The only Sprite ever to be built as a Speedwell and Sebring at the same time!
Specially spec'd by Tony Hildebrandt himself using his connections with Speedwell and Downton
Fitted with unique parts from Speedwell for example: one of the 5 lightweight aluminium Monza bonnets, one of the 6 pairs of doors, an alloy cylinder head and close-ratio gearbox
Fitted with unique parts from Downton Engineering for example: 998cc competition engine, steel (red) crank and lightweight conrods
Nearly 45 years in single-family ownership prior to sale
Professionally restored between 2004 and 2008, to its 1960 race debut specification
Accompanied by an extensive historical archive including a dedicated book, period photographs, and documentation
The Appeal
The Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I needs little introduction, but a Sprite prepared to full Speedwell and Sebring specification by John Sprinzel himself, and with a documented racing career spanning the early 1960s, is something else entirely.
This particular car was purchased by the Dutch racing driver Tonio Hildebrand ahead of the 1960 season and sent directly to Speedwell Performance Conversions in London, where Sprinzel transformed it into a competition-ready machine. The collaboration went further still: Hildebrand used the car as a demonstration and promotional vehicle for Speedwell and Downton Engineering performance parts, sold through his Amsterdam garage "De Pits" and at circuits across the Netherlands.
What sets this Sprite apart is the rarity of its specification. The Speedwell aluminium Monza bonnet is said to be one of only five ever made, designed by aerodynamicist Frank Costin, while the aluminium doors come from one of just six sets produced; and this is believed to be the only Sebring Sprite to feature them from new. Power comes from a Downton Engineering 998cc competition engine producing approximately 70bhp, mated to a Speedwell close-ratio gearbox. Before the 1961 season, the car returned to London where Sprinzel, then working alongside Donald Healey, applied the full suite of Sebring upgrades: Girling Type 10 front disc brakes, internally routed brake and fuel lines, adjustable dampers, an oil cooler, and much more.
The car's racing provenance is well documented, from its debut at Zandvoort on 22 May 1960, where it ran in the leading group before a roll in the tenth lap, through the SLS Rally, KNAC hillclimbs around Vaals, and continued competition at Zandvoort until 1965. Between 2004 and 2008, the Sprite underwent a professional restoration, returning it to the specification and livery of its 1960 debut, complete with race number 31. Since then, it has appeared at historic events at Zandvoort, Goodwood, Falkenberg, and Le Mans.
The vendor describes the car as being in authentic patinated condition today, with original parts deliberately not over-polished. It is accompanied by an extensive archive of documentation, period photographs, articles, and prizes, as well as a dedicated book chronicling its racing history. For collectors of significant competition cars, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a unique piece of Dutch and international motorsport heritage.
Finished in Leaf Green with yellow striping, Tonio Hildebrand's personal racing colours
Race number 31 as per debut
Still fitted with one of 5 lightweight Speedwell aluminium Monza bonnets
Speedwell sports steering wheel
Speedwell tachometer and gear knob
Ashley hardtop, also designed by Frank Costin
Aluminium doors, from one of only six sets produced
Race weight of 570kg
Bucket seats with competition harnesses
Additional temperature and oil pressure gauges
Sebring fuel cap and bonnet locks
Works inspection lamp
Widened Dunlop wire wheels
Avon racing tyres
This car is finished in Leaf Green with yellow striping, reflecting Tonio Hildebrand’s personal racing colours and carrying its original debut race number, 31. Built with a strong period competition focus, it is believed to be the only Sebring Sprite to feature the rare aluminium Speedwell Monza bonnet from new, of which only five were produced and designed by Frank Costin, along with an Ashley hardtop and aluminium doors, both similarly rare competition components. Weighing just 570kg in race trim, it is equipped with numerous Speedwell performance details including a sports steering wheel, tachometer and gear knob, as well as bucket seats with competition harnesses, additional temperature and oil pressure gauges, Sebring fuel cap and bonnet locks, a works inspection lamp, widened Dunlop wire wheels, and Avon racing tyres.
Downton Engineering 998cc competition-prepared engine with steel crankshaft, producing approximately 70bhp
Speedwell close-ratio gearbox
Aluminium cylinder head
Speedwell performance inlet manifold and special exhaust manifold
Dual exhaust silencer
Landar valve cover
Lucas sports ignition coil
Girling Type 10 front disc brakes
Larger rear brake drums
Separate brake and clutch system
Dual fuel pump
Internally routed brake and fuel lines
Adjustable shock absorbers
Modified front suspension with Speedwell anti-roll bar
Narrower rear axle
Oil cooler with aluminium oil filter housing and cooling fins
Automatic cooling fan engaging at higher RPM
Power comes from a Downton Engineering 998cc competition-prepared engine featuring a steel crankshaft and aluminium cylinder head, producing approximately 70bhp. The drivetrain includes a Speedwell close-ratio gearbox, Speedwell performance inlet manifold, special exhaust manifold, and dual exhaust silencer, complemented by a Landar valve cover and Lucas sports ignition coil. Handling and braking were upgraded for competition use with Girling Type 10 front disc brakes, larger rear drums, separate brake and clutch systems, adjustable shock absorbers, modified front suspension with a Speedwell anti-roll bar, and a narrower rear axle. Additional race-focused engineering includes dual fuel pumps, internally routed brake and fuel lines, an oil cooler with aluminium filter housing and cooling fins, and an automatic cooling fan that engages at higher RPM.Sebring Sprite 064 Robert Visser.jpg2.2 MB
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