The Mark 4 was the last of the Austin Healey Sprites
Restored in the mid 80’s
British Racing Green with tan interior and hood
1275 cc
Good service history
Good all-round condition
The Appeal
The fourth generation Austin Healey Sprite was the last model to carry the Austin Healey name, and benefitted hugely from the 1275 cc 65bhp engine as used in the Mini Cooper.
Well balanced and very light the Sprite was quick for its day and has become a popular choice amongst those who are looking for an easy to live with early British sportscar full of charm and character.
Restored at some time in the mid 80’s the car has spent the last 20 years dry stored and covered with blankets getting very little attention and only being driven very occasionally and then for only a few miles.
The current owner has known the car for well over 20 years, having bought it in 2014 from his friend who had owned it since 1999. In all that time it has been dry stored and rarely used, spending most of its time up on axle stands and covered in blankets.
*The current odometer reading is 29,543 but it is believed to have had a new speedometer at around 80,000 miles, suggesting that its true mileage is around 110.000.
Believed to be an all original tan interior the cabin presents very well, having the patina and character of a car from the early 70’s but with little sign of any major use or wear.
Carpets and door cards all look pretty good with some very light corrosion being evident on the metal dashboard centre fascia.
All the electrics, switches and dials all work and there is the wiring for a radio although there is not a unit present.
British Racing Green is a great traditional British sportscar colour and it matches well with the contrasting tan interior and hood.
The body has picked up a fair few scratches and scuffs over its years since its full respray and features several chips to the paintwork that have been touched in, and several that haven’t.
The bodywork and panels all appear to be solid though with the original chrome trim and fittings beginning to show their age.
The windscreen frame does appear to not fit quite correctly causing a gap with the front quarter light windows, and the panel gaps around the bonnet may require some adjustment too.
There’s a very small nick in the tan hood and a few areas where there is some light corrosion around the bodywork, but overall the car presents well.
The receipts for work that come with the car show that a great deal was done to the mechanics of the car during its early restoration. It’s had a new clutch, many new suspension parts and the brakes were renovated along with various components that needed to be replaced.
Since the restoration the car has been mostly stored and not driven, so although it has only just had a small service and a minor tune-up, the owner suggests that it would be prudent to have the car fully serviced and the twin carbs set up and balanced to get the best from the willing 1275cc engine.
After that the car just needs some TLC and to be driven and enjoyed by its next owner.
A nice and honest example of this fabulous little British sportscar that are easy to work on, are great fun to own and are very entertaining to drive.
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. A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1971 Austin Healey Sprite MK4
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