Austin-healey Sprite anniversary tales, Ford Capri memories and more

I was pleased to see the baby ’Healey recognised in Classic Cars (‘Happy 60th!’, August 2018). In 1967 and 1968 the Sprite won the Motor Trophy for the first British car to finish at Le Mans and was displayed at the London Motor Show in both years. I’m the proud owner of this car as part of the purchase from the late Ian Polley, who successfully competed with it for 27 years. I joined the historic parade ahead of the Le Mans 24 Hours race in 2000, and watched as Ian and John Rhodes drove it at the 2000 Goodwood Revival. It just shows how a cheap little roadster was developed into a class competitor utilising the same basic chassis and drivetrain. A search of Sprites in competition shows many great drivers including Stirling Moss, Bruce Mclaren, Steve Mcqueen, John Sprinzel, Clive Baker, Paul Hawkins, Alec Poole, John Rhodes, Andrew Hedges and the infamous Manny Moore. Joe Armour