Description
Author: Geoffrey Healey, Hardbound,224 Pages, 1st Edition, 1978 - Second-Hand book in excellent condition !
Donald and Geoffrey Healey's Sprite was the first truly successful small sports car to be produced after the war. Announced to wild acclaim in 1958, the Sprite was to remain in production, through four marque changes, for over twenty years, while its stable mate, the MG Midget, continues to this day. Sales for both models have exceeded 330,000, firmly establishing the tradition that sporting motoring does not have to be expensive. More than any other model, the Spridget — once called 'the car with the smiling face' - has been responsible for introducing sports car motoring to many thousands of enthusiasts who would otherwise have been unable to take it up.
Being a close-knit family, and somewhat secretive, the Healeys accumulated a vast store of information which has not previously been released. As a result, many inaccuracies have been published about the Healey marques in general, and the Sprite in particular. Following the spectacular success of his first book, Austin Healey: The Story of the Big Healeys, Geoffrey sat down to set the record straight on the Sprite and the MG Midget, making full use of the material held by his family.
He traces Donald Healey's early career with the motoring industry leading up to the birth of the Sprite. He describes in detail the decision to produce an MG version and the subsequent production, development and racing histories of both models. Many drivers competed with the Spridget, including the greatest of all — Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Tommy Wisdom, Timo Makinen, John Sprinzel and a multitude of private owners. The cars headed their class at the classic events of Sebring, Le Mans, the Ntirburgring, and the Targa Florio, not to mention the numerous events held throughout the western world.
Although ridiculed for its distinctive style, the original Sprite, the Frog-eye, is now greatly sought after by enthusiasts. This book includes hints on restoring these early models and advice on obtaining spare parts.
In this frank and spirited account, Geoffrey Healey, the chief engineer of the team that produced so many desirable sports cars, makes full use of his personal experience and family archives. He has included many remarkable and rare photographs, together with power curves, and full technical details.
Some reviews of Geoffrey Healey's first book, Austin Healey: The Story of the Big Healeys
'A full, detailed and accurate account of how the Big Healeys came into existence, and how they were developed, raced, rallied and sold . . . enhanced by excellent black-and-white and colour photographs. Altogether a book that those who remember with respect, or still own, a Big Healey, will warmly welcome.'
(WB, Motor Sport)
'Geoffrey is one of the very few people who could relate the whole story of the Austin Healey as seen from the inside. I rate this book as essential reference. It is difficult to see how anyone else could produce a more definitive work.'
(EE, Autocar)
'Donald Healey was lucky to have a son like Geoffrey as his right-hand man and down-to-earth interpreter of Dad's prolific engineering ideas. Geoffrey's book is a valuable addition to the literature of motoring and will give much pleasure to many motorists, not least to Healey owners.'
(Courtenay Edwards, The Sunday Telegraph)
jacket illustrations:
(front): the author drives Paul Weston's Sprite down the leafy road where he tested the prototypes over twenty years ago. (John Wright Photography)
(back): Dion Pears's dramatic painting of Clive Baker about to be overtaken by a Ford in the 1967 Le Mans 24 Hours.
jacket design: Brian Roll
ISBN 0 85614 049 X
printed in Great Britain
Gentry Books Ltd,
16 Regency Street, London SW I.
