Austin-Healey Speedwell Sebring Sprite MkI - ex. Tonio Hildebrand
Austin-Healey Speedwell Sebring Sprite MkI - ex. Tonio Hildebrand
Transmission: 4 gears, Manual gearbox
Model year: 2026
Drive: Rear wheel drive
Empty weight: 570 kg
GVW: 570 kg
Number of seats: 2
Emission class: Euro 0
Registration number: DD-55-63
Manufacturer: Carrosso Classic & Sportscars Eekstraat 2 8375HN OLDEMARKT, NL 0625351515 http://www.carrosso.com sales@carrosso.com
Austin Healey Speedwell Sebring Sprite formerly owned by Tonio Hildebrand – 1958
• In the same family for almost 45 years
• Formerly owned by the famous Dutch racing driver Tonio Hildebrand
• Unique combination of Speedwell and Sebring specifications – the only known Sebring Sprite in the Netherlands
• Prepared by John Sprinzel of Speedwell Performance Conversions in London
• Fitted with one of only five aluminium Speedwell Monza bonnets ever produced
• Ashley hardtop designed by Frank Costin, known for the Lotus Elite, amongst other cars
• Only six sets of aluminium doors were produced – fitted to reduce the racing weight to approximately 570 kg
• Competition-spec Downton 998cc engine producing approximately 70 pk
• Debuted at Circuit Zandvoort on 22 May 1960, with start number 31
• Active racing history in the early 1960s, including Zandvoort, KNAC hill climbs and the SLS Rally
• 10th place in the 1960 SLS Rally (Scheveningen–Luxembourg–Scheveningen)
• Converted to FIA-homologated Sebring specification in collaboration with John Sprinzel and Donald Healey
• Extensive period-correct racing equipment, including Girling Type 10 disc brakes, close-ratio gearbox, oil cooler, twin fuel pumps and adjustable shock absorbers
• Professionally restored between 2004 and 2008 to the exact specification, colour scheme and condition of its racing debut in 1960
• Exceptionally comprehensive historical archive, including original documents, racing history, articles, awards and numerous period photographs
• Valuation report (€130,000) from 2019 available
GENERAL
After nearly 45 years in the family, this unique and historically significant Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite is now being offered to the next enthusiast. This exceptional car has been restored to its original specification and comes with a wealth of documentation, including a dedicated book detailing its racing history.
Ahead of the 1960 racing season, the famous racing driver Tonio Hildebrand purchased this Austin-Healey Sprite, after which the car was taken to Speedwell Performance Conversions in London. There, owner John Sprinzel fully prepared the Healey for competition use.
The Sprite was fitted with one of only five aluminium Speedwell Monza bonnets ever produced. This distinctive design was the work of Frank Costin, known for his work on various aeroplanes and sports cars such as the Lotus Elite. The Ashley hardtop on this Sprite was also designed by Costin. To achieve the ideal racing weight of just 570 kilograms, aluminium doors were fitted – of which only six sets are believed to have been produced. The car was then painted in Tonio’s personal racing colours: Leaf Green with yellow striping.
In addition, the Sprite was fitted with extensive Speedwell equipment, including a stabiliser bar, close-ratio gearbox, special intake manifold, rev counter, seat belts and the distinctive Speedwell gear knob. This effectively transformed the car into a fully-fledged ‘Speedwell Sprite’.
The power unit was supplied by Downton Engineering in Salisbury: a competition-spec 998cc engine producing approximately 70 pk.
Tonio Hildebrand collaborated with Speedwell and Downton to use this Sprite as a demonstration and promotional car for their performance parts, which he sold through his Amsterdam garage ‘De Pits’ and at racetracks during races.
CONDITION & DOCUMENTATION
Between 2004 and 2008, the car underwent an extensive and professional restoration, during which the Sprite was returned to exactly the same specification, colour scheme and condition as it was during its debut on 22 May 1960, including start number 31.
Since then, the car has reappeared at historic circuits such as Zandvoort, Goodwood Motor Circuit, Falkenberg and Le Mans.
The car is currently in a superb, authentic patina condition and is accompanied by an exceptionally comprehensive historical archive containing original documentation, racing history, articles, awards and countless period photographs. These include, amongst others, photographs featuring John Sprinzel outside the London pub in 2013, and photographs from 2008 of John Healey and Gerry Cooker, the designer of the famous Healey models.
BODYWORK & SPECIFICATIONS
Although based on the iconic Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I, virtually every component has been modified to period-correct racing specification.
Speedwell components include, amongst others:
• Aluminium cylinder head
• Aluminium Monza bonnet
• Speedwell sports steering wheel
• Speedwell rev counter
• Stabiliser bar
• Special exhaust manifold
• Performance intake manifold
• Close-ratio gearbox
• Speedwell gear knob
• Additional temperature and oil pressure gauges
• Racing seatbelts
• Bonnet lock
The Sebring specifications include, amongst other things:
• Girling Type 10 front disc brakes
• Twin fuel pump
• Inner-mounted brake and fuel lines
• Adjustable shock absorbers
• Twin exhaust silencers
• Oil cooler
• Separate brake/clutch system
• Narrower rear axle
• Larger rear brake drums
• Bucket seats
• Aluminium doors
• Modified front suspension
• Sebring fuel cap
Other notable components include:
• Downton 998cc engine with steel crankshaft
• Landar cylinder head cover
• Lucas sports ignition coil
• Works running light
• Automatically controlled cooling fan at higher revs
• Widened spoked rims from Dunlop Wheels
• Aluminium oil filter housing with cooling fins
• Avon racing tyres
RACE HISTORY
The first race took place on 22 May 1960 at Circuit Zandvoort. It was not Tonio himself, but Ies Langestraat — at the time a top salesman at BMC importer Stokvis in Rotterdam — who took his place behind the wheel.
Langestraat was immediately among the leading group, but lost control of the car on the tenth lap, just before the straight. After a rear wheel veered off the track, the Sprite rolled over. As the driver was thrown from the car, his injuries were limited to a broken rib and arm. The damage to the Speedwell Sprite was relatively minor: a damaged hardtop and slight bodywork damage, which were repaired that very same week.
Immediately afterwards, the Sprite lined up at the start of the SLS Rally (Scheveningen–Luxembourg–Scheveningen) on 9, 10 and 11 June 1960, where the car achieved a creditable 10th place.
Before the start of the 1961 season, the car was transported back to London, where John Sprinzel was now working alongside Donald Healey on the limited-edition Sebring Sprite. This FIA-homologated competition version featured, amongst other things, Girling Type 10 disc brakes, spoked wheels, twin fuel pumps, adjustable shock absorbers, an oil cooler and internally routed brake and fuel lines.
All these modifications were also fitted to Tonio’s car, creating the only known Sebring Sprite in the Netherlands.
In the early 1960s, the Speedwell/Sebring was a regular sight at KNAC hill climbs around Vaals and remained active at Zandvoort until 1965, where Jan Kanters drove its final race under the banner of the ‘Stichts Racing Team’.
SUMMARY
An extremely rare opportunity to own a unique piece of Dutch and international motorsport history.
This Sebring/Speedwell Sprite combines exceptional provenance, original racing specifications, rare Speedwell and Sebring components, and a pure historical racing experience in a single, exceptional collector’s item.
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