1970 ARK Racing Sprite Twin-Cam
The ARK Sprite is a purpose-built British GT racing car constructed in 1970 by ARK Racing, combining an Austin-Healey Sprite body with a dry-sumped Lotus 1,600cc Twin-Cam engine mounted as a stressed member in a bespoke spaceframe chassis. The car debuted strongly in 1970, competing at events including the Nürburgring 500km and Jarama six-hour race, before achieving its defining result in 1971: an outright victory in the Birkett Six Hour Relay Race, becoming the first car to exceed 500 miles in that event's history. It holds a current FIA HTP valid to end of 2034.
Ownership
- 2026-02-20Auction saleSold £23,000 (≈ $29K)
- 1970 →Factory deliveryARK Racingpartial documentation
The constructor built and campaigned the car from new, entering it in an ambitious international programme during 1970 and continuing into 1971.
Competition
- 1970ARK Sprite debut race2nd
The car's first competitive appearance, described as a strong runner-up finish that immediately demonstrated its pace.
- 1970Nürburgring 500km
One of several international events contested during the car's debut season.
- 1970Thruxton GT
Part of the 1970 racing programme alongside other international appearances.
- 1970Jarama 6-Hour Race
An endurance event held at Jarama, Spain, forming part of the car's first-season international schedule.
- 1971Birkett Six Hour Relay RaceDriver: John Banks1st overall
Shared with Chris Smith; the car covered 217 laps at an average of 86.8 mph, becoming the first entry in the event's history to surpass 500 miles distance.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
The original chassis was updated with foam-filled alloy-panelled centre section and a full roll cage integrated into the spaceframe structure. Aeroquip brake plumbing and an adjustable brake balance bar were fitted.
Exact date of these upgrades is not stated in the catalogue prose.
- —Engine rebuild
The Lotus Twin-Cam received a new cylinder head fitted with enlarged inlet and exhaust valves (Cosworth specification), Phase 4 camshafts with vernier timing, Omega pistons, Cosworth connecting rods, a reground Farndon crankshaft, and a five-port dry-sump pump. Twin 45mm Weber carburettors and custom exhausts were also installed.
Specification suggests a comprehensive rebuild to high-performance specification; date not recorded in the catalogue.
- —MechanicalARK Racing
Gearbox replaced with a new Ford four-speed pro-syncro straight-cut close-ratio unit rated for 250bhp. Rear axle retains the Ford 105E case, braced and fitted with a Quaife limited-slip differential. A new 5.25-inch twin-plate clutch and ARK Racing clutch release system were installed.
Date of this work is not specified.
- —Mechanical
Fuel system updated with a new 72-litre alloy fuel tank and Bendix pump. Cooling circuit revised with a new alloy radiator, swirl pot, and Aeroquip water bleed lines. A 12-row oil cooler and 1.5-gallon alloy oil tank were fitted. Fire suppression updated to a new foam system.
Date undated; reflects current specification as listed.
- —Inspection
FIA Historic Technical Passport issued for Class TSRC16, confirming the car's eligibility for historic competition through to the end of 2034.
Described in the catalogue as recently issued.
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