One-owner since 1967: under 60,000 miles and full history since new
The Austin-Healey Sprite was a hugely successful and popular open-top sports car, and a spiritual successor to the classic Austin Seven.
This era of compact British roadsters really made the notion of a personal sports car attainable and mainstream in the post-war era.
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Most of the exports for the little Sprite (and the badge-engineered MG Midget) went to the US; whose market increasingly demanded more features and comforts.
In response, the MkIII Sprite was introduced; with wind-up side windows and a redesigned cockpit. The big news for enthusiasts was a engine output (59hp) from the 1098cc A-series inline-four, that was also strengthened with two main bearings and improved castings.
The rear suspension adopted half-elliptical springs in place of the old quarter-elliptic pieces, which made steering, and turn in far more predictable.
This MkIII Sprite arrived in Australia a year after the model went on sale in 1964; and was purchased new in 1967 by Miss J.A. Evans on August 16.
53 years later, Miss Evans remains the car’s only owner, having covered just 58,609 miles over the Sprite’s life.
Mechanically, the Sprite is described to be in good health; having received a full engine rebuild at 49,862 miles back in 1998. The gearbox is also said to be in great condition, with synchros in perfect order thanks to years of careful mechanical sympathy by its caring owner.
A large file of documentation and history, dating back to the day it was purchased, supports the car.
These open-top British roadsters were once one of the quintessential classics; offering a fantastic and engaging driving experience whilst remaining mechanically simple and supported by a large enthusiast base.
This MkIII Sprite would make a fantastic first-classic, or will surely appeal to the Sprite enthusiast. We don’t imagine there are many one-owner Sprites out there any more but you can find this one based in Victoria, listed for $19,500.
Check out the full listing here!
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