Sorry, this listing is no longer available

To find something similar, search our other listings.

Mark I Austin Healey Sprite; chassis number 3498 suggests this is quite an early example of the type (48, 987 were built 1958-1961); the original log book shows first registration 13 Sept 1958 to a Wrexham address. It was sold to a Shrewsbury address in 1971, where I believe it was laid-up; the last tax disc (which was on it when I bought it) is dated 31 Jan 1972.

I acquired the car in June 2008 from the estate of the Shrewsbury owner, “unused for 30 years”, with 70, 000 miles on the clock – which seems correct.

The vehicle contains a correct engine, but not its original, unfortunately.

I have kept the car as original as possible; I renewed the loom – although the car remains its original “positive earth”, with a conventional ignition. I’ve had it repainted (2012) in its original Isis Blue; I’ve renewed various parts including the tonneau cover, roof including an original sprung frame, and recently one rear suspension spring, and had the instruments serviced. I’ve renewed the seat covers, carpets, and dashboard, so the interior is pretty nice.

I had to change the original ribbed gearbox, which was worn-out; it is now fitted with a good smooth box – however I have since acquired a good spare ribbed gearbox, which will come with the car – a purist might change back.
The car has a nice contemporary Mountney steering wheel (originals are very rare). The only other non-original features are a cool air box I made for it, waterless coolant, a front roll bar from a Mark III to improve performance, and I fitted seat belts that it did not originally have. I’ve also fitted a modern stereo using a 24v inverter to allow negative earth electronics to work in a positive earth vehicle.

The car runs and drives nicely for a 65 year old beauty. Applying the term “sports car” stretches reality by modern standards – but a surprising number of people, especially children, mistake the lovely lines for a classic racing car.

I’ve loved this car as I’ve worked on and driven it for the last 15 years, however my wife thinks its cramped and uncomfortable – which is a fair comment. She won’t now drive with me, which takes out the fun. I must admit after 15 years I’ve also grown bit bored of some of its foibles – I can’t go out when it’s wet (to preserve the 1950’s British bodywork), it is pretty slow and bouncy, and it’s really too small for a 6-footer like myself. I’ve now also found something else I’d rather spend my investment on – so I’m “cashing in my chips”.

This is a good car, but it’s not perfect – there are no interior liners, the floor has been multi-patched – and I’ve repaired evidence of rear accident damage from earlier years, plus I had a colision in 2013 that resulted in a new bonnet. Some of the paint is now cracking, and there are a few chips. The engine is not perfectly dry –few British cars of the era ever are; the bonnet alignment imperfect - it should be fiddled with, but I haven’t had the patience.

It comes with various books and manuals including original workshop parts manual that is invaluable. A dust cover and a weather cover. Also my collection of original spare parts that one accumulates owning a car like this – various dials, spare suspension parts and similar.

The safest way to buy a classic online

Buy through Car & Classic to get all these additional benefits at no extra cost:

If you buy with Car & Classic, you'll be asked to transfer payment into our secure account via bank transfer. Your funds won't be transferred to the seller until you've got the keys and you both confirm the vehicle handover has taken place.

Escrow service process

Our secure payments are processed by MANGOPAY which means your funds are securely held in an account that's separate from Car & Classic to guarantee 100% payment protection.

When you buy through Car & Classic, we want you to be confident that the person you're dealing with is a genuine seller. Every seller goes through rigorous identity checks by submitting their ID and personal information before a transaction is completed.

More about buying with us

Private Seller

Selling a similar Austin Healey Sprite?

Sell my classic