Registered in the UK as 500 URX
Graeme Henderson comes from North-East Scotland where he rallies his Big Healey in local events with the Caledonian Classic & Historic Motor Sports Club. The club is restoring the old Rest & Be Thankful Hill Climb course. Graeme’s wife Sandra has a Frogeye Sprite with which she came 3rd in the Concours at the Sprite 50th celebrations at Goodwood, 2008.
Early in 2009 Graeme embarked on a plan to build a Sebring Sprite Fastback to use in rallies, hill-climbs and sprints. He restored a Frogeye body-shell using panels from Wheeler & Davies, and the Moss Group. Parts came from a 1971 Austin Sprite donor. The shell and the donor were supplied by Gordon Elwell. Graeme collected the fastback bodywork, bonnet, aluminium doors and hinges from Archers Garage, and fitted them to the shell before removing them again for painting. The roll cage was then attached and the assembled body-chassis unit was painted in Porsche Gulf Blue and orange by G & B Autospray of Royston in Hertfordshire. They also fabricated a roof vent modelled on that of a Lightweight E-Type. The engine is by Minispeed to their “Concept 36” 1380 spec, and the close-ratio straight-cut transmission is from Hardy Engineering. Graeme has obtained a new set of 4-spoke Revolution wheels measuring 5″ x 13″ – the first to have been re-manufactured by the firm after a long break.
A lot of hard graft went on to complete the car for the 2011 season – but doesn’t the end result look superb?
The car was sold to Mark Prangnell in January 2013 and is off to live in the Phillipines.
The shell now in colour
That special roof vent modelled on that of an E Type
The Gulf colours being applied
Wow!
Great new vent
Now just add the mechanicals
Special Front Shocks
Nov 2010 – in goes the engine
Mean-looking Weber
Rear suspenders
Rear body fixing detail
Caterham radiator plus oil cooler (see “Your Comments”)
The Sprite steering wheel being a little off to the
right, Graeme has modified
his column by inserting a
universal joint just below
the distributor and has shortened the column
slightly, see photo left.
Camcoat applied to rocker box and manifolds.
See “Your Comments”
August 2012 and the number plate is now in place
Underbonnet area and cockpit completed
