1965 Sebring Sprite (Evocation) MG Midget

The Sprinzel Sebring Sprite Coupé was introduced to the world at the London Racing Car Show in January 1961, and whilst only six examples were produced, two of the cars were raced at Sebring in 1961 in the Hands of Pat (S221) and Stirling Moss (PMO 200) thus enhancing the marque's pedigree. Lots of attempts were made, in period, to give the Austin Healey Sprite a competition advantage, some less than successful and some like Lenham and WSM did very well, but none ended up as revered as the John Sprinzel cars.

Archers Garage located in Oldbury, nr. Birmingham has been long associated with British Sports Cars and re-created the pretty, streamlined hardtop and bonnet in the early nineties from an original Sprinzel car. Their work includes routine servicing of customers' cars, production and assembly of Sebring Sprite body sections and, occasionally, complete cars. Brian Archer had wanted to re-produce John Sprinzel's very pretty streamlined Sebring Sprite for some years and was finally able to do so in the early 1990s. The hardtop from the original WJB 707 and a good Sebring bonnet were the basis for the creation of the moulds, and from these many fibreglass replica parts have been produced and marketed for 20 years. Incidentally, Archers are the only company to have gained John Sprinzel's approval.

The car here is a Sprinzel Sprite evocation, commissioned as a nut-and-bolt rebuild by a private collector and professionally constructed utilising a 1965 MG Midget and a full "Archers Garage' Sebring conversion kit.

Specification and rebuild history:

Bored out rebuilt engine to 1,275cc (1st bore only) and converted to run unleaded fuel (no other engine modifications).

Full bare-shell strip, blast-cleaned and full nut and bolt rebuild

Gearbox stripped and rebuilt by Universal Transmissions, new clutch.

Differential stripped and rebuilt by Universal Transmissions

Carburettors stripped, vapour blasted, ultrasonic clean and rebuilt

Suspension fully rebuilt with all new bushes and bearings

Full Archers Replica Kit fitted, rear tub, top and flip-front

Wire Wheels-bare metalled and powder-coated with new tyres.

New period-correct cloth wiring loom

Full respray in Jaguar Opalescent Gunmetal Grey.

FIA Design approved roll cage

New interior completed by Joseph Bennell from Stitch Perfect (Jo spent 11 years at Morgan Motors) and trimmed with Bordeaux Wilton carpet and the new period seats covered in fluted Bordeaux red leather

All new rubbers seals, lights, bulbs and casings where required

4-point harnesses (both seats)

Moto-Lita wood and alloy steering wheel

Supplied with a fresh MoT before the sale, this is an opportunity to buy a very attractive Sebring Sprite evocation, a fully rebuilt car, that drives well and would be welcome anywhere