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1968 Austin-Healey Sprite

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£5,720

  • Mileage~82,010 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1275cc
  • LocationCannock

SOLD

1968 Austin-Healey Sprite

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Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

It’s affordable, usable, easy to maintain and a whole lot of 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 1275cc engine, this low-weight machine delivers lively performance and nimble handling. The Mark III introduced more comfort features, such as wind-up windows, though the cabin remained basic and driver-focused.

Owned for almost 8 years, Alan has enjoyed the Sprite but, by his own admission, hasn’t used it as much as he would have liked.

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

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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

I fancied a British classic to take out at the weekend and generally have fun in.

Like many of us, Alan finds the idea of owning a classic car fantastic, and he has really enjoyed his eight years with the Sprite. The only downside is that he hasn’t really driven it as much as he would have liked. Covering just ~4,000 miles in his ownership due to a busy work and family life, the Sprite has spent more time in his garage being pampered than being driven, which is what’s led him to decide it’s time to part with the British classic.

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

Alan
Vehicle Owner

Alan saved £0,900* when they
sold their Austin Healey with us.

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Exterior

Charming from every angle, the Austin Healey Sprite still turns heads whenever it's out.

Wheels and Tyres

The Sprite wire wheels are in excellent condition, with a bright finish to the chrome spokes and knock-offs.

Two different brands of tyres are fitted to the front and rear, but all 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.

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Bodywork

Walking around the Sprite, the bodywork presents well. There was a restoration carried out in the late 1990s, from what we can tell from the paperwork.

There are no dings or dents spotted, and the doors, bonnet and boot appear to align well.

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.

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Paint

The Sprite was repainted during the restoration from its original colour of 'Basilica Blue' to what is believed to be 'British Racing Green'.

The paintwork presents well; there are a couple of minor blemishes in places, and some areas do look to have been repainted since the restoration.

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.

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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, and any chrome work has a bright finish with minimal tarnishing.

The vinyl roof was replaced several years ago and is in good condition; it can be easily fitted in a few minutes. There is also a tonneau cover included, which does look to be original and is still in good order.

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Interior

The Sprite has everything you need – less is more.

Seats and Carpets

The original seats have been retrimmed in an original-style vinyl and are in very good condition, with no signs of excessive use or damage.

The carpets have also been replaced and are in very good condition.

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Dashboard

The dashboard looks to be original and is in good order. The instruments present well and appear to be working correctly, and the odometer shows ~82,010 miles at the time of our visit.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A Mountney three-spoke steering wheel has been fitted and is in good condition, with no signs of heavy use.

The gear knob has the Austin Healey logo at the top and is in good condition, with minimal signs of age.

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Mechanics

The revvy 1275cc is great fun and keeps the Sprite moving nicely.

Engine and Gearbox

Looking through the paperwork, the Sprite’s 1275cc engine was rebuilt in the early 1990s.

The engine starts up with a little choke and the flick of the key, and it comes to a smooth idle, with no issues reported with the running of the car.

It has a four-speed gearbox with the typical sound; the gears are easily selected, and the little Sprite pulls well throughout the range.

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Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the Sprite handles lovely. Sitting low to the ground makes you feel like you’re going faster than you actually are. 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 pedal feel and no issues reported by Alan.

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The Drive

Capturing the spirit of classic British motoring perfectly, the Austin Healey Sprite is a great driving experience that any classic car fan should experience.

Its lively 1275cc A-Series engine delivers eager performance, while the lightweight body, direct steering and low driving position make the journey a charming experience which shouldn’t be missed.

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Electrics and Other

The switchgear in the Sprite is minimal due to its age, and everything is said to be working correctly. There is an upgraded stereo connected to a boot-mounted 10-disc CD multi-changer.

Alan told us everything is in working order.

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History and Paperwork

The history file dates back to the early 1990s, when the majority of the work was carried out.

There is plenty of reading if you like to search through old invoices to see what’s been carried out on your new purchase in its early life. These invoices date back to the early 1990s, where you can see the car had a full engine rebuild and many, many new parts purchased during its restoration.

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
25.04.2024 Starter Motor -
10.12.2021 MOT 79,017
04.12.2020 MOT 78,143
27.07.2019 MOT 77,096
23.07.2018 MOT 76,363
07.06.2017 MOT 76,143
10.06.2016 MOT 76,004
27.06.2015 MOT 75,638
28.04.2014 MOT 74,428
08.05.2013 MOT 74,039
03.05.2012 MOT 73,593
10.05.2011 MOT 73,113
30.04.2010 MOT 72,500
29.04.2010 Service 72,500
17.04.2009 MOT 71,666
13.04.2008 MOT 71,135
11.05.2007 MOT 70,411
04.05.2006 MOT 69,465
03.05.2005 MOT 68,403
10.05.2004 MOT 68,221
16.05.2003 MOT 68,041
08.05.2002 MOT 67,342
03.05.2001 MOT 66,916
11.05.2000 MOT 65,669
10.05.1999 MOT 64,653
12.04.1999 Service 69,510
24.11.1998 Speedo change 63,770
02.10.1998 Service 30,313
21.05.1998 MOT 30,313
13.08.1977 MOT 32,513
20.08.1976 MOT 53,463
14.08.1975 MOT 34,756
31.07.1974 MOT 49,932
14.08.1975 MOT 34,756
Key Details
  • Year1968
  • ModelSprite
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.09.1968
  • CC1275cc
  • Mileage~82,010 on clock
  • ColourBritish Racing Green
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #HAN9-74315
  • Engine #12V/586F/H4878
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - all clear
  • Former Keepers7
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~7 years, 10 months
  • Key FeatureNice Usable Example
  • Vehicle RegistrationVMC 716G
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeConvertible
  • Auction ID3699







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
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2 Comments
Ash00036
Ash00036
1 month ago

Hi Alan, great looking car. I’m really interested in bidding but just wanted to clarify a spot on the underside video. At 6:43, near the offside/nearside rear wheel arch, the lower edge of the sill looks quite crusty and appears to have a small split in the metal seam. Has this area ever been patched before, and do you know if the inner structures/castle rails behind it are still solid? Thanks for your tim

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Vehicle Location

Cannock

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