HIGHLIGHTS
- Stunning condition Austin Healey Sprite
- Excellent bodywork.
- Garaged for the majority of it’s life.
- Exceptionally low mileage.
- Ready to jump in and enjoy unmatched top down motoring.
THE APPEAL
Produced by BMC from 1958 to 1971 the Austin Healey Sprite was very popular and still is popular amongst enthusiasts today. It has a charming and distinctive appearance and features many upgrades over the previous iterations such as a curved glass windscreen, hinged quarter lights, wind up windows and exterior door handles.
The Sprite was infamous for its nimble and agile handling, making it a fun and enjoyable car on twisty roads. This was mostly due to it’s size and lightweight construction that contributed to its excellent handling.
This particular example was initially somewhat of a barn find, with the current vendor restoring it back to its former glory in the late 80’s early 90’s. Since then it has won best in show and been only used occasionally when the weather has been right.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Registered in 1965.
- Tax and MOT exempt.
- Previous MOT’s included.
- Correct V5.
- Registered as a historic vehicle.
- One owner for 40 years.
- The current vendor rebuilt this vehicle in 1988 and has a photobook of images that has recorded the restoration process.
- Show winning car in 1993.
- The Sprite has only completed 4,000 miles in recent years.
- There is a selection of paperwork that comes with the vehicle such as the original logbook and receipts for work carried out and parts ordered.
- We are informed that the current owner has garaged this car for the majority of its life, ensuring that it was kept out of the elements.
- The vehicle has never been driven by the vendor in the rain or poor weather.
THE INTERIOR
- Fantastic condition interior.
- The interior of the Austin Healey presents very very well.
- Red leather tilt leather seats paired with the matching red carpet looks great.
- Front seats look to be in good order, with both sets showing minimal wear to either the bolsters or cushions.
- Door cards, dashboard and headlining look to be in excellent order with no significant scuffs or rips that we noticed.
- The carpet, as well as the upholstery within the car, looks great with no signs of discolouration or wearing that we noticed.
- All the gauges, switches and electronics within the vehicle are said to be working as they should do.
- The chrome work within the Austin looks great, still lustrous and complements the interior really well.
- Both sills look to be in good shape.
- Sprite badging can be found on the dashboard.
- Speedo reports the mileage at 68,390.
THE EXTERIOR
- Great overall condition.
- Resprayed and finished in Old English White.
- The front of the car is relatively free from imperfections such as stone chips with the front valance showing no defects that we noticed.
- The current owner has spent many years ensuring that the car is kept in the best condition possible.
- The body panels look nice and straight with no signs of damage or corrosion that we noticed.
- Brightwork around the car is in excellent condition. However there is signs of micro-blistering on the paintwork.
- Headlight lenses are clean, bright and free from sun damage. The same can be said for the lenses on the rear lights.
- Glass and trim around the car is inline with the rest of the vehicle.
- Underneath the Austin shows no signs of corrosion and has been undersealed to protect the from any road grime.
- The wire spoke wheels present well but would certainly benefit from a refurb as they are showing signs of patina in places. The centre caps look fantastic and are super lustrous.
- The Austin comes with the original tonneau cover as well as an aftermarket one. The aftermarket one fits as intended.
- The current vendor does have the roof for the vehicle but it is not assembled and has not been fitted to the car, the new owner will need to assemble this themselves.
THE MECHANICS
- 1275 cc engine that produces 52bhp and 65 lb ft of torque.
- 4 speed manual gearbox
- Turn the key and away you go.
- The Austin starts on the key and idles with absolute ease. We noticed no unusual sounds coming from the engine.
- The manual 4 speed gearbox behaves as it should do with no unwanted noises or crunching when switching between 1st and reverse.
- The engine bay is presented well and looks fantastic for its age.
SUMMARY
This particular MK3 Sprite is a dream, ready to go, jump in and soak up the endless amounts of nostalgia this car has to offer, roof up or roof down. Offering huge amounts of style, comfort and sporting the plucky 1275cc engine, there is little more that you could want from an Austin. Whilst not the fastest, it is bound to have you enjoying every metre you travel.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.