Bentley to Sprite

Douglas Wilson-Spratt competed in various disciplines including auto testing, hill climbing, sprinting, rallying and circuit racing, and in a diverse range of cars. This page covers some of those events.

Rally and Touring

DW-S competed in the Coupes des Alpes in 1959 and 1964 with co-driver Alan Piggott, in the Acropolis Rally, and in the Sabre 6 Spa-Sofia-Liege event with Raymond Baxter. The National 6 Hour Relay in August 1958 saw an early team entry. Multiple Mobil Economy runs were also completed.

Sprinting and Hill Climbing

Silverstone sprints in 1961 and regular hill climb appearances featured various machinery from the Delta Garage stable, from A35s to Sprites and Coopers.

The Bentley

The Bentley registered UC 1940 received the DW-S lightweight treatment in 1949. Richard Holland is the current owner.

Bristols

In the late 1940s, Douglas was a production test driver with the car division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. Research by Geoff Dowdle in Australia has uncovered photographs of a Swiss-registered Bristol 400 being tested, and a Bristol Sycamore helicopter connection.

The Fiat 508c Mille Miglia

Ownership of the ex-Lord Brabazon Fiat 508c was among the collection of interesting machinery that passed through Douglas’s hands. The car inspired some of the design thinking that went into the WSM body shape.

Triumph TR and Austin-Healey

Before WSM Cars was formed, Douglas competed in Triumph TRs and Austin-Healey Sprites, gaining the experience and reputation that would lead to the design of his own car.

Caravans and Aircraft

The Wilson-Spratt touch extended beyond cars. The Marlborough Caravan business at Alveston was established before the move to Leighton Buzzard. Douglas was a keen aviator, and the connection with aircraft – both Bristol Aeroplane Company and private flying – was a lifelong passion.