR open day. Paddy presented an award to Willy Cave before he sets off for another Monte Carlo Historique. A few other ex BMC drivers around PMO200 too - can you name them?" [Paddy Hopkirk, Bill Price, Wiily Cave - can't do those on the right] [Barrie 'Whizzo' Wiiliams, on extreme right(John Egan)]

Geoff Dixon's Ashley GT

PAUL SLANGEN'S SOLUTION FOR HIS DAMAGED MONZA BONNET

"Due to driving rallies, the bonnet of the Sebring is bumping on the studs of the radiator.
The bonnet has been mounted in the right way, not too low, but due to driving rallies, it occurred that my bonnet got bulges from the inside. ( Maybe also caused by the heat of the engine bay) Looked not nice. So I made teardrops to cover the damage and placed them over the bulges. Looks a bit special and for sure will give reactions of the crowds !!"

NOW 40 MEMBERS IN THE
SEBRING SPRITE FAMILY
Send in your details now: Home town and reason for interest.
Sebring Family Feedback

GENUINE ORIGINAL CHURCHILL SPRITE REAR AXLE SPANNER FOR SALE - asking price £100
Contact John Poulter via email

MICHAEL BERG FROM DENMARK has acquired Kai Eriksen's Sebring Rep panels so is now offering for sale his early Ashley hardtop fully restored and complete with glass and fittings. He is looking for 1200 US Dollars. If interested please contact him by email.

PETER MAY & DOMINIC MOONEY JOIN FORCES

[See extract from this month's Classic & Sportscar Magazine]

EMRYS & PAULINE JONES
and 381 SYB posing with the Brian Archer/Ian Ashfield Trophy presented to them following their appearance at the NEC last November.

KEN GRASING'S DUMMY BUILD OF HIS BONNEVILLE SPRITE:

"LHD steering column will fit with Shorrock blower.  Carb linkage is a bit close, and still need to fabricate cold air box and blower inlet. Engine fits in the hole!"

SEBRING FAMILY is now up to 32 members. Please send me your details for inclusion.

INFORMATION FROM PAUL SLANGEN TO GUIDE DAN PAUL IN FITTING DHMC SEATS:
I used the DHMC seats from Archers. I fitted the seats on the original Sprite seat runners, using the metal strip inside of the polyester seatfloor. Needs to be adjusted a bit - shortening - to fit into the seat. ( Check drilling holes with original seat runners ). You need these in the seat, otherwise the fibreglass will break at the connection. ( Metal strip makes it stronger ). I contacted John Sprinzel, how he sat in the car. ( He is even taller than me ) He informed me that they adjusted the rear bulkhead panel  behind the seat, by just beating it backwards to create more space for the back of the seat. (gaining a  few centimeters ) Problem with the Sprite is the space for the seat that is limited. I didn't do that, due to the car was already painted. ( For my Lenham Sprite I will change the rear bulkhead panel for sure ). For the driver seat - I am 186 CM height - I used a special wooden triangle shaped piece of wood, that I fitted on front of the seat, between  of the seat runners and the Sprite floor. My Sprite is a MK3, so with a flat floor.  ( If you have a MK1 or MK2 floor, you can take out the inside floor strengthener  and weld it under the car for stiffness, then you have inside of the car a flat floorpan ). By this triangle piece putting on front ( A wooden wig ) , the seat is coming up at front and gives more space to the arms and legs. ( Originally the seat gives a bit the feeling of slipping to the front when seated ). I also took out the bottom seat, which is placed on a piece of wooden floor. I took out the wood and used a softer rubber for the cushion, leaving the wood out. The cushion is now direct on the polyester floor of the seat. ( Looks good, can make picture if you like ). It is quite comfortable and when a small person is driving the car, you swab the seat cushions. ( Co-pilote has original DHMC cushion with wood ). This gives at least 7 Cm more headroom. Needed for tall people. Please make sure you place the seat as far to the back as possible on the seatrunners. Some measuring is needed here. ( My driver seat cannot go further back, it sticks to the rear bulkhead carpet ).If you use the car only for yourself, you can even leave out the seatrunners and mount directly on the floor, but still using the wooden wig. ( I did with my MINI Marcos : "sitting as a king now !!" ). My car has no seatbelts. I have an Archers  roll cage, but had to leave out the side protectioners, due to the handbrake. Now my seats are functional, they  fit in the car, they sits very good and the seats are mounted as in an original car. It took me some time to developed all above, due to I didn't want to break the fresh sprayed car. If you need more info, please let me know. Best regards, Paul.

SEBRING SPRITE FAMILY IS "GO". (23 listed so far including JS as "Head of the Family")
All regular visitors to the website with a genuine interest in our special Sprites are invited to join.

"Was wondering if you or the wider crowd knew the best way to mount the Archers fibreglass replica DHMC seats? Having to do some adjusting now have a ROPS in the car and discovered that people sometimes take the strengthening fillet out and put it under the car (bit late for us!). Interested in how people mount the seat: plates/bolts/angle of fillet to take the seat etc Also has anyone mounted them with 4 or 5 point harnesses? Considering if you'd need to cut holes in the sides for the lap belts. Had a custom ROPs built by caged laser in Somerset,  can only recommend them to any owners in the southwest (not many fabricators for ROPs down here) Best wishes, Dan". PLEASE EMAIL DAN PAUL IF YOU CAN HELP.

SOME INTERESTING SNIPPETS FROM RAY ENGLISH'S ARCHIVE (ON PAUL HAWKINS)

CAMS Licence


Paul Hawkins (Right) & Owen Holmes on the first step of their British adventure

PAUL HAWKINS
Oct 12th, 1937 - May 26th, 1969

WANTED - BY ROGER FRIEND
4 Frogeye standard steel wheels
Email him if you can help, please

ULRICH BOECKMANN'S REPLICA OF YDF 140

Ulrich lives in the Baden-Wurttemberg of Germany and built this replica of Don Balm Sebring Sprite YDF140 (Ecurie Wild Goose) some 25 years ago, on the base of a 1962 Sprite Mk 2. He was inspired by some old documentaries about racing in the fifties and early sixties (Alpine rally, 12 hours of Sebring and some more..) He lists the technical data as : "1275 ccm engine with 4 speed gearbox (ribbed case), freeflow exhaust system, Twin 1 1/2 inch SU carburettors, Mallory Distributor (double contact), electric fan, oil cooler etc. The colour I chose was Aston Martin's "Silver Lightning" (AST1111)..
Since then I had  (and have still) much fun with it ... with hardtop (WP ?), soft top, tonneau and Brookland screens there are much variations possible - only with one car".

John Willetts with 9253 WD

JOHN WILLETTS
I was very sorry to learn from Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird that John Willetts has recently died. Jonathan relates:

"I thought I would pass on the sad news that John Willetts, who purchased 9253 WD (one of the four alloy bodied Mk.II Sprites built for Sebring in 1962) from Healey 'works' driver John Harris in 1965, and then subsequently raced the car over 3 consecutive seasons, died suddenly over the Christmas period. John Willetts put the Sprite into storage at the end of the 1968 racing season, after which it sat untouched and unmolested for another 46 years before being restored, and then reunited, with Stirling Moss in 2014 as part of Channel 4's 'Car SOS' series. Thanks to John Willetts' foresight, 9253 WD is now one of the most original Healey 'works' cars extant; without him the world would undoubtedly be minus another racing Sprite.  A quiet, genuine, yet straightforward, man with a mischievous wit, John was always willing to recount his days racing with the Sprite and remained interested in the car's 'works' history up until the end of his life. I was fortunate to spend a wonderful day with him at Castle Combe's "Autumn Classic" during the first week of October in 2016.  It was a special occasion, as it was the first time John had been in 9253 WD since its restoration, and also the first time he'd been back to Castle Combe since last racing there in 1966 - some 50 years previously. Driving round the circuit with John beside me, recounting how he achieved the Castle Combe lap record, for his class (1966 season) with the Sprite, will be a memory that I will forever treasure. The attached photographs show John Willetts with 9253 WD during 2015 - soon after its restoration in 2014. Also, John revisiting his youth - this time in the passenger seat of 9253 WD - at the "Autumn Classic", Castle Combe in 2016".

and passengering Jonathan around Castle Combe last year

14 Listed as members of the Sebring Sprite Family to date - still in the trial stage as yet.
I am advised "if people agree to your having their email addresses and town/city where they live and agree to these being passed to anyone who may like them for the purposes of the Sebring family then you are not breaching any data protection act rules.   It is up to the individuals as to whether or not they wish you to have/use this information." N.B. I am not in fact even proposing to pass on email addresses, merely to forward messages.

Clay Reggazoni with Silvio Moser and Clay's first competition car - a Sprite. [Sent in by Roger Friend]

Bill Postins has this Sebring Rep for sale at a modest £17,750. Bob Hinchliffe thinks it is WJJ 998 originally owned by Brian Mulcare? Link

AN IDEA ~ FORMATION OF "THE SEBRING SPRITE FAMILY" ?
It seems that I am often putting one person in touch with another, that is of you regular visitors to our website. How would it be if I created a list of members of the Sebring Family just with name, home town, country and car owned or interest. I would then keep a separate record of all your email addresses and, on request, forward messages between you? Please let me knoiw if you think this would be of use/interest, via Feedback.

Alan Anstead points out: "Paul Hawkins is one of only two GP drivers who has managed to put a GP car in the harbour at Monaco. The other was twice World Champion Alberto Ascari".

"Joe, here's a similar shot to the one you posted earlier. Paul Hawkins standing by S 221 alone, while Cyril Simson takes the photograph. [ Photo is from Cyril Simson's wonderful collection of colour photos taken during the 1960 and 1961 race seasons.]
[Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird - Facebook]

Australia's Paul Hawkins with S.221. Paul owned a Healey 100 in Melbourne and had driven a 100.S at Albert Park against the internationals. He went to Uk, worked with John Sprinzel and then Healey Motor Co. Later drove 'works' Porsche and GT.40 cars as well as a privateer with his Lola T.70, GT.40 lightweight and a P.4 Ferrari. ' From little things big things grow'. [Joe Armour - Facebook]

The ex-Andrew Hedges, Williams and Pritchard Ltd., alloy-bodied, Sprinzel Sebring Sprite registered 410 EAO; seen (left) at the 500 Km. race at the Nurburgring in 1961, and on display (right) at 'Midget 50' in 2011. The car was rebuilt to exacting standards and to it's original 1961 spec' over a 19 year period between 1990 and 2009. The car is currently owned by Jim Lowry. [Jonathan Whitehouse-Bird - Facebook]

STEVE CODIANNI
asks if anyone knows the origin of his unusual inlet manifold. Reply by Feedback please