1960 Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite

Only four of the original Williams & Pritchard bodied Sebring Sprites remain

Widely considered to be the most successful Sprite ever built, WJB 707 was constructed as a Works Rally Car by the BMC Competitions Department for use in the upcoming Tour de Corse with Pat Moss and Ann Wisdom behind the wheel. Upgrades included disc brakes, wire wheels and an improved suspension but a gearbox failure forced its withdrawal during the race.

Of the original cars, WJB 707 made the most extensive use of aluminum

Purchased by Ian Walker later that year, WJB 707 was converted into a Sebring Sprite and ran with a three-car team headed by John Sprinzel in the 1961 season. Williams & Pritchard replaced the steel bodywork with alloy panels with aluminum also used in the inside front fenders and wheel wells. The engine was improved beyond even that performed at the factory with a Weslake head and assembly work done by legendary tuner Don Moore.

Weslake head made this one of the most successful racing Sprites

It won its class out of the box at Oulton Park and finished behind overall leaders Graham Hill, Innes Ireland, Roy Salvadori and Jack Sears. Part of John Sprinzel’s team for the 750MC Six-Hour Relay and Nurburgring 500km races, `WJB 707′ managed to lap the Silverstone Club Circuit faster than the ex-Le Mans Austin-Healey 3000 `DD 300′ during the former and contributed its share in winning the team prize in the latter. Sold through a succession of owners in later years, the car has returned during reunion events at Silverstone and Goodwood in recent years following its complete restoration. The car is acknowledged to be the most original of the four surviving Williams & Pritchard bodied Sebring Sprites (out of 5 made) it has its original panels except for the hood.

Sold by H & H Auctions, the car was estimated to sell for between £80,000 to £100,000.

The cockpit is small but comfortable