The Austin-Healey Sprite was a small open sports car built in the UK from 1958 to 1971. It was produced at MG’s factory who added their badged version of the auto in 1961 called the MG Midget. Together, they would become known as “Spridgets.” This example has been sitting around for several years and we’re told it was kept covered, though that may not have helped much over time. It awaits a complete restoration (or perhaps help resurrect another project). Located in San Ramon, California, this British find is available here on craigslist for $1,950 OBO. Our thanks to Gunter Kramer for this tip.
Earlier versions of the Sprite (Mk I) had interesting front-end styling that earned them the nickname “Bugeye” or “Frogeye.” The appearance changed with the release of the Mk II in 1961. It was intended to be a low-cost sports car that almost anyone could afford. To keep the costs down, the cars used tuned versions of the same engines in the Austin A-series of coupes and sedans. For a 10-year period, the Sprite and the Midget were produced simultaneously, while the latter carried on a while longer after the former was discontinued.
Because the Sprite changed from Mk II to Mk III in 1964, we don’t know which one the seller’s car is. An astute Austin fan may be able to clarify for us. A principal difference was an upgrade to the engine from an output of 948cc to 1098cc. This car is being sold by a friend of the owner and we’re told that the title is free and clear. It has a roll car behind the seats, so this Sprite was likely raced at one point. The last time it may have run would have been around 2014-15. It sits on wheel dollies, so presumably, it could have been moved around so we could see the entire car in the photos, but that didn’t happen.
Some work was done on the Austin before it was left to languish, as some older primer grey is covering most of the once-red paint job. The windshield frame is broken, so that will have to be attended to along with all the chrome bits. What you don’t see of the car in the photos was previously removed and in storage (some in the trunk) and will go with the sale. The interior is in no better shape than the rest of the vehicle. As a restoration project, this will be a labor of love.
Can’t tell if there is anything left underneath but you can’t beat the price.
It sat covered for several years, but there are more leaves and sticks in the interior than there are in my back yard.
At least the asking price isn’t 14K, so there’s that.
Wet blanket here, saying, GREAT parts car, and if you’ve done any restoration on British cars, and used the several after market suppliers, you know full well, these guys are making a fortune, meaning, while they have the parts, when completed, you’ll have a $20K dollar 1964 era sports car with VERY limited interest, and bound to lose money, if that’s an issue. A more useful venture here, would be to race it, it’s halfway stripped already. As mentioned on the other one, a lot can be done to these motors, and okay, that includes the ubiquitous Weber( hey, I never said they weren’t high output, just not for “Lollypop Lane) but foolhardy in todays driving. Like a motorcycle, or pushing a cart in the Walmart parking lot( almost got run over TWICE the other day) people, elderly mostly, that shouldn’t even BE driving, just won’t see you, often with dire results.
Now, if it was in perfect shape, it’s quite evident in my area, people DO have the cash to pizz away on something unique, with no real loyalty to the brand, but to restore one this wasted,, I feel that time has passed.
I am being cautious saying it, but this may be easily restored. A vacuum and sponge and a couple of hours time and it could be a viable runner. the pictures do not show the troublesome areas of the rockers and the dips of the rear quarter panels. Most of what we see appears to be dirt and debris. This needs to be cleaned up for a realistic evaluation.
Even the rust prone areas are relatively easy to fix because the panels are still being made and the structure is uncompromisingly square and flat. If you do the work yourself owning a Midget is inexpensive and rewarding. If you have to farm out the work they can get expensive. They require a lot of tinkering, but I think most guys like doing that. I know that I do .
I also don’t understand the hatred of the side draught SU carburetors. I have never had a problem with them.
It’s a MK II as the MK III added roll-up windows and vent windows. Got one like it undergoing restoration right now. These are uni-body so everything except the bonnet, boot lid, front wings, doors and bumpers is structural. The MK II also still had the quarter-elliptic rear springs (imagine your elbow fixed to the chassis, your hand grabbing the rear axle, and your forearm being the flexible part). As to Kelly’s comment above, the SU carbs on my TR3A were last adjusted 15 years and 14,000 miles ago. If you get it right, and keep the dashpot oil topped up, they are super-reliable.
While the price is not too bad, what concerns me is the rust on the cyl. head. If it is that bad on the outside what’s it like on the inside. Whole motor could be shot.