Sprite

[Wingtip]

Can anyone tell me about the AH Sprite? Are there different models or engine sizes or are they all pretty much the same? What are the things to look out for if buying a Sprite?

Thanks,
George

 

[Editor_Reid]

Originally posted by Wingtip:
Can anyone tell me about the AH Sprite? Are there different models or engine sizes or are they all pretty much the same? What are the things to look out for if buying a Sprite?

Thanks,
George

Hi George,

A great place to start some research on these questions is the website of the Austin-Healey Club USA: www.healey.org

Go to the "Resources" section, and then the "Sprite Overview" pages, and I think you'll find many of the answers you seek.

There is also a price guide there, as well as some suggested websites for finding Sprites for sale.

Membership in the Austin-Healey Club USA is a great way to get into the hobby. We have MANY members who join while they are still looking for a car, so that they can learn more before they buy.

Good luck.

Regards,
Reid Trummel
Tampa, Florida
Owner of two Sprites

 

[Wingtip]

Thanks Reid, I had a look at there is a lot of great info there. I was a bit surprised that a "20-footer" as they call it, would command as much as $5000. Out of curiosity, how current is that price guide? At any rate, there was lots of good info there. Thanks for the link!

George

 

[Editor_Reid]

Q: I was a bit surprised that a "20-footer" as they call it, would command as much as $5000. Out of curiosity, how current is that price guide?

A: Bear in mind that a 20-footer, as defined in the Buyer's Price Guide, is for a car that is complete, fully functional, and needs no major work. Most sellers tend to overestimate the condition and value of their cars though, and a rough, used Sprite that basically needs a lot of restoration would NOT qualify for "20-footer" status. A 20-footer is SIGNIFICANTLY better than a "project car." (By the way, the price guide is current. I maintain it myself.)




[This message has been edited by AHCUSA (edited 02-19-2001).]

 

[Dave Dunbar]

Wing,
There are many things to look for in a Sprite. The most common is rust...in the floors, rocker panels ("sills"), the dog ears in the quarter panels and, most importantly, in the frame. Frame work is a lot more expensive than any other rusted body panels. If the car has a very rusty frame....walk.
We bought our '59 Bugeye in 1995 for a shade less than $5K. A great "20 footer" or as I like to say...a great driver. She will never win any awards, but she looks and drives well.
Our car has a 1969 AH Sprite (or MG Midget) 1275cc engine. A lot more reliable and powerful than the stock 948cc. We also converted the front drums to discs. Purists do not like these mods, but it took nothing away from the orignal look and feel and I CAN stop the car (which is always important).
Parts are everywhere for these cars and they are very reasonable ($). The cars are a snap to work on and they ARE fairly reliable (esp. the 1275cc engine).
It all boils down to what kind of Sprite you want...from '58 to '61 you can aquire a bugeye or "frogeye" with a 948cc... From '63 to (if I remember correctly) '65 a square bodied Sprite (the rear quarter panel wheel wells are squared off) and 1098cc...'66+ the MK III with the 1275cc and front discs... (again, this is from the memory banks, it may not be actual).
A decent "driver" cost:
Bugeye: $4,000-$6,000
MKII: $2,000-$5,000
MKIII: $2,000-$5,000
Good luck in your search...there's a bunch of them out there and they are all a blast to drive.
Cheers!
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