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67 Sprite info needed

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Baz

Baz

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Regarding this little guy....
Sprite on eBay

Does the 67 have a 1275?
I might go for $500 on this chap, see what happens...
I'm not familiar with the inherent differences between a 67 Sprite and my Midget, but I'm really after the body of it, and the motor.... Any info on the differences would be appreciated!
 
'67 was the first year for the 1275. Not sure of when the split occurred. I'd ask the seller for the engine # before bidding. It should also have a 3.9 rear end. Of course the radiator, dash, wipers, and steering column are different. Something that might be of interest to you is the steering rack. It has a quicker turn ratio than yours.
 
There was a mid year change from during 1966 from the MK III Sprite to the Mk IV. One change was from a 1098 (with 2" mains) to the 1275. The other two major changes were from the combined master cylinder to separate ones for clutch and brakes. (Did they go to dual circuit brakes at this time?) and the body change from a removable soft top to one that folds down, requiring a change in the rear deck. .. Sprites and Midgets SHOULD be the same except for badges and trim.
 
I thought the '66 Midget MkII had a 1275 after the short temr 1098 w/2" mains.
 
Cheers mate.
I'm thinking sawzall and a 6-point roll cage.
You know where I'm going with a 3.9 and a turn ratio, I appreciate that.
 
Thanks gents.
I know it was funny time around then, between 1098's and all the other updates and what not, and I'm really not clear about most of them.
It looks to me, like it has the combined master cylinder and a generator?
 
That is a very late 67 Sprite. It does have the 1275 but it also has back up lights, my 67 does not. They were introduced for the model year 1968 and some 67s had them. It is a true 67 with the fold down top, metal dash and early 1275.
But it has a later brake master, the dual line which a 67 did not have.
It also has the later heater hose and some really funky seats.
67s had a 4.22 diff, that did not change until late 69 to the 3.9.
 
ooops, on the 3.9 mistake.
 
1967 is also the year of the coveted EN40B crankshaft, not all 1967 1275s had the EN40B crankshafts, but this is the year of when they were offered, EN40 is basicly the steel type as 4130, a good std/std EN40B crank can bring $500 all by itself. EN40B crnak or not, if this car could be bought for $500, even more, it would be worth it in my opinion.
 
Last 10CC engine was produced in September 1966. Dual circuit brakes began in November 1967.
 
Why are these lovely parts cars always so far away.
 
I can't speak specifically about the Sprite, but I can tell you that you should check the chassis numbers and engine numbers closely. I have a '67 Midget and there are certain things about that year that appear to be peculiar. Sometimes it there are things associated with a '66 model, sometimes a '68. In the photos I see two backup lights. Supposedly, most '67 Midgets didn't have backup lights. Mine doesn't. Does that make a difference? Only if you back up, I guess.

As somebody else said, the 1967 has a better folding top. The dash in the photos looks right, but the seats are different from what the catalogs show (as the description states), and certainly what was in my car. Of course, the original seats are not as nice and newer ones. At that price you probably can't go too far wrong, and all the parts are available.

It could be a fun one!
 
Roger_67MG said:
As somebody else said, the 1967 has a better folding top.
Click to expand...

I didn't say a BETTER top I said a DIFFERENT top. Better is purely subjective. This particular change means that the car is technically no longer a ROADSTER but rather a CONVERTIBLE. Well, technically, a roadster also has removable side curtains, so the MK III is not quite a roadster as is the Bug Eye, but the MK IV SPRITE/ MK III Midget should in no way be considered one.
 
If the thing really runs and drives that is not too bad a deal.

'67 was a good if not the best year for the Sprite/midget, 1275 with the good crank as noted and no smog.

I have had two 67s, one had back up lights, they did have them late in the run.

Also one '66 which must have been early because it had the removable top and the 1098.

I like the convertible top and think the small bump of the top adds a nice accent piece to the looks of the car when folded down and under its boot! But my brother, also a Sprite fanatic, likes the roadster, or hybrid roadster (with roll up windows) look better, so guess will have to leave it as a matter of opinion.

Anyway at the current price looks like a deal, but you don't get much info or pics on the lower body if that is what you are concerned about.
 
Thank you all.
I'm going to the SCCA run-offs tomorrow, and this thing is on the way home, so I'll take a closer look. I'll let all know what I find.....
 
glemon said:
Also one '66 which must have been early because it had the removable top and the 1098.
Click to expand...
& that's the Midget I'm looking for.
 
Baz said:
Thank you all.
I'm going to the SCCA run-offs tomorrow, and this thing is on the way home, so I'll take a closer look. I'll let all know what I find.....
Click to expand...

Baz, The SCCA runoffs was two weeks ago.
 
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