1959 Austin Healey 'Sebring' Sprite MkI

The Sprinzel Sebring Sprite Coupé first saw the light of day at the London Racing Car Show in January 1961. John Sprinzel had been associated with Sprites since they went into production in 1958, having raced and rallied Austin A35s during the 1957 season. He had been involved in the creation of another special bodied Sprite, the Speedwell GT, but after a difference of opinion with fellow directors as to that firm's future direction, he sold his shares to Graham Hill and departed.

Healey Sprites had been successful in two of the long distance races at Sebring, Florida, and in the pursuit of improved aero-dynamics the flowing body-shape and curved windscreen were crafted, at Sprinzel's instigation, by London coachbuilders, Williams & Pritchard. Being built for racing, the coupé top, rear shroud and wings on all the cars were of aluminum though only one had an alloy bonnet. It is thought that only 6 cars were built to this specification and they are often regarded as the prettiest, rarest and most sought after of all Austin Healeys.

This particular Austin Healey "Sebring' Sprite replica has just emerged from a full ground-up nut and bolt restoration and is correctly based on a 1959 Frogeye body shell as per the original cars.

The car has been built using mostly new parts along side the 'Archers' Sebring body kit. Archers Garage of Birmingham are probably the world's leading authority on Sebring Sprites and have not only restored and prepare some of the original cars but also produce the only "Sebring Kit' that has John Sprinzel's approval.

Built as a fast road car, it has been fitted with a tuned 1310cc engine and the car also features uprated suspension with front anti roll bar and rear panhard rod. Along with servo assisted front disc brakes, all these items combined make for an exceptional little car to drive.

The fitment of bucket seats with full safety harness and rollcage means that the car is equally at home on the circuits as it is on the winding road. With minor fettling the car could also be used as a road legal racecar suitable for many race series and prestigious events.