Austin-Healey Sprite Mk IV

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Following the success of the original 'Frogeye', BMC decided to revamp and expand the Sprite range in 1961, updating the car with sharper front and rear styling in place of the characterful look of old, adding an opening boot to the rear, yet all based on the monocoque of the original model.

By late 1966 the final MkIV version of the Sprite arrived with its more luxurious interior and twin carb 1275cc version of the proven A-Series engine. A further major improvement was the addition of a proper folding hood – previous models making do with a separate hood cover and frame.

Successful though they were in period, the iconic ‘Frogeye’ remains the most loved and consequently the most valuable Sprite in today’s market. As a consequence of this, Lincolnshire based Halls Garage developed the Tifosi Rana aftermarket fibreglass kit that transforms a later model Midget or Sprite into a Frogeye lookalike.

This 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV was given the Tifosi Rana treatment in 2014, the £1,750 kit being added to a thoroughly restored substructure. The original bodyshell was given new floors, inner and outer sills, new footwells and repair sections to the A-posts. A new front and rear panel were also added, making a very sound basis for further work.

The mechanical elements were also rebuilt, including the brakes which have overhauled front calipers, new front discs and bearings, copper brake pipes with new hoses, new rear cylinders, adjusters and shoes as well as new mastercylinder seals for both brake and clutch.

The gearbox and rear axle were checked and found to be in good condition and a new fuel tank, SU pump and rebuilt caburettors were added. The engine was rebuilt, including a rebore to 1,340cc with new pistons, crank grind, new mains and big end bearings, strapped centre-main, new valves, guides and springs along with a Minisport fast road cam. The engine was then fitted with a three-branch stainless manifold, new oil pump and pressure relief valve.

Finally, new rear springs, front lower wishbones, kingpins and shock absorbers were added, along with new telescopics for the rear and a new anti-roll bar. Correct rear lights and new headlights add a touch of authenticity, as does the wood-rim Motolita steering wheel. A fresh battery has been fitted as recently as March of this year.

This comprehensively rebuilt car, offered at a mere fraction of its build and restoration cost is MOTd until February 2016, has covered little more than 2,000 miles since the work was carried out and is ready for action.