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Alongside the
big six- cylinder Healeys Austin Healey started producing a smaller and
more affordable sportscar in 1958; the Austin Healey Sprite.
The Austin Healey Sprite MK I had a very uncommon design with the
headlamps intergrated upon the bonnet, that was the reason why the car
got the nickname "frogeye". The first Sprite was very
much a purists sportscar; only the most important features were
incorporated in the car. Sprite MK I did not have a booth lid, no door
handles, no roll- down windows...but because of its compactness and its
low weight it was and is fun to drive!
From
the year 1961 the Sprite MK II appeared on the market. This second
version was extensively redesigned. The shape was much more square and
common. The headlamps were now placed on the outer front edges and the
car was equipped with a booth lid! Sprite MK II was also equipped with disc brakes at the front wheels and the four cylinder Austin engine was
uprated to 55 bhp.
In the year 1964 the Healey Sprite MK III saw the light of day, the car
was equipped with roll-down windows, door handles, and a further uprated
engine producing 58 bhp.
1966 was the year the Sprite MK IV came into production. The car was
equipped with a more powerfull 1275 cc. engine with a power output of 65
bhp.
The last 1022 Healey Sprites left the factory "labeled" Austin
Sprite in the year 1971. The contractual agreements with Donald Healey
were ended and Austin ceased using the Healey name. By that time the
"big Healeys" were out of production for three years already...
Technical
data
4 cylinder
Austin engine
cylindercapacity: 1275 cc.
carburettors: 2x S.U.
capacity: 65 bhp. at 6000 rpm.
top-speed: approx. 97 mph. - 155 km/h.
gearbox: 4-speed, manual
Information
on the presented Austin Healey Sprite Austin
Healey Sprite MK I, year 1960. Colour: red with a black leather interior.
This Austin Healey Sprite was recently fully restored to TOP-condition.
The car was equipped with the more powerful 1275 cc. engine (instead of
948cc.) with two S.U. carburettors, diskbrakes on the front-wheels and
chrome spoke-wheels.
The Sprite is a very characteristic little car, a car that you love at
first sight. While driving it you get so many positive reactions from
people in the streets that you alway drive with a smile... This is
absolutely the nicest little British
roadster and the most beautiful Austin Healey Sprite.
Listen to the horn ;-)
This classic was sold by
Altena Classic Service
info@altena-classics.nl
Altena Classic Service
Phone: +31 524 56 11 22 |
