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.
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.
