1965 Austin-Healey Sprite MK3 |

Sold

1965 Austin-Healey Sprite MK3

Sold Price

£4,180

Mileage~8,131 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.1-litre
LocationSheffield

SOLD

1965 Austin-Healey Sprite MK3

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

The Sprite embodies the spirit of affordable British motoring fun.

Well known for its simplicity and fun driving experience, the Austin Healey Sprite was developed by the Austin Motor Company in partnership with the Donald Healey Motor Company. It was designed to offer affordable, open-top motoring with genuine driver appeal.

Powered by a 1,098cc A-Series engine that produces around ~55hp, this has low weight, giving it lively performance and nimble handling. The MK3 introduced more comfort features, such as wind-up windows, though the cabin remained basic and driver-focused.

After almost 18 years of ownership, this much-loved 1965 Austin-Healey Sprite is making way for its bigger brother.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Mark the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

After receiving a Practical Classics subscription one Christmas, the hunt was soon on for a classic car.

Relaxing over Christmas and reading an issue of Practical Classics, Mark soon decided that he would quite fancy a British classic.

The Sprite was purchased in 2008 from a classic car specialist and found in mainly original condition. Mark has enjoyed the car immensely, using it regularly throughout the summer months for short trips out around his local area.

Still bitten by the classic car bug, Mark has now moved to a "Big Healey", but the boss (his wife) says it’s not practical to keep both.

Mark will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Mark

Vehicle Owner

Mark saved £0,720* when they
sold their Austin Healey with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

PEACE OF MIND FOR BUYERS

They can fully review our cars online.
They can buy on our trusted platform.
They're able to buy without leaving home.

LEARN MORE

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Moving on from the frog-eye look to a more sophisticated style.

Wheels and Tyres

The Sprite steel wheels are finished in silver and are in good condition - these are topped off with chrome Austin Healey hubcaps, which are in excellent condition.

The tyres are a matching set, all of which have plenty of tread remaining.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

Walking around the Sprite, the bodywork presents well - there are some areas where there are blisters which can be seen in the photographs, but they all appear to be under the paintwork and not broken through.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Sprite was repainted by a previous keeper in Ice Blue Metallic several years ago. Mark also had the car repainted in 2014, where some bodywork was attended to. There are a couple of scratches to point out on both rear quarter panels and the odd age-related mark here and there.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to make up your own mind about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen and side windows are in good condition; there are a couple of age-related marks in keeping with the age and mileage.

The headlights and rear lights are in good order, with no damage to the lenses - the chrome work has a bright finish with minimal tarnishing.

The vinyl roof was replaced several years ago with a new old-stock item; therefore, this fits very well in a couple of minutes. The tonneau cover's short zipper on the driver's side is faulty and doesn’t close, but this could easily be replaced by your local trimmer.

Mark told us the left front light is missing one of the securing screws, so is a bit loose. It has been that way for years but he forgot to address it as it doesn't cause a problem.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Oil pressure, water temperature, speedometer and tachometer gauges - what more do you need?

Seats and Carpets

What’s thought to be the original vinyl seats are in excellent condition, with no damage or major signs of age.

The carpets have some wear, and there is a section missing from the driver’s footwell. With that said, there are plenty of specialists who will supply pre-cut carpet sets for the Sprite, so this could easily be replaced.

Dashboard

The metal dashboard has been painted black which could be improved with a gentle rub down and another coat or two - an easy Sunday job we think.

The instruments are working correctly and the odometer shows ~8,131 miles at the time of our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original two-spoke steering wheel does have some age-related wear to the rim and centre horn button.

The geark stick is in good condition, with just a small amount of age-related wear.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

In a Sprite, you don't just drive - you participate - and what fun it is!

Engine and Gearbox

With a little choke, the 1100cc engine fires up, and with a couple of throttle blips it comes to a smooth idle, and the car runs with no issues reported by Mark.

In 2013, the Sprite had a replacement cylinder head fitted, which was converted to accept unleaded petrol. More recently, a new alternator has been fitted and a service carried out.

Fitted with a four-speed gearbox, the change is precise, with the gears easily selected, and the car pulls well throughout the range.

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the Sprite handles lovely, sitting low to the ground. The car handles bumps with ease, and no knocks or bangs were heard coming from the suspension.

The brakes bring the car to a stop in a straight line, with a solid feel to the pedal and no problems mentioned by Mark.

The Drive

The lightweight chassis and the modest power output from the 1100cc engine give the perfect analogue feel, and with the low-slung seating position and simple controls it brings home just what driving a British classic is all about.

Electrics and Other

The switchgear in the Sprite is minimal due to its age. The lights work as they should. The wipers don’t work, Mark had a replacement but it couldn't be fitted, he still has the old one though, Mark told us, to his knowledge, everything else is working as it should.

The radio has been converted with an auxiliary cable so you can use this to play music from an external device.

Mark told us the hood is a new old stock one which he found on eBay a few years ago, the hood frame is a refurbished original, but not original to this car. He does have the original, which will be provided. It is completely functional and folds all the way back (which the one in the photo does not) but isn't in as good condition.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

A comprehensive history file completes the usable Sprite.

Dating back several years, you will see that the Sprite appears to have been well maintained, with various invoices for servicing work and parts purchased, as well as old MOT certificates dating back to the 1990s.

It really is ready to jump in and drive - the Sprite runs lovely, and on a sunny day, what’s more perfect than spinning around in a British classic.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, and does not have any outstanding finance. Please note: this check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If you have any questions, no matter how small, please ask the seller in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win, just like in a traditional auction.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
29.08.2025	Service
20.06.2018	MOT	7,492
31.08.2016	MOT	7,314
12.10.2015	MOT	7,250
17.07.2014	MOT	7,242
26.08.2013	Unleaded cylinder head fitted
20.05.2013	MOT/Service	6,917
30.04.2012	MOT/Service	6,851
27.04.2011	MOT/Service	6,473
16.04.2010	MOT	6,473
26.03.2010	Service	6,455
01.05.2009	MOT	5,986
12.04.2008	MOT	4,798
03.07.2007	MOT	4,010
25.04.2006	MOT	1,037
12.11.2004	MOT	15,460
14.03.2003	MOT	14,627
14.03.2002	MOT	13,580
12.03.2001	MOT	12,040
18.03.2000	MOT	10,324
04.07.1996	MOT	10,191
09.02.1995	MOT	9,575
08.06.1993	MOT	9,448
06.08.1991	MOT	9,223
30.08.1989	MOT	8,589

VIEW ALL

Key Details

Year1965
ModelSprite MK3
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date26.03.1965
CC1098
Mileage~8,131 on clock
ColourIce Blue Metallic
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #HAN850447
Engine #24594
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers5
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~17 years, 10 months
Key FeatureDrivers' Example
Vehicle RegistrationDUK 768C
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2-Door Convertible
Auction ID3555

VIEW ALL

All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

Register your interest for similar cars.

This vehicle has now been sold - click 'I Want One' below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

I WANT ONE

Ask Questions

Seller : MMark Sale Date 30.04.2026

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

5 Comments

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

9 days ago

**** RESERVE MET **** The car will be sold to the highest bidder this evening. Good luck! Adam – TC

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

10 days ago

***RESERVE LOWERED*** Mark has significantly lowered the reserve on this car, good luck, Adam – TC

PepsiDaisy

20 days ago

Hi mark have just put a bid in on your lovely car I have noticed it says it has a reserve on it are you able to tell me what that is

ColinB

Admin

PepsiDaisy

20 days ago

Hi,

We aren’t able to reveal the reserve as it undermines the auction, if the reserve is not reached then the highest bidder is given the first refusal of a post auction deal, so it is always worth having your bid in.

Thanks,
Colin.

Nathantopspek

ColinB

12 days ago

hi would you take 1.700

MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

Vehicle Location

Sheffield

Delivery Calculator

Thank You

Form Submitted

Your request has been submitted successfully and we'll keep you updated.