***Vendor supplied photos***
Highlights
- Freshly and comprehensively restored chrome bumper Sprite
- Smartly presented in classic British Racing Green
- Mechanical, structural and cosmetic overhaul by previous owner
- A great opportunity to buy a box-fresh Sprite restoration
The Appeal
The aptly named Sprite was the little sports car built expressly and purely for fun. It went through several evolutions but all retained the diminutive, cheeky sense of enthusiasm that small British two seaters of the 50s, 60s and 70s made their own.
This freshly restored MkIV Sprite shows just why these cars are still so loved over 50 years since the last ones were built. Appropriately finished in British Racing Green it is a rare chance for the buyer to get a restored and unused example.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 20th October 1970
- Restored by the previous owner who sadly died before completing and enjoying it
- Minor fettling work will be completed by the vendor before sale, including:
- Fitting new battery
- Refit the passenger seat squab
- Fit the door cards, horn button and two air filters
- There is some history with the car show in the photographs including invoices for parts
- Sprite production ended in 1971, making this one of the last built
Restoration work by the previous owner included:
- New heritage body shell
- Engine overhaul
- Repainted in British Racing Green with black trim
- New tyres
- New tonneau
The Interior
- Black vinyl trim refitted during restoration
- Some original features with gentle patina such as the chrome instrument bezels
- Carpets appear to be new and recently fitted
- Simple dashboard in good, original condition
- Original leather-rimmed three spoke steering wheel
- Minor refinishing work visible in the photographs will be completed by the vendor before sale
The Exterior
- Revised version of the original Frogeye with unibody construction
- Smart styling with neat Sprite detailing
- Restored using a new heritage body shell
- Correctly refurbished including the detail elements that differentiate the Sprite from the Midget
- Correct Sprite badging, which appears to be new or refurbished
- Attractive British Racing Green paintwork a recent respray with no use since
- Paintwork appears unmarked with no visible signs of chips or scuffs
- Sills correctly painted black with chrome strip and ‘Sprite’ badging
- Satin black grille with chrome embellisher
- Chromework presentable but some pitting visible on nearside rear bumper
- New tyres and refurbished steel wheels
- New tonneau cover
The Mechanics
- 1,275cc A-Series l4 engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- We are told that the engine was rebuilt during the restoration
- We cannot verify the mileage but the car has not been on the road since the engine rebuild
- The vendor is finishing the mechanical work including fitting a new battery and air filters
- There is no MOT history for this vehicle but it is tax and MOT exempt
Summary
The MkIV Sprite was the final version of a car that put the cheeky into classic motoring. Small, agile and rewarding it is not just a nostalgic part of many enthusiasts’ lives but also a hugely enjoyable and great value classic.
Fully restored and ready to go back on the road, this Sprite has had a lot of love lavished on it. The buyer gets the benefit of all that plus a smart and rewarding car.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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