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Austin-Healey Sprite Mk 1 - A Brief History |
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The
Austin-Healey Sprite was launched in May 1958 as an affordable and
economical sports car, and first went on sale at a price
of £669 - slightly less than a Morris Minor deluxe saloon
of the same time. The shell was of unitary construction
with a one piece rear hinged bonnet assembly. It used
mainly Austin A35 running gear but with a tuned
version of the A series BMC engine. The steering was
by rack and pinion - the same as used on the Morris
Minor. The headlamps which were raised, protruding above
the low bonnet to comply with lighting
regulations gave rise to its nickname of the Frogeye
Sprite. It is interesting to note that in the original
design specifications it was intended
to make the headlamps retractable, but was ruled out
on cost grounds. The Sprite had good performance
for a car of this engine size and handled well with
excellent roadholding. Few changes were made during
its production, but included a new windscreen
and hood design in 1959. Optional extras included a
heater, and a factory hardtop. Production of the Mk
I Sprite ended with the introduction of the Mk II in
May 1961.
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Specifications |
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1958 - 1961 |
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2 door sports, all steel unitary construction |
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11ft 5in |
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4ft 5in |
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1382lb |
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BMC A series 948cc 4 cylinder inline |
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43 bhp @ 5000 rpm |
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52lb ft @ 3300 rpm |
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4 speed manual with synchro on 2nd, 3rd and top |
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Rear |
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Drums front & rear |
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Independent, Coil spring |
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Leaf Spring, live axle |
Years Produced
Performance |
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83 mph |
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20 Seconds |
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38 mpg approx |
Useful Links |
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To add a link, report an error, or contribute a photograph - click here |
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Photographs on this page courtesy John L Raybould, Austin-Healey Club (UK) Eastern Centre Webmaster
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