1959 Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite Evocation
A 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite, finished in Midnight Blue, rebuilt to Sebring Sprite specification by the late Brian Archer of Archers Garage — reputedly the last such car prepared by him before his death. Originally used in rallying from 1990, including the Monte Carlo Challenge and RAC Rally Historic section, the car was later transformed with a new fastback body, competition engine, close-ratio gearbox, and disc brakes. A 2013 engine rebuild by Race Techniques left it with effectively zero running hours.
Ownership
- 2019-02-23Auction saleSold £21,000 (≈ $26K)
- 1990 →Private saleVendor's familyfull documentation
Family acquired the car after a daughter became enthusiastic about Frogeye Sprites at a Silverstone race event. The car was used extensively in rallying, later rebuilt to Sebring Sprite specification, and subsequently campaigned in sprints and hillclimbs. A substantial history file spanning nearly three decades accompanies the car.
Competition
- 1992Monte Carlo ChallengeDNF — engine failure while in class-winning position
Event started from Berlin; the car was running in a class-winning position when the engine failed in the Savoy Alps.
- 2010Austin Healey Club sprints and hillclimbsPhil Meek Handicap Trophy1st — Trophy winner
Won during the post-Sebring-rebuild phase when the car was being campaigned in sprints and hillclimbs with the Austin Healey Club.
- —Speed Sport Night Rally ChampionshipSpeed Sport Night Rally Championship2nd overall
Rally held in Wales; result achieved during the rallying phase of the car's life prior to its Sebring rebuild.
- —RAC RallyRAC Rally (Historic section)
Car competed in the forest stages of the Historic category of the RAC Rally.
- —Bristow RallyRetired — accident damage
The car made contact with a wall in Devon, after which it was stored and not used for approximately ten years.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1990Restoration
Car was rebuilt from standard Frogeye specification to a rally-prepared configuration suitable for competitive events.
- 2006RestorationArchers Garage
Full transformation into Sebring Sprite specification carried out over approximately two years: new fibreglass fastback hardtop and bonnet fitted, roll cage installed, competition engine by Bill Richards Racing fitted, close-ratio gearbox, disc brakes, and alternator among other upgrades. Car refinished in Midnight Blue.
Work was commissioned following the vendor's meeting with Brian Archer at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2006. Brian Archer passed away before the build was fully complete, making this reputedly his final Sebring Sprite preparation.
- 2013Engine rebuildRace Techniques
The 998cc A-Series engine was fully rebuilt; subsequent rolling-road testing confirmed an output of approximately 60 bhp, with the relevant dyno printouts retained in the history file.
Work carried out by Mike Parry at Race Techniques in Cheltenham. The car has not been used in competition since this rebuild.
- —Repair
Accident damage sustained during the Bristow Rally was assessed; car was subsequently laid up rather than immediately repaired.
Approximate date prior to 2006 based on narrative context; car was stored for roughly ten years following the incident.
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