[Spridgets] One that got away

[Nelson Wittstock]

Back in 1962 I was in England enjoying driving my new Sprite.  Then I found 
out about a chance to enhance its performance.  I drooled over advertising 
that was being done by Jack Brabham.  For the expenditure of $1000 he would 
install a Coventry Climax engine in  my Sprite.  The thought of having a 
high performance engine was intriguing.  Then reality set in.  I had paid 
$1300 for my Sprite while my Air Force pay check was about $200 a month.  A 
thousand dollars would have been a big bite.  I also considered problems I 
would have with maintenance when I went back Stateside.  Ultimately I didn't 
pursue the possibility but I still wonder what it would have been like to 
drive a car with that power plant.