With a Len Pritchard built Sebring rear aluminium shroud, originally produced by Len as a spare for Jonathon Whitehouse-Bird's EAO restoration, 8401 UE belongs to Richard Wiffen. This Sprite is a recreation of what a well off and time-rich owner could to do to their car in 1960 for competition use, and illustrates that Sebring Sprites can in many shapes and bodies. It complies with FIA Appendix K specifications for a Sebring Sprite and also the earlier Sprite Supercharged specifications with the wire wheel option. It was built from parts acquired by Richard over a period of 13 years with the help and input of a large number of enthusiasts in the Sprite community, paid and unpaid over the years.

Richard says:

"I have been really touched by the nice things people have said about my car. It was a very long time coming together and some parts were acquired so long ago I had even forgotten I owned them! Len Pritchard’s bodywork skills really were of the very highest order and so much of the measurement of curve and angle he just held in his head. I agree that the debate about “What’s a Sebring Sprite?” is a lively issue (one I feel quite relaxed about) as is “What is a W&P Sprite?” Anyway the short-ish answer to your question is that I would be delighted to join the Register and very proud for my car to be displayed."

The car's specification is as follows:

The bodywork

Alloy rear tub by Len Pritchard of W&P; Abingdon pressed alloy doors; aluminium front inner and outer panels; bonnet part alloy with air scoop from 7080 AC (1960 Alpine Rally car, Tomy Wisdom & Jack Hay); strengthened inner shell.

Engine

A series 995cc block; tutrified crank; lightened/balanced innards; Supercharger from 7080 AC, with Shorrock C75B blower kit; race prepped; Abarth exhaust system.

Gearbox and Transmission

Smooth case sccr gearbox; Girling hydraulics; 3.727:1 diff (ex Riley 1.5).

Brakes, Hubs and Wheels

Standard hubs, front brakes Girling Type 10 callipers with hub adapter plates; rear Riley 1.5 8" drums; Girling hydraulics; Borrani alloy wire wheels.

Suspension and Tyres

Front - 400 lb springs with standard Armstrong lever shock absorbers; Rear - 10 leaf springs with spacer and Armstrong adjustable dampers; Healey 100 anti-roll bar; Dunlop 4.50 x 13 racing tyres.

Ancilliaries

Electric fan; replica 120mph works speedo; Speedwell Weston rev counter; replica Healey Speed Equipment seats and steering wheel.