Austin Healey Sprite MK III, 1966

Return to the archives  -  Photo overview  -  Technical data

Alongside the big six- cylinder Healeys Austin Healey started producing a smaller and more affordable sportscar in 1958; the Austin Healey Sprite.
The Austin Healey Sprite MK I had a very uncommon design with the headlamps intergrated upon the bonnet, that was the reason why the car got the nickname "frogeye". The first Sprite was very much a purists sportscar; only the most important features were incorporated in the car. Sprite MK I did not have a booth lid, no door handles, no roll- down windows...but because of its compactness and its low weight it was and is fun to drive!

 From the year 1961 the Sprite MK II  appeared on the market. This second version was extensively redesigned. The shape was much more square and common. The headlamps were now placed on the outer front edges and the car was equipped with a booth lid! Sprite MK II was also equipped with disc brakes at the front wheels and the four cylinder Austin engine was uprated to 55 bhp.

In the year 1964 the Healey Sprite MK III saw the light of day, the car was equipped with roll-down windows, door handles, and a further uprated engine producing 58 bhp.

1966 was the year the Sprite MK IV came into production. The car was equipped with a more powerfull 1275 cc. engine with a power output of 65 bhp.
The last 1022 Healey Sprites left the factory "labeled" Austin Sprite in the year 1971. The contractual agreements with Donald Healey were ended and Austin ceased using the Healey name. By that time the "big Healeys" were out of production for three years already...   

Technical data

Four cylinder engine
 2 S.U. carburettors
cylindercapacity: 1098 cc.
capacity: 58 bhp.

Information on the presented Austin Healey Sprite

Austin Healey Sprite MK III, year 1966, recently fully restored to competition condition. Colour Snowberry white with a green leather interior and a green soft-top.

This classic was sold by
Imparts

info@imparts.nl 
Imparts B.V.
Phone: +31 26 442 99 37

© 2001, V3D/ ClassicarImages. All rights reserved.