Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV

AMENDMENT: This car is 1969, not 1968 as it says in the printed catalogue.

Following the success of the original 'Frogeye', BMC decided to revamp and expand the Sprite range in 1961, modernising the car with sharper front and rear styling in place of the bulbous look of old and an opening boot at last! Equally successful with the sportscar buying public, the Sprite MkII compelled MG to launch their own badge-engineered version which they called the Midget. 

By 1966 the final MkIV version of the Sprite arrived with a more luxurious interior and, most importantly, a twin carb 1275cc version of the proven A-Series engine, which it shared with other BMC sporting models such as the Mini Cooper S. With 65bhp on tap it could propel the little Sprite to a top speed of 94mph – although these cars are such fun to drive you always feel you are going twice as fast as you really are! Another major improvement was the addition of a proper folding hood – previous models making do with a separate hood cover and frame which had to be stowed away in the boot.

First registered in October 1969, this particular Sprite is an original right-hand drive car that has been in the current ownership for the last 16 years. In the early 1990s the car was fully restored including a new Heritage shell and a freshly built engine from A-Series guru Ivor Searle. Since the restoration was completed the car has covered 57,000 miles.

The current owner has fitted a new leather interior, stainless steel exhaust, Motalita steering wheel and Minilite-style alloy wheels. He has also fitted an unleaded head and electronic ignition. It comes with a hood, hood cover and tonneau, all in good condition. Waxoiled, garaged and well-maintained, it is said to drive beautifully and comes with an MOT until September and is taxed until the end of July. Just jump in and enjoy!