William Osborne's long-established yard in Littlehampton was renowned in the 1920s and 1930s for producing strongly built and well-designed motor cruisers. The yard continues to operate today. Inspiration II was constructed there in 1931. At 30 feet in length, she was one of the smallest of the Little Ships to participate in the evacuation across the English Channel during its initial days.

Like many smaller vessels, Inspiration II was towed across the Channel to conserve fuel and increase speed. The exact circumstances of her journey remain unclear. It is possible that she broke her tow or had her lines severed during an aerial attack. Subsequently, she was found drifting with the tide by the tug Kenia, which recovered her and, as with many other damaged vessels, assisted her return to the port of Dover.

In 1988, Inspiration II was sold to Dennis Wells, who also owns the vessel Warrior. Inspiration II is noted for her attractive appearance; her brightly painted red hull has since been restored to the original white, preserving her condition as she was nearly sixty years ago when first built.