1971 Austin Healey Sprite 

SOLD

 

Many more pictures HERE

These little Austin Healey Sprites are getting few and far between. Interestingly, they were the cheaper variant of the MG Midget/Healey Sprite range, but as time has moved on, they have become more desirable because of their rarity – particularly for well restored examples.

This car is no exception – it is without doubt one of the nicest cars available on the market at the current time and I feel you’ll struggle to find a better one for this price. To me, these earlier cars have much nicer lines of the chrome bumper cars, and still retain that spirit of classic motoring that MG was so well known for in the 40s and 50s. Anyway, I’ll stop waffling and get on with the description!

The car was subject to a ground-up restoration around 10 years ago, and all work was carried out to very high standards. As you can see, the fit and finish of everything is very nice indeed. The car is MOTd until May 2016, and it is tax exempt of course! Chrome wire wheels in fantastic condition, and the tyres are all matching and have plenty of tread left – not like the usual ones fitted to so many classic cars which are sometimes decades old!

The look of the car clearly shows that the standard of work that has been carried out is tip-top. This car is just like one you’d buy from Mike Authers, the MG Midget specialist – just without the price tag! Those of you searching for a good Spridget will know that he sells only the best cars – and at enormous prices!


Bodywork
In one word - fantastic. The lines of the car are completely unspoilt. The paint finish is magnificent. Structurally there are no worries so far as I can see – The car looks to have had complete floors fitted, along with boot floor, spring hangers, sills and anything else that it’s required. There are some VERY minor marks here and there on the paintwork – but I’d much rather have an almost-perfect car that was painted ten years ago, than one that’s had a blowover 12 months ago!

The brightwork is all in good order with no dinks or twists. The door gaps are all great and the door and wing bottoms are solid etc. It looks to have had new front wings, a new bonnet, doors and rear wings when the car was restored. There’s no filler anywhere!

Interior
Nice and clean. New carpets have been fitted, and the seats are free from rips and tears. All in all, it looks great!

Engine and Gearbox
Engine starts readily and runs well, ticking over quietly, as it should. Exhaust note (stainless steel!) is lovely and the car pulls and drives as it should. The engine and gearbox were rebuilt at the time of restoration. There are no nasty whines or grinding in the gearbox, and the rear axle is nice and quiet. Oil pressure is as it should be, and the car does not overheat.


Weather Equipment
The hood is in good order. Hood frame is great, too. Also included is a full-length tonneau cover.

All in all, this is an absolutely stunning little car that is absolutely ready to be used and enjoyed. I’ve had a lot of Midgets through my hands and this is one of the nicest I’ve had. There is some history with the car including some old MOTs, and bills for parts etc but it is by no means comprehensive. However, when you view the car you will clearly be able to see exactly what has been done. The V5 and MOT are both present and the car is ready to drive away.