Once again, the Midget & Sprite Club returns to the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show with a stand that’s all about getting stuck in. This year’s focus is firmly on restoration and modification, showing what’s possible whether you prefer factory-correct originality or thoughtful upgrades that improve performance and usability.

The display brings together standard cars, long-term projects and heavily modified builds – all owned, restored and driven by club members who use their cars as intended.

1970 MG Midget Mk3 – Gerald Ekin
A former concours winner, restored between 2014–2016. Now uprated with a MED-built 1380cc engine, Frontline T9 five-speed gearbox, suspension upgrades, custom leather interior and carbon fibre dash, producing around 115bhp.

1973 MG Midget Mk3 – Dave Warren
A much-loved, largely standard Teal Blue car that’s toured Holland, Le Mans (twice), John O’Groats to Land’s End and lapped Silverstone, Donington and Zandvoort. Packed with stories and real-world miles.

1960 Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite – Lynda Rawlings
In the same family since 1972 and recently passed from father to daughter. Largely standard, recently recommissioned and now back on the road for shows and Sunday drives.

1968 MG Midget with Arkley SS bodywork – Ian Newbery
Featuring an Oselli 1380 engine, Frontline suspension and Arkley SS conversion. Future plans include interior upgrades and possibly a five-speed conversion.

1963 MG Midget Mk1 – James Barratt
A seriously modified car with a 1275cc Nissan twin-cam engine, Suzuki five-speed gearbox, adjustable suspension and panhard rod. Used for Alpine challenges, track days and hillclimbs.

1962 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk2 – Richard Woolmer
Currently undergoing a major rebuild with wide arches, a 1380cc race engine, five-speed conversion and custom coilover suspension. Richard will be carrying out live work on the stand and is happy to talk through every detail of the build.

The stand will also feature two original Sebring Sprites, both with serious period competition history:

1960 Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite (SRC 480) – Sven Eckhardt
Converted by John Sprinzel in period and rallied extensively in 1961–62, including an outright win on the London Motor Club National Rally. Now undergoing restoration back to original rally specification.

1960 Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite (2214UE) – Brett Dillon
Believed to be the first Sprite entered into an international event as a Sebring Sprite, achieving class wins and podiums on major European rallies. Now undergoing a full nut-and-bolt, body-off restoration to period Nürburgring specification, with modern safety updates.

Across the weekend, members will be carrying out live restoration and modification work, focusing on engine, electrics and ongoing rebuild tasks on the 1962 Sprite Mk2. It’s a proper working stand, with tools out, questions encouraged and no secrets about how the jobs are done.

Whether you’re into concours originality, period motorsport history or building a fast, usable classic, the Midget & Sprite Club stand is a proper hands-on showcase of what can be achieved in a home garage with time, effort and enthusiasm.