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Rare 1971 Austin Sprite, not Healey not MG

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OBKENOB

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Hi , I was hoping to get some idea of a value for what is in fact a bit of a rarity. The last one I saw ,stated it was the last one on the road. Well I got news for him, I have the other last one on the road. I think actually there are more than 2 out there, pretty sure there may be some down under as well..
Anyway It's an Austin Sprite Round wheel Arch. Just over a 1000 were manufactured, 1971 to 72.
The car is in good running order, is generally in good rust free condition.
Original body, but new bits fixed to replace rusty bits. we are 20 yrs on from that. I have slightly modified things,
5 speed gear box, Electronic Ignition, HS 6 Carb. and free flow exhaust.
Anti roll bar across front wheels . Customised to fit, Alloy slotted wheels ( wider Tyres) . AVO suspension all round.
Alternative front grill. Smaller Alluminium slotted steering wheel. (slotted being that cool kidney bean shape)
Safety Roll over bar, (behind seats) New seat covers , carpets. It drives firmly and squarely on the rd.. And sounds very nice.
Recent work. New Clutch release bearing fitted, Clutch master cylinder replaced. several hoses.
It's bumperless, however I have for the purists among you, Original wheels repainted, original grill and front and rear bumpers..
I'm getting older and the car is rarely now used. It needs to go to a good home. If anyone interested, let me know, If any one can give a guidance to value, id be grateful for any comments. I,m in N. Glos. UK. Ken.
 

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Welcome Ken and sounds like you have a rare car for sure! I can't really offer anything by way of value except to say that for most part, Sprites/Midgets are valued by condition and not rarity. So, a 5 speed will add value but won't affect originality, likewise a 1275 swap etc. etc. Most valuable is (of course) Bugeye, then early square body - but round wheel arch is desireable. Best advice I can offer is to see what Bring a Trailer has to say - they will have a variety and seem to command pretty strong dollars.

car looks great BTW.
 
just seen this one on ebay UK, allthough listed as mg midget, is most likely same shell,
Give you some idea of value.


Screenshot 2023-05-16 131834.png

1971 Austin Sprite MK4 – you have read correctly, this is the very rare Austin Sprite, with the chassis number AAN10 and not the more available Austin Healey Sprite, with the chassis number HAN 10.


The Healey connection was discontinued in 1971, so the final 1022 Sprites built were simply Austin Sprites. This was a cost-cutting move of Donald Stokes, enabling British Leyland to stop paying royalties to the Donald Healey Motor Company. There was no direct successor, as British Leyland’s extensive range already contained the MG Midget, which was identical to the Sprite except for badging, and the similarly dimension and priced Triumph Spitfire.
 
Welcome to BCF! You might also post your question in our "Spridgets" forum.
 
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