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ESS denotes a factory replacement engine, nothing too unusual about it apart from the very low number. They were fitted by main dealers as a matter of course, sort of like "gold seal" engines in BMC cars.
There's no effective difference between a manual engine and one destined for an automatic car. I think the HEA designation on the engine number was to give the line workers the clue on whether to fit the spacer and drive plate for the auto, or a flywheel and clutch for a manual. There's no such thing as a "numbers matching car" in American terms, the chassis and engine numbers are usually close, within a few to a couple hundred, at least on series 1 cars (up to VA15000) and between 3000 and 6000 different (lower engine number) on later series models.
It's unlikely the car would have been converted to manual before sale. Auto cars were in a distinct minority in production terms, something like 1700 autos produced out of 23,000+ Sprints. No one would have ordered an automatic car, then said "Oh by the way, can you make it manual" A manual model would have been on show in any dealers showroom and available without a wait.
A much more likely explanation is that the first owner ordered and ran the car as an auto. Then at sale time, the less well regarded auto would have been cheaper than an identical manual, someone bought a bargain and converted it. Again, a not unusual state of affairs, out of maybe 60 surviving Sprint autos, at least a dozen now sport manual gearboxes.
Steve
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'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!
Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.
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