Austin Healey Sprite Gold Portfolio 1958-1971

Ł16.95

This is not the place to take sides in the Austin-Healey versus MG debate which hovers over the Spridgets, but let us not forget that the original car was the Austin-Healey Sprite; badge-engineered MG Midgets did not come along until three years later! The first Sprites were designed as affordable sports cars to slot in below the MGs of the time in BMC's sports car line-up. They were simple and basic in order to keep costs down and despite only modest performance from a tuned Austin A35 engine, they offered enormous fun per pound. Known as Frogeyes because of their proud-standing headlamps (a last-minute addition when retractable lamps proved too costly), they also presented a cheeky face to the world which emphasised their character. The 1961 restyle gave the Sprite a more conventional face, and gave it a family resemblance to the new MGB; at the same time, an MG version was announced. Engine size and power went up, disc brakes were added, and the boot space was made accessible from the outside. Further refinements arrived on Mk. III models in 1964, in the shape of winding windows, external door locks, and an improved rear suspension. Then the Mk. IVs brought a foldaway soft top in 1966, and much more mid-range torque from a detuned version of the Mini-Cooper S engine. Styling changes in 1969 were the last to be made, however, and from 1970 British Leyland's insistence on scrapping all royalty agreements resulted in the last 1,022 cars being badged as Austin Sprites. The Sprite was withdrawn in 1971, but its shape remained in production until 1979, ironically badged as an MG. More than 129,000 Sprites were made in 13 years of production, and the survival of most of those which remain today is ensured by the dedication of enthusiasts and spares specialists alike. The articles in this book can only enhance the reputation of these small Healeys, and will certainly provide plenty of enjoyable reading for those who own one or are simply interested in the subject. Covering all models from the Bug-eye to the Mk IV this book consists of road & comparison tests, new model intro's & road research report. 172 pages, 450 illus. SB.
SKU: AH58GP ISBN: 9781855203716