Beschrijving
1960 Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite by Peel Coachworks
A genuine Sebring Sprite Coupe with exceptional competition history
Estimate
£18, 000 - £24, 000
Registration No: 2214 UE
Chassis No: AN5/ 43849
MOT: Exempt
Understood to be the first Sprite to be entered into an international event as a 'Sebring Sprite'
Driven by John Sprinzel and John Patten to a class win and third overall on the Liege-Rome-Liege Rally in 1960
Rebodied by Peel Coachworks in late 1961 to full Aluminium 'Sprinzel Sebring Sprite Coupé' configuration
Displayed on the Sprinzel stand at The Racing Car Show 1962
Purchased by lifetime BRDC member Mike Reid in 1962 and then driven to a second in class finish at the Nurburgring 1000km race
In the ownership of the late John Tizard since 1972 who painstakingly restored the aluminium bodyshell
Eligible for several historic racing events including the Goodwood Weslake Cup
'2214 UE's' story began in 1960. Donald Healey and John Sprinzel were having lunch at the Steering Wheel Club when John Patten walked over to discuss a rally car. A deal was struck for a Sprite - if Sprinzel would drive the Liege-Rome-Liege that year.
First registered to the DHMC, ‘2214 UE’ was duly entered into the ‘Liege and with Sprinzel driving, achieved a third overall with a class win. Further success followed with a second in class at the German rally and a fourth in class at the RAC Rally.
During 1961, the registered owner of ‘2214 UE’ was changed to Patten and then it was sold to BRDC member, Mike Reid in October 1961 and Peel Coachworks rebuilt the body as an Alloy Coupé. The car was then displayed at the Racing Car Show on the Sprinzel stand. Immediately, it was prepared for racing and it was entered at the May Silverstone GT Race where it finished fourth in class and shortly after it was driven to a second in class finish at the Nurburgring 1000km and returned for fourth in class at the 500km in September. The final recorded meeting in Mike Reid’s ownership was for the 3 Hour at the Autosports Finals where it finished third in class. Mike Reid kept the car until 1963, and passed through several owners before John Tizard acquired it. John campaigned the car over the next six years but in 1978, John rolled the car which resulted in the car needing significant work. After a strip down, John had the alloy panels and chassis straightened and fitted a 1275cc engine. Unfortunately, John passed away in 2020 having not been able to finish the restoration.
The car is now offered as a rolling shell complete with the numerous original fitments, including two engines (one of which is believed to be the 995cc works engine). It presents a unique opportunity for any prospective buyer to enter several historic racing events for which it is eligible for.
