WIRE WHEELS FOR SALE
Richard Pugh has for sale these 6 wire wheels for Sprite/Midget etc. Tyres good but out of date. Best offer over £200. Buyer collects…..Herefordshire (4" except for one 4.5")
Contact Richard by email

INFORMATION SOUGHT CONCERNING (?EX-WORKS) ALLOY CYLINDER HEADS

Kees van Beijmerwerdt in The Netherlands is seeking information about some alloy cylinder heads he has been offered: He is looking for pictures of alloy cyinder heads. The story (told him by his late friend Steve Bowen) was that BMC produced a small batch of alloy A-series heads which looked on the outside the same as cast iron ones and also were painted green . "You can imagine why in those competition days!" Does anyone know this story and if so can you supply pictures so he can compare them with these that he has been offered? They are raw castings which still have to be completely machined, but they look identical to the original iron ones. Kees has pictures of the Speedwell alloy heads and the new American ones from Moss Motors, but they are different. He is keen to identify them before he purchases. Feedback please. [Left: Kees's new Ashley Sprite]

SHORROCK SUPERCHARGERS

Please note, for all enquiries concerning Shorrock Superchargers, Keith Luck can now be contacted only via: supercharger.engineering@outlook.com

You are invited to the launch of the ADO Coupe on Saturday 14th December at 7 p.m. The event is being hosted by the Ecosse Rallye Drivers Club and will take place at Dock Street Studios, 9/10 Dock Street, Dundee, DD2 4BT. Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP to Douglas on dglanderson1@yahoo.co.uk
[Douglas does need RSVPs to help with catering, please]

1959 ALEXANDER SPRITE FOR SALE IN THE NETHERLANDS
BY ONLINE AUCTION

Current bid (23 Nov 2019): £13,003 - not yet reached the reserve price
Expert's estimate: £32,940 - £36,360
[Info received from Robert Visser of Carrosso ]

SOME RECENT PHOTOS OF PAUL GREGORY'S SEBRING FASTBACK

which was built by Severn Classics (Stephen Griffiths) back in 2012.

Paul is really a Lotus man but says of his Speedwell bonneted car: "It’s light, brilliantly easy to maintain and has nearly unlimited potential for making better. Meanwhile it delivers, as is, unlimited smiles thru the twisties whilst driving at the posted speed limit. I’m delighted to be part of the Sebring Sprite family".

link to website

HNX 455D (left) is currently up for sale at an asking price of 240,000 EUROS
as is the Speedwell GT, 585 MY (right),
this at 139,000 EUROS
both cars being offered by
The Old Timer Galerie in Germany

link to website

TOP TRUNNIONS (see lower down this page)

Glenn Clarke says: "I believe these were used when using Austin A60 front shocks. These shocks were great for triangulation - used in the early sixties".

KEN GRASING MAKES FURTHER PROGRESS ON HIS COLORADO RED SPRITE
& SEEKS ANOTHER DHMC (HIGH SIDE-SCREEN HARDTOP).

WANTED
DHMC (High side-screen
hardtop)
Please let me know if you can help via Feedback

Regular visitors to the website will recall that Ken Grasing in the USA has been building up 3 Sebring Sprites, a Sprinzel Coupe, a Bonneville (supercharged) car and a more standard rally car, the latter pictured above. He has a liking for hardtops so now wishes to obtain either another DHMC (high side-screen) top or "a Universal Laminates hardtop, as would be appropriate for the early nine-stud windscreen Sprites", not one I think I am familiar with.

At the Classic Car Show at the NEC last week, the Brian Archer Trophy for 2019 was presented (by Alan Anstead) to James Thacker and his ex-Alec Poole Sprite TZA 238

AND ANOTHER REASON FOR CONGRATULATIONS, JAMES:

James also reports" I entered TZA in the Classic Sports and Saloons pre-1975 class at the last meeting at Shelsley Walsh on 21st September, in which were 6 were bigger-engined cars - a 2.2litre Triumph TR4A,  a 1.6 Lotus Elan, a 2.3 Porsche 904, the 5.7 HWM Stovebolt Special [Simon Taylor's car]  and a 3.9 V8 Morgan. It was a case of 'deja vu' from the mid 60's as the little Irish  green one-eyed 1330cc Sprite managed to win narrowly on scratch and on the handicap basis too. A very unexpected but enjoyable result at the end of the season in glorious weather. We were also in close proximity in the paddock to the genial A/H  Healey Sport  Championship competitors".

ANYONE RECOGNISE THESE TOP TRUNNIONS?

Simon Hutchinson is: "Looking for some information regards to the attached top trunnion pics. I picked these up from Malcom Self when he was having a clear out and think he said they were reproduced from a Speedwell design. Although they don’t look like they would give a great deal of Neg camber change (Peter May Type in pic for ref) , the pivot is that much higher I suppose it could do a bit. The pivot on the top arm has a grease path to the steel sleeve so no bushing required. If anyone knows the history behind this design I would be much obliged. I think I’ve about 15 pairs of the things in a bag!" Feedback please. [See Glenn Clarke's response higher up this page]

WANTED: QUARTER ELLIPTIC SPRINGS

Morgan Sparrow is urgently seeking a replacement quarter-elliptic rear spring for his Mark 1 Midget. If you have anything available please email him direct. (Library photo right)

Bob Blayden's latest mods

Bob Blayden has been tinkering with his green Sebring and has fitted new front rotors (discs) & pads, and drilled rear brake drums. He has also pulled off the Weber carburettor & fitted twin 1½” SU carburettors all working &  going great A He and his wife, Ann took the car to Tasmania the other month and had great time. The Sebring attracted a lot of attention whereever they went. It was entered in the Devonport Motor Show & Bob was interviewed on U-Tube about the car - you can watch it if you go to Danny Smith Devonport Motor Show .

ULRICH BOECKMANN WRITES:
"I just found some old black and white photos of my Sebring bonnet during the conversion to a Sebring Sprite rep.  between 1990 and 1992. I remember, that I purchased this bonnet (in) 1990 from a guy in Northern Germany. The air intake for the radiator was a little different as you can see on the fotos- and I keep it up till today. So the Mk I grille doesn’t really fit on it, cause the “nose“ is a little bit longer. Was it usual to optimize the cooling of the radiator in this way (if that is indeed the term to be used) ? The color of the bonnet was similar to French blue and the color layer underneath was white.  There was no reg number fixed on the bonnet or any (of the) rest of it , so I have no history to it. But the guy told me that he purchased it in England (around the) end of the eighties".
Certainly Ulrich's bonnet looks different to the normal W & P Sebring front we have come to know so well, having a slightly extended 'mouth' or air intake with no flange on which to mount a standard Frogeye grille. Does anyone know whether someone marketed this as an alternative style bonnet in period? Certainly if Ulrich bought it in 1990 it predates the Archer Sebring kits which started to come off the line in 1993. MEI
Your comments would be appreciated via Feedback

A 'new' photo of 1411 WD kindly supplied by Karsten Stelk of Mike Garton's ex-Le Mans works Sprite at Brands Hatch in 1963

UP FOR SALE BY AUCTION: ALEXANDER SPRITE 1959
Guide price £48k to £53k but best bid so far £8743

Ken Grasing's alloy Sebring coupe among the Healey’s on Main Street in Deadwood, South Dakota for Austin Healey Club of America 2019 Conclave (Sept 6 - 11).  

First bath, ready for the trip

LAWRENCE MAUDSLEY ON SEATS FOR THE SEBRING:
Re: Sprite seats. I have a Cobra seat which was fine in my car but somewhat heavier than the Tillett B6 which I have now fitted. It is for sale with the mounting plates.

Email if interested.

LAWRENCE MAUDSLEY IS OFFERING:
4no. 13" X 5J Minator alloy wheels for sale, along with a set of standard front discs. The wheels are bare of tyres but in good used condition. He is looking for reasonable offers. Also he has a set of 1275 rods and a 1275 crankshaft, a Minisport CA5 camshaft (equivalent to a 731) and duplex going begging.
Contact him by email if interested.

FASCINATING INFO FROM JOHN SPRINZEL REGARDING THE SEBRING BONNET AND COUPE TOP

I was unclear as to who designed and first marketed the Sebring bonnet we all know and love so asked John for some guidance. I had suggested that Costin was involved in its design and that Williams & Pritchard made it while Speedwell marketed it. This is John's detailed and informative reply:

"Martin. No sir, neither Speedwell nor Costin nor Healeys had anything to do with the Sebring Bonnet which I designed after Donald showed me the photo of the Mark Two Sprite prototype. In particular I wanted to keep the grille which we had not done on the Speedwell front. I took the drawings to W & P with whom I had worked on the Speedwell GT which was Frank Costin's design. They obviously changed it a bit to suit their production methods The alloy prototype was introduced while I was working at Healeys, on the November 1960 RAC Rally. The actual production versions and the full Sebring bodywork were produced after I bought the Speed Equipment division and moved to Lancaster Mews. I think Cyril Simson's S221 was the first and was raced at Sebring in 1961. Because the Speedwell didn't have much room for the right hand during quick correction movements, I got W & P to make the screen part a bit wider. We made the outline with me sitting in the car while they bent rods around me for the final shape, and we resisted the "fast-back" trend as Frank had always felt the cut back top was smoother and quicker.  W & P didn't start to sell their own version of the Sebring fronts until we liquidated the first company and were reborn as JS Racing Ltd. I still shudder at the thought that we had nowhere to store the replaced metal bonnets, and had to pay our dustmen a fiver each to take them away!"

FROM LAWRENCE MAUDSLAY:
re: Sprite seats. I have a Cobra seat which was fine in my car but somewhat heavier than the Tillett B6 which I have now fitted. It is for sale with the mounting plates.

BRUNO VERSTRAETE took his ex-Sebring race car DAC 952C to the Arosa Classic hill climb recently - (more a mountain climb) 76 turns and 7 km long.

"Great fun. Brake failure cut the event a bit short but good to go back!"

SOME INFO I GLEANED FROM ANDREW FORSTER (formerly of Archer Garage)

A REPLY TO THE CAR SEATS ENQUIRY:
In response to Mark's seat query:

"I had Cobra bucket seats in mine and I found them to be quite good I no have Cobra Junior bucket seats. These sit a little bit higher and I had to make wooden spacers to raise them up. Not so good for track days I feel.
Photos available if needed. Glenn Castle"

KEN GRASING MAKES PROGRESS

 With the fuel cell finally fitted in his new alloy-bodied Sprinzel Coupe, it will be making an appearance at the 2019 Austin Healey Conclave in Deadwood, South Dakota early next month. Ken is now concentrating on the build up of his 1958 standard-bodied Sebring Sprite, and says: "John Skinner provided Cherry Red leathercloth for dash covering and the dash went in this week".   He expects to have the windscreen and DHMC hardtop on the car shortly.  "We’re planning on having the FIA inspection for the HTP on all three cars done in October.  I thought that when we have the cars all gathered in one place for the inspection I’d get some pictures for your website.  I will also get some pictures when we have the alloy-bodied coupe at the conclave 6-11 September".

AN ENQUIRY ABOUT SEATS FOR A SEBRING FROM MARK
"What seat works [best] with the Sebring that keeps it period but also provides great support for track days? I ask as the original [Sprite] seats are pretty poor at keeping you in the seat when you take a corner fast".
Feedback please.

SPRITE BONNET AERODYNAMICS
IAN WATTS replies to Gil Duffy's query -

"With regards to the aerodynamic difference between a Frogeye and a Sebring having one of each, both of which have the same engine, brakes, and suspension, I feel I am in a good position to compare the two. With the longer, lower and more efficient bonnet and hardtop the Sebring is faster, quieter, less tiring, and goes round corners better. It also uses less petrol. It is a little harder to get in and out of and the heater sucks up fumes from the car in front".

BOOKS FOR SALE
Haynes Super Profiles
MG Midget & AH Sprite (except Frogeye);
MGB; and
Morris Minor Series MM.
£7 each + postage
Also a spare copy of Donald Healey's book:
"The Story of the Big Healeys".
Ring: JOHN BAGGOTT on 01892 862656

FROGEYE/POSSIBLE
SEBRING PROJECT
FOR SALE

Pete Bower is offering his project for sale. Full details are shown on the attached PDF.
Asking price is £5,250 for the part-restored rolling shell with narrow axle, wire wheels and hardtop.
Other parts are available such as adjustable rear shockers 998cc engine/carbs and alloy doors.
Contact Pete by email if you are interested.

Does anyone have any information on frontal area or drag coefficients for Frogeyes Sebrings and MG Midget fronts?
Gil Duffy is trying to make his daughter's car go a bit faster! Feedback please.

Liane Engeman/Donna Mae Mims/Janet Guthrie (Austin Healey Sprite), Sebring, 1969 (6th). [Courtesy of Rogger Williams via Facebook] A great photo I've not seen before.

712 PTB

Brent Fowler has recently acquired the ex-Graham Bloor Sprite that was one of the Team of three cars created in the early 90s by Graham, Alastair Chalmers and John Hopwood. Now running in the CSCC Swinging Sixties series when time allows and under the Hill Farm Racing banner and with technical assistance of Tim Cairns. Brent purchased the car from Ian Hadrill last year, previous owner was Ivor Watson. Any information about previous history would be welcome. Current photos above, middle one by David Stallard".

MORE ON XSP ENGINES ~ THIS FROM SPEEDWELL GURU, ALISTAIR ROSS

"Just noticing the recent questions about XSP engines, I bought an XSP
engine from [Jonathan] Peck, this looks to be relatively untouched and I have
yet to investigate the condition of the engine, but there are some
numbers stamped onto the cylinder head casting on the flat area next to
the thermostat housing, Maybe the XSP guys could tell me what they mean.
They are S556, AV 18 8 (crossed out) 19.4cc (could this be the volume of
the head chambers) TDC (no number)?" Feedback please

ALAN PARKES' VERY NEAT SEBRING BEING OFFERED (on Facebook) by South Norfolk Classics AT £14,995

Some pictures of one of the 'works' racing engines complete with crossflow head and fuel injection kindly supplied by Neil Blaney. I think this was the engine once offered for sale by Jeff Brenner in the USA. Sent in to assist Graham Hill with his fuel injection set-up. Many thanks Neil. Meanwhile if anyone can tell us more about the casting numbers on these heads it would be very helpful. Feedback please.

Bob has been building a fibreglass Frogeye which he completed a couple of months ago. However his love affair with the Sebring is not over so he has now decided to convert the Frog into a Sebring, ordering various parts from Andrew [Forster]. The bonnet shown is fibreglass but uses some metal parts/panels from a steel bonnet to make it more rigid. He did not want visible exterior catches, so has used spring-loaded catches going through the door post as per Jaguar E Type.

PERIOD PHOTOS OF EX-WORKS CARS, KINDLY SUPPLIED BY KARSTEN STELK

An old postcard showing one of the two 1966 works Le Mans cars, ENX 415C. I think the attribution on the reverse is partially incorrect (assuming it is intended to refer to this particular car). The Makinen/Hawkins car which raced at Sebring in 1966 was another (HNX 455D). It was the '65 Sebring car (DAC952C) which raced at Daytona the following year. As stated Harris and Moore raced the car at Spa while it was Mike Garton who accompanied John Moore at the Nurburgring, the sister car being driven by Alec Poole and Clive Baker.

One of the two ex-works Le Mans (66) cars in the hands of Howard Fawsitt, in the Nurburgring 500, in 1967

John Moore in 693 LAC,
at Brands Hatch 1965

All 3 of these photos show the ex-works cars during their ownership by Richard Groves and in his team colours of green and silver.

Many thanks Karsten.

XSP NUMBERS
GRAHAM HILL (No, not the late great F1 driver but another) has recently acquired some cross-flow heads which have interesting serial numbers stamped on. Would anybody have a record or knowledge of the markings? On another topic, he recently saw a Mini with an XSP number attributed to it which I find a bit suspect. XSP 4770C - any thoughts?
If you can assist with the above please let me know via feedback. Graham is also looking for detailed photos showing the injection system fitted to the cross-flow head on the 'works' cars.

SPECIAL PROTOTYPE SPRIDGET FOR SALE

“Unique, one-off aluminium bodied light-weight Midget for sale on rolling chassis.  Excellent tub and 5-link rear suspension.  Would make excellent competition car.  Wheels in the photographs are not included in the sale, but I have other wheels.  Offers over £6,000. For more information call Douglas Anderson on 01382 731755 in the evening or email him"
Douglas's ADO project is moving on well and he is now at the stage of preparing the body for paint. Thus, he now needs to make room in the garage by selling the initial aluminium car. Hence this advertiserment.

STEVE EVERITT MEMORIAL TROPHY ~ BRANDS HATCH, 28 APRIL 2019

Stephen Collier leads

There were 2 heats for this event, both of which were won by Stephen Collier, seen left leading David Morrison and Stephen Watkins into the Druids hairpin. It was the Sunday race which counted so it was Collier who received the bronze model of the late Steve Everitt's race car. [Photos courtesy of Dennis Wharf]

Steve Watkins leads David Morrison

Jon Simpson (14) had a win in Class D

and Robin Lackford (57) won Class E

NEWS FROM SVEN ECKHARDT & 4444 DA
"We´ve been to Donington and Elan Village. DA has taken part in another rallye and has been driven on two circuits:
Padborg in Denmark and the Nordschleife. My codriver for the Adenau classic was Andreas Baensch, (Sven and Andreas shown left). I feel privileged to be her current keeper. Sven".

Last Week we had the pleasure of a visit from Kees Van Beijmerwerdt and his brother, Bert, who were on their way to the ferry at Newcastle after visiting Halls Garage, Bourne and a Sprite friend in Carlisle. Kees is currently building a Mark 1 Sprite with original Ashley bonnet and hardtop which he picked up in his home country, the Netherlands. At Halls they saw my former project - the replica of the Jacobs Midget, now beautifully finished. I even brought JJO out of hibernation for the occasion which was very enjoyable.

£29,500

Sebring adds Spa 3 Hour race to list of victories.
The FIA Alloy bodied Sebring fastback of Marcus Fellows won the prestigious 'performance index' at the Spa Summer Classic last month finishing well clear of the opposition including a number of Lotus Elans and AC Cobras. The car driven by Marcus and David Smitheram,  aided by a team of helpers including Andrew Forster, ex Archers Garage now Aldon Automotive, Kevin Forster, and Jake Henry, (Aldon), using a 1275 engine, is an exact replica of the original fastback design built to FIA and appendix K spec. The car is still for sale with a fresh engine and gearbox following the victory with more details available on Race Car Direct

QUARTER ELLIPTIC REAR SPRINGS - HELP NEEDED

KEVIN ROWE IS LOOKING FOR SOME HELP:

"In cleaning up and re-bushing the rear springs on my Sprite I found the reinforcing loops around the eyes are not fitted (see attached photos) and never have been. Does anyone have either, a pair of these loops, or a full or part set of springs with these items fitted that you are willing to sell? if so please let me know".
[Kevin has now purchased some new springs - 4 July]

SOME LOVELY OLD PHOTOS KINDLY SUPPLIED BY KARSTEN STELK FROM HIS COLLECTION:

Photos above, left to right: the Ecurie Ecosse Sprite at Le Mans being scrutineered in 1961; the Hopkirk/Hedges car at Le Mans in 1966; the Enever/Poole Sprite in the Le Mans pits in 1968 together with the Healey SR; and one of the works Mark 2 Sprites driven by Stirling Moss at Sebring,1962. Left, the two ex-Le Mans (1965) cars being worked on by the subsequent owner (Richard Groves') team.

FOR SALE
Well known Hill Climb and Sprint Austin Healey Sprite with rare Williams and Pritchard
'Sebring GT' body. Ready to compete for the rest of the season, complete with trailer.
Contact Ian Grainger by email

TARGA FLORIO HAZARDS
David Morys sent me this photo and clip which reads:
"Targa Florio 1969. Cav. Vincenzo Florio always said his race should present drivers with the hazards of the normal roads. Here the road-roller looms over the tiny Austin-Healey Sprite of Jack Wheeler/Martin Davidson as it passes through Collesano."

SOME RECENT PHOTOS OF ROBERT KANSA'S SPRITE IN OHIO IN THE USA.
He finally has it running and is now in the tuning and breaking-in stages.

Brighton & Hove MC
GOODWOOD SPRINT
11 May 2019 Class 14 - Austin-Healey Speed Championship

[Photos kindly supplied by John Baggott]

Steve Casson - 107.38secs
4th in class

Lawrence Maudsley - 130.12secs, 9th in class

David Abram - 101.14secs
1st in class

STEVE CASSON is offering a pair of 5½" x 13" MWS 60 spoke wire wheels, with painted finish, for a Midget or Sprite.
Asking price £300
on ebay

John Baggott was out and about in the Brands Hatch pit lane on March 1st for the Equipe GTS Track Day

Neil Fisher in the ex-Andrew Actman Sebring Replica, the first kit that Brian Archer made. Neil has owned the car for about a year, and told John that he thoroughly enjoys driving it.

The only MG Midget based WSM was originally built in 1963, by Douglas Wilson Spratt for his son-in-law, Mike Lewis. It is now owned by Peter Kappeler. What a shape!

The front wheels of this Big Healey illustrate how tricky the conditions were during the morning session. Fortunately it dried out for the afternoon.

Dave Griffiths was checking out the pre-season updates on his pristine TR, run for him by CCK Historic. All went well.

776 KNX TESTING VIDEO

ITEMS FOR SALE

Richard Hart is offering both these items on ebay.
A Quaife ATB limited slip differential at £460 and a Nitrided EN40 Crankshaft 1275 AEG566 BMC at £400
(both expire 10 March around 10pm)

GENUINE ORIGINAL SPEEDWELL WOOD-RIM STEERING WHEEL FOR FROGEYE OR MARK 2 FOR SALE.

Daniel Sturm is offering this steering wheel on behalf of his father, Kurt, who has now sold all his Healeys. He retaind this original Speedwell steering wheel out of his own first Frogeye. He bought it 1966 via the dealer in Germany from the Special Tuning Department. It is complete with the original 4 edged hub and in a very good but used condition. Kurt built a Sebring replicas from one of the first few kits which came out of Archers Garage.
Asking price is 480 Euros ( about £413) NOW SOLD
If interested please contact: DANIEL BY EMAIL

ATTENTION ALL SPRITE RACERS
NEW 'UP TO 1 LITRE' CLASS IN THE CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR CLUB'S RACE SERIES

The "K Series" is a class essentially for cars that run to Appendix K rules, though HTP papers are not required for racing. Marcus Fellows has, for some time, been trying to encourage the introduction of a class in line with the historic theme of smaller engined cars as per the late 50s early 60s cars. This class will hopefully encourage many of the historic cars not currently catered for, meaning they will no longer have to race against the bigger engine cars up to 1600cc. It is, for now, a pilot project/experiment and will need support for sustainability, so we need to encourage as many people and cars to take an active part as possible. Please tell your friends/fellow competitors.
For more information contact Marcus by email or David Smithern at CSCC. 

KERMIE SOLD AT RACE RETRO
Richard Pugh has said farewell to Kermie after 30 years. It achieved £23,625

& 776 KNX goes in the States, achieving US $ 165000, equivalent to about £125,000
in the UK

JASON ELLIOTT is looking for a Mark 1 Ashley hardtop for a Frogeye - the bulbous one. The condition of the hardtop is not important. If you can assist please contact Jason by email

That Sven is an amzing guy. Already his original Sprite is back in one piece - see last month's photos of the car in 2 halves.

WHEELS FOR SALE

"Could I offer these wheels on the site: They are in excellent condition and come with good hubs and pair of discs. I am reverting to wires on my car. I am asking £200 the lot.
NOW SOLD
David Dickinson

LEW McALLAN's BARCHETTA BUILD

It was going to be a Sebring Fastback but Lew changed his mind.
For his full story with 28 photos ~
Click HERE

PIERRE'S JOURNEY TO MONTE CARLO ~ HE MADE IT - JUST!

"I thought I would update you on my  journey to Monte-Carlo. As you know I had to find a last moment co-driver which meant also that I had to relocate my start to Reims instead of Glasgow. This was not all bad as it meant a shorter drive  and therefore was a more sympathetic drive to the car. There was a great atmosphere at the start and  in true French style they also plied us with champagne prior (to) letting us loose on the road at around 8:30 in the evening. Despite recurring electric problems Thanos and I  managed to make it to Monte Carlo after a long drive through fog, rain and snowy conditions. On the way down I had an electric fire behind the dashboard following one of the locals hitting the back of the car and shorting my rear lights, which meant I lost my alternator and had a long drive with nearly no lights in the snowy mountain roads…. When we arrived  in Monaco the car broke down (flat battery ) just at the entrance of the F1 tunnel in Monaco and we decided to push it all the way to the podium and made it in time against all odds to join the formal dinner at the Automobile Club of Monaco with the ACM officials, Douglas Anderson and the Scottish crew.. We then went on to smoke cigars looking at the yachts  and  won some money at the black jack table  at the Casino… Though we managed to get  the car in Monaco I subsequently  broke down in the middle of France on my  way back and got rescued by a very kind local farmer… The car is now making its way back on a lorry (I hope) … what an epic journey ! Can't wait for next  year’s Monte … Pierre Lequeux"

Sebring Bonnet Mould For Sale
Asking price: £800
Contact Mike Authers on 07703 465224 (Abingdon).

ROB CLUBBE'S NEW LENHAM GT WHICH IS BEING BUILT BY WILL CORRY

I will shortly be creating a web page fror Rob's new car but in the meantime take a look at his web page

SHORROCK SUPERCHARGER PARTS FOR SALE ON EBAY (expire 15th Feb)

Supercharger bottom pulley £99 on ebay

S-C Blow-off valve also
on ebay at £39

S-C Outlet Pipe
on ebay at £39

S-C Inlet Pipe
on ebay at £99

RICHARD PUGH'S KERMIE (FASTBACK HILLCLIMBER) IS GOING TO AUCTION
AT RACE RETRO. GUIDE PRICE £16,000 to £19,000
Here is the link

£380 ~ NEW SEBRING SIDE-SCREENS FOR SALE ON EBAY

Rick Dupuy has a new set of Archers side screens for sale which are not required any more, He has advertised them on ebay at £380 but is open to offers.
SORRY, NOW SOLD

WOLSELEY 1500 REAR BRAKES FOR SALE

Ian Hulett has this pair of of Wolseley 1500 rear brake back plates for sale which may be of use for fitment to a Sebring Sprite. They are in good condition but need cleaning and painting. One has brake linings and a wheel cylinder, the other is bare. He is looking for £50 and can post at cost. SORRY, NOW SOLD

THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS - TO WHOM I SEND MY GRATEFUL THANKS:
Ian Hulett; Rick Dupuy;

Mark Turner tells me his Dad (Ian)'s Healey-modified Mk 2 is (back) on the road and has sent me these pictures. He tells me that: "The next job is to tidy it up; Adrian at Finishing Touch bodyshop (near Locking in Weston Super Mare) who races his own Sebring, is sorting the bonnet out, so (the car) will get better gradually.  It would be good to find out about its first owner, but I fear we never will.  Both Dad and Jonathan Whitehouse Bird used to see it around Stourbridge and Wordsley (where the owner lived ) in the 70s. It still has a lot of the Healey mods which is great (it was supplied to Healeys from BMC)". See 6699 WD

WOLSELEY 1500 REAR BRAKES FOR SALE

Ian Hulett has this pair of of Wolseley 1500 rear brake back plates for sale which may be of use for fitment to a Sebring Sprite. They are in good condition but need cleaning and painting. One has brake linings and a wheel cylinder, the other is bare.
He is looking for £50 and can post at cost.
Email him if interested

AND HERE'S THE ANSWER

kindly supplied by Christoph Klamert

DEREK STEWART'S CLIMAX FASTBACK (above)

Derek has been working for quite sometime now on this installation: a Coventry Climax engine mated to his Toyota T50 5-speed gearbox. It should go like stink, as they say!

REVERSE LOCKOUT - PHOTOS WANTED

Ken Grasing has asked me: "You had previously posted a picture of the reverse lockout fitted to a shift cowl in one of the Sebrings.  This was the lockout made from a bonnet safety latch.  Could you find the photo for me?  I don’t seem to find it now".
I wonder whether this was that of 410 EAO shown left but if anyone has a better picture it would be most useful. Feedback please.

LONDON MOTOR SHOW ~ AUTUMN 1967

David Matthews is currently working on a new book and wonders: "Does anyone have a photo of the Jaguar/Coventry Climax Trophy alongside the Le Mans Sprite at Earls Court in 1967? It was presented to Jim Cashmore that year (and to Roger Menadue in '68).
FEEDBACK please

Earls Court 1968

SVEN'S LATEST PROJECT

Having rebuilt his Sebring after its major accident, and restored 4444DA to its former glory Sven is now on to the reconstruction of his first Frogeye. Sorry for the pun but Sven doesn't do things by halves, or does he?

URGENT ~ MONTE CARLO DRIVER NEEDED! [NOW FOUND]

Pierre Lequeux is due to take part in the 2019 Classique Monte Carlo Rally leaving from Glasgow for to Monaco on 30th January. Unfortunately his co-driver Marc is seriously  ill and won't be able to take part .  Pierre says:
"I can t do the rally on my own as per the regulation. I am on the lookout for a last minute co-driver to hopefully drive from  Glasgow to Monaco. We would be leaving on the 30th from Glasgow (there is an evening (reception) that can be attended on the 29th and free accommodation at the Clydenbank Hotel) . Scrutineering is also on the 30th and kick-off is in the  evening at 18:00  direction Monaco via the snowy Alps. The aim is to reach Monaco for Sunday 3rd of February  and attend the FIA evening with 500 other teams … the hotel  in Monaco is included.  To participate the co driver needs a regularity  licence + a medical certifying that he or she is fit to drive else a FIA / Motorsport license would suffice. I would just ask for a share of the gasoline cost, Eurotunnel, plus I think there is 2 nights in a cheap hotel (one is the Holiday Inn in Calais, the other somewhere on the way between Reims and Monaco)….the entry  which is  about £1600 is already paid so  I would not expect any contribution towards this.  The event is the Classique and not the Historique so  there is no time-keeping…we are just following the road of the Historique and going through the same check points…there is no winner, it is just about enjoying the ride and getting there. So I am not after Fangio but rather a sensible driver who would be sympathetic to the car. After the event I will drive the car back to London. So the co-driver could either join me and take the ferry back to England from Dieppe (I will stay with my folks for a few days) or I could leave him at Nice Airport or any other airport on my  way back.  Anyway if you or one of your acquaintances  is interested do let me know.
Kind regards Pierre
PS:  There will also be need for a dinner Jacket to attend the Gala dinner in Monaco …."

[A DRIVER HAS NOW BEEN LOCATED, THANK YOU]

I may have been hasty in saying that the ex-Stephen Bowen Sebring Rep had been sold. It is still on the market at 33,500 Euros through Carosso NL

A couple of new photos of 4444 DA (Sven Eckhardt)

FROM IAN WEST:
Please find attached a picture of my DHMC hardtop on my 1963 Mk 1 GAN 2 Midget. The car is currently being restored and will run on wire wheels without bumpers. We have altered the front valance to resemble the standard-bodied Sebring cars. The second picture (with hardtop removed) shows the car now part way through restoration. It has had new driver's side inner and outer cills, new floor pan, new rear bulkhead (part), new A post skins (both sides), rear wings (part) etc etc. The passenger side was much sounder than the drivers side which had been poorly repaired in the past. The body work has been carried out by Lance McCormack (ex Mulliner Park Ward) at Romance of Rust in Brentford, West London to a very high standard.It now has very nice door clearances! I have owned the car for 37 years and hope to get it back on the road this spring...

JOHN BAGGOTT
has recently come by this interesting advert from early Sprite days. Anyone ever come across either of the items being offered here?
Feedback

ALLOY-BODIED SEBRING UP FOR SALE
This is the car recently completed by Marcus Fellowes using one of the Tom Blankespoor fabricated bodies copied from RTL 304. Priced at £29,500 full details can be found on the racecarsdirect website

Dave Wood of Orson Equipment has been approached by a guy in Germany seeking a pair of front Sebring splined hubs. Dave has none in stock but would consider making a further batch if we can get a minimum order of 5. Price each is £165. He can also supply Sebring engraved spinners to go alongside these. If anyone is interested please contact me via Feedback or contact Dave direct at: Orson Equipment, Camco House, Dale Street, Bilston
WV14 7JY Tel : 01902 906290
www.orsonequipment.co.uk

BMC Factory/DHMC hardtop wing nuts:

Ian West :

"I would be very interested in getting a pair of these wing nuts made for my DHMC hardtop. I did make a drawing as I was trying to see if I could get someone to make them for me but I'm not sure how accurate my version was i estimated sizes from photos etc. Would happily share the drawing I made if that helps".

GRAHAM BISH replies:

"SC Parts (Group Ltd) list wing nuts for the BMC factory Hardtop. I know they look different to the ones shown on the site though - Link". Item 16: part no.16252

ALAN JONES asks:

"Hi, on the works hard tops, the hard top to bodyshell fixing uses an aluminium wingnut. I understand that a quantity of replicas were made but sold out. Is there a drawing of them please  - as shown in the parts list as ref. Nr 18  on the pdf drawing ESQ165.B If you can help please come back to me via Feedback.

May I start the new year by wishing all my friends in the world of Sprites and all those who kindly contribute to this website a Very Happy New Year.

THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS - TO WHOM I SEND MY GRATEFUL THANKS:
Alan Jones; Graham Bish; Ian West; Dave Wood; Derek Stewart; Pierre Lequeux; Sven Eckhardt; Christoph Klamert; David Matthews; Ken Grasing; Ian Hulett; Mark Turner.