1965 Austin Healey Sprite Ashley GT Race Car

The original Austin Healey Sprite arrived on the market in May 1958, at around £550-£650 , depending on specification, it wasn't much more expensive than the immortal Morris Minor but it did offered an eager public the chance of some "fun motoring'. The engine, transmission, rear axle and front suspension were all from the Austin A35, but the steering components would come from the Morris Minor. The secret of its success was that it really was good fun to drive, cheap to run and easy to maintain.

Ashley Laminates Limited was formed in 1956 and in its early years produced fibreglass bodies, mainly for the conversion of Austin Sevens and Ford Eights into stylish sportscars. With the arrival of the Frogeye Sprite they branched out into hardtops and lightweight forward-hinging bonnets. This was because enthusiasts wanted to change the slightly odd-looking Frogeye bonnet and bubble hardtop into something more conventional and streamlined. A new bonnet was then introduced with a bigger air intake and a central power-bulge for both the Austin Healey Sprite and MG Midgets. The low-line hardtop was later made available for 'Spridgets' and also incorporated a small Kamm tail spoiler. The company continued to make hardtops and bonnets until it ceased trading in 1972.

In recent years the stylish Ashley bonnets and hardtops have made a return amongst enthusiasts and many club racers due their lightweight and aerodynamic slippery lines. These Sprites and Midgets fitted with Ashley bonnets and hardtops are often referred to as Ashley GT's.

The Ashley GT on offer here is based on a 1965 Austin Healey Sprite that was built and prepared by renowned Austin Healey Sprite and Ashley specialist Rae Davis Racing. The car was built with no expense spared to "full race' specification. It is fitted with a full race 1380cc engine, which we are told develops around 130bhp, which is more than adequate in such a light car.

In 2006 it was one of the few Ashley GT Cars invited to race at Goodwood Revival meeting and to take part in the legendary Fordwater Trophy. The car proved its worth when Michele Tommasi put it onto the front row of the grid for the race. Then seven laps laps later it set the fastest lap, (1.44.375 secs: 82.77mph) outpacing a couple of Morgan Plus 4-SLR's and a Jaguar XK140 Lightweight C.

So here we have a highly competitive little car that is fun to drive and cheap to run. It has also proved without doubt that it can punch well above its weight and better still it is eligible for a whole host of historic events including the fabled Goodwood Revival.