1960 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark 1

This car is a 1960 sprite with 79000miles in black and steel wheels.

It includes a rear rack and chrome bumper. The registration number is ABK 455A; it has a 7-digit registration because the car lived in Germany from the 1980s to 2018. During that time, the original 948cc engine was bored out to 998cc, likely using the 1100cc piston as indicated by the German paperwork.

In 2020, the cylinder head cracked and was replaced with a new ported head from Mamba Motorsport. They ported the head and adjusted the compression to allow the car to run on 95 unleaded fuel. Additionally, the engine was upgraded with electronic ignition and a stronger distribution chain supplied by Mamba. It is also fitted with HS2 twin carbs, a Moss crank seal bearing, and a new clutch. The car features a long runner exhaust manifold with a small bore, and the gearbox is the standard smooth type.

The front brakes have been converted to later MG midget disc brakes and are equipped with Mintex 1155 pads. The springs are a lowered version from Magic Midget in Melksham, and it has a front anti-roll bar and camber trunnion provided by Peter May. The rear has been updated with Spax shock absorbers. I also have a set of rear springs and wedges from Frogeye Spares, as well as a Panhard bar from Peter May, but I haven’t had the time to fit them.

The steel wheels are larger (sourced from Germany), giving the car a more appealing look. The dashboard electrics have been checked, and a new ignition switch along with various other switches were necessary. The car maintains its period-correct toggle switches for a cohesive aesthetic.

I had seat belts installed for my children, who are under 10. However, the driver’s seat is worn at the hinge where the seatbelt rubs. The car comes with a tonneau cover and a mohair roof.

The paintwork needs some attention. This car is a lovely little backroad runner that can be driven enthusiastically without risking the loss of your license. The goal was to prepare it for classic sprints and hill climbs for added enjoyment.

The car was in Scotland in the early 1980s. It was exported to Germany in the late 1980s and remained there until 2018, when it returned to England.