With winter fast approaching, now would seem to be the least logical time to buy a classic British sports car. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Those colder months allow a new owner time to partake in some satisfying tinkering to ensure their new toy is at its peak when the sun decides to show its face. That could be the life awaiting the owner of this 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark IV because it has no urgent needs, and the asking price seems affordable. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in York, Pennsylvania. You could give it a new home by handing the seller $7,900. Barn Finder Gunter K has previously unearthed some excellent classics, and I must say a big thank you for spotting this cute little Brit.
The Sprite Mark IV appeared in late 1966 and brought a few worthwhile and practical upgrades over its predecessor. One was a folding convertible top that replaced the previous removable unit. It proved more user-friendly and avoided the issue of compromising available trunk space when the owner dropped the top. This car’s Black top is in good order, with a tight fit and clear windows. It contrasts well against the Pale Primrose paint that shines nicely for a driver-grade vehicle. It cloaks panels that are as straight as an arrow, with consistent gaps and no evidence of rust. The glass and chrome are easily acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle that rolls on its original steel wheels. That last detail is something I may be tempted to change if this Sprite found its way into my garage. A set of alloy Minilites would look perfect on this classic and improve brake cooling. They aren’t expensive and represent an easily-reversed upgrade.
This Sprite features everything you would expect from the interior of a classic British sports car. The driver will lower themselves into a light low-back bucket seat facing the dash through a three-spoke “banjo” wheel. The dash features a tach, a few ancillary gauges, and a range of toggle switches. Their hand drops from the wheel to a stubby shifter for the manual transmission, and the only creature comforts are a heater and AM radio. This Sprite ticks those boxes, and the only addition is a wrap which should make gripping the wheel more comfortable. The upholstered surfaces and dash are in good order, but the carpet shows wear and fading. A complete replacement carpet set retails for around $375.00, but fitting one would provide a considerable lift. It would also be a rewarding way to while away some time until summer arrives.
The most significant change occurring with the arrival of the Sprite Mark IV was an increase in engine capacity from 1,097cc to 1,275cc. The resultant power boost was modest, jumping from 59hp to 65hp. Those ponies feed the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, and while the power figure isn’t earth-shattering, the curb weight of 1,573lbs makes this Austin-Healey pretty “Spritely” (sorry!). One attraction of these motors is that extracting additional power is not difficult or expensive. Squeezing power to 80hp requires little beyond a new camshaft and a set of headers and should slash the ¼-mile ET from 18.9 seconds to the low-17-second mark. If the buyer prefers originality, an unmodified Sprite is still fun but is slightly slower getting from Point A to Point B. The seller supplies no information on the car’s mechanical health, making that a question potential buyers should ask before committing their funds. However, maintenance is a doddle, and many owners find they can successfully perform most tasks in a home workshop.
I always consider classics like this 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite genuine “driver’s” cars. They don’t possess copious amounts of power or offer the limpet-like grip of most modern vehicles. However, that is a large part of their attraction. They reward those willing to commit with a engaging and satisfying motoring experience, but they remain comfortable if the driver prefers to unwind in a relaxed fashion. The new owner could take this Sprite to the limit on some twisting ribbon of bitumen with a smile on their face, but that smile would be no smaller if they were toddling along some country lane with the top down and the wind wafting through their hair. Doing so in a vehicle offering easy maintenance and an affordable price could prove impossible to resist. Are you tempted?
Nice car. One thing the 1275 has is torque that the 948s and 1098s didn’t have. Only thing to check on these cars and all others of this era is insuring hardened valve seats have been installed to handle the lead free fuel we all love…
Very nice little Sprite with the primrose color you rarely see on these. 67 In my opinion was the best year for MGBs, Midgets, and Sprites. In addition to the minilights a 5speed and hardtop would be what I would add. With the asking price, those additions wouldn’t break the bank.
I had a 67 Sprite at college. Only problem was the headlights were smashed by cars and trucks backing into it while they parallel parked.. these car bumpers sit real low.
The carpet kit includes pieces that cover the box frame part that sits above the floor. They wear out quickly. I took aluminum and bent it on a sheet metal brake to cover them, and just bought rubber floor mats that I cut to fit both behind and forward of the box. Looked good and cost about $40.00.
Cool, just like an original “Frogeye”. Well done.
This is probably the most desirable year for the Sprite but a potential buyer should make sure he/she can fit into it before committing to purchase.
I had the same yr. in England ,when i lived there, great little Fun Cars on twisty roads, I used in in standard form in club events like hill climbs & club races .
I’d absolutely keep the steel wheels and caps. Keep it stock and let it rock!
Bravo!!! Agree💯%
Decent little vehicle and a fair price. Unfortunately I have a handicapped wife, who would not be able to enter and exit
one of these. Hope it finds some one who appreciates and takes care of it.
I owned a Sprite (1966) as well as four MGBs. My experience with these cars counters the claim that they aren’t good for winter driving. Their traction in snow is phenomenal and their heaters highly effective.
This is so true Arfeeto. We would drive these year round back in the 60s when they were just cool little cars. With a aftermarket hardtop they were a snug package to be rolling in. After a few winters and the floors were gone, not so much.
This would look so cool parked next to my ’67 Mayfair Maize convertible Firebird!
I have lots of hours in this model.
This was the car that I got British Car Disease from.
It was a riot to drive.
I don’t think I could fold myself up to get in it now though.
These, and their cousins, the MG Midgets are really fun little cars to toodle about in…if you can keep Lucas, “the Prince of Darkness” at bay. It can easily become a hobby tracing electrical problems and correcting them, only to have them return as you seek to solve the next problem. Some owners spend more time working on electrical problems than actually driving the cars but I would still own one but maybe install a new Bosch or other wiring harness.
My ’65 served me well, wish I could have kept it. Crammed plenty of baggage into every corner, drove all over the east. Did a light overhaul of the engine, polished the intake ports, decent valve seat job, faced the valves, equalized the chambers, slight oversize radials, plenty of smooth power. Fine winter & summer.
Just like my 1972 MG Midget, except mine was more of a harvest gold, you know, like the 70s refrigerators. But this butter yellow looks really good on this car.
I would really like to get another one, but I really hate shifting.