WORDS: ELLIOTT HUGHES | PHOTOS: CAR AND CLASSIC
Online auction platform Car and Classic is offering a rare 1961 Healey Sprite boat, with the sale ending on November 1, 2023. The Sprite boat was one of the last vessels built by Healey Marine Ltd, which was part of Donald Healey Motor Co, known for Healey and Austin-Healey motor cars.
Designed for performance, Donald Campbell opted to use Healey Sprites as support vessels
It is estimated that Healey Marine built around 1400 boats during the 1950s and early 1960s, although exact numbers are unknown. The example offered by Car and Classic is being auctioned alongside its original bunk trailer, and is fitted with a rare Mercury Thunderbolt 50bhp outboard motor, complete with its original control unit and fuel tank.
Healey Sprites were designed for performance, and Donald Campbell opted to use them as support vessels for some of his Water Speed Record attempts in the jet-powered Bluebird K7 hydroplane at Coniston Water, UK. Period advertising promised “jet-like acceleration”, and marketed the Sprite as the perfect craft for water-skiing and individual sporting pursuits.
Prior to being offered for sale, the boat and its accompanying trailer had both undergone a thorough restoration. The craft has been refinished in the Austin-Healey colours of Obelia Blue and Iris Blue, while the bunk trailer has been fitted with a new winch and jockey wheel.
The boat’s interior features two moulded bucket seats with inserts upholstered to original specifications. The twin-cockpit interior also boasts a Smiths dashboard clock, furnished picnic basket and blanket, original wood-rimmed steering wheel and Sprite dashboard badge.
It is expected to fetch between €17,000-€19,000. To see the auction listing and for more information, click here.
