1966 Austin Healey Sprite Mark III |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1966 Austin Healey Sprite Mark III

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Mileage~99,000
TransmissionManual
Engine1322cc
LocationWorthing

AUCTION CLOSED

1966 Austin Healey Sprite Mark III

Introduction

Alan Stuart

Professional Consigner

A Spridget that's ready to tour - this little bundle of joy is powered by a raspy 1322cc rebored engine producing ~90bhp.

The Mark III Sprite was built in the MG factory in Berkshire, urging MG to build a similar car, the Midget. Effectively a re-badged Mark III Sprite, with a different grille and minor body detailing. Enthusiasts called the collection of Sprites and Midgets, 'Spridgets'.

The Mark III was another step up to keep up with the times, wind-up windows, exterior door handles, lockable doors and semi-elliptical rear leaf springs were introduced.

Austin-Healey's main focus at the time was comfort with the Mark III, while offering good power through their A-Series Inline-4. This example has been subject to several power-enhancing changes, including a performance re-bore and re-build to 1322cc with twin carbs, and a Ford 5-speed gearbox.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Meredith 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

Meredith has always loved the Sprite, he's taken this example all across Europe - a breeze with the rebored 1322cc A-Series engine.

In Meredith's early twenties he had the pleasure of owning a MK4 Sprite, using it as his daily driver, taking it on his honeymoon and even moving into his first home. When they started a family, sadly the Sprite had to go. Thirty years later Meredith was running a new classic car club called “Sadcase”, and this is when he began his search for another Sprite.

He came across a sad and dusty looking MK3, which had been resprayed in Tahiti Blue from Old English White. Meredith saw it as the perfect project for weekends and started by replacing the 1275cc engine with a performance rebuilt and rebored A-Series engine to 1322cc, with a Ford 5-speed gearbox. A new brake servo, vented front discs and callipers, rear drum and shoes, and for safety a new roll bar along with four-point racing seatbelts.

During Meredith's ownership, he has replaced the rear springs, dampers, fitted mini lite wheels, new twin carbs, fuel tank and pump, making touring much more enjoyable.

Meredith can’t use the car as much as he once did, and has decided to purchase another classic, one that’s easier to get in and out of. He’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

Meredith

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The Sprite done right, with its fresher yet quirky good looks.

Wheels and Tyres

The car sits on its black 13-inch mini lite wheels and fitted in Firestone tyres all around, with chrome spinners taking centre stage.

The wheels appear in good condition - just some very minor marks on the edges - the tyres appear in good condition with plenty of tread left on them.

Bodywork

A very attractive roadster body, perfect for long roof down drives through the countryside. The bodywork on this Sprite looks to be in good condition. The panel gaps look about right for a British Leyland '60s sports car, with some larger gaps around the bottom of the doors and boot.

We did see some small areas of corrosion under the carpet in the boot - we have taken hi-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in a lovely 'Tahiti Blue' paintwork which looks even and consistent with a deep shine around the car. When Meredith purchased the car it was finished in a darker variant of Tahiti Blue, yet was originally believed to be finished in Old English White.

The images taken are from different angles and reflections to show the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. Please take the time to fully assess the condition.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks to be in great condition all around, including the soft-top. The black trim, chrome work and rubber seals look good too, in line with the rest of the car.

Please view the images and videos of the glass and trim to see in detail.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Originally intended for comfort, Meredith has optimised the cabin for a more performance-focused approach.

Seats and Carpets

Meredith has equipped the car with vinyl vintage bucket seats with white pipping, and 4-point racing seat belts.

On our visit, we didn't notice any major signs of wear and tear. The carpets and door cards also tell a similar story - please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer view.

Dashboard

The black vinyl dash looks in great condition, in line with the rest of the interior.

As seen from the MOT history the odometer doesn't appear to be working correctly and currently shows ~99,332.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Fitted with a classic wood over metal steering wheel, Austin-Healey central hub, and 5-speed gear stick - all items appear in great condition, with some light ageing marks on the wood trim of the steering wheel.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Re-built and re-bored A-series 1322cc developing ~90bhp of power to the wheels for endless touring fun.

Engine and Gearbox

Meredith started by replacing the 1275cc engine with a performance rebuilt and rebored 1322cc, A-Series engine with a Ford 5-speed gearbox. As mentioned, the car now outputs ~90bhp of power.

Watch the cold start video to view Meredith turning the car over and letting it run up to temperature without any issues.

Suspension and Brakes

Meredith reports both are working very well with no unusual knocks or noises coming from either, and a smooth but performance-focused ride is always offered.

The Drive

A fun and joyful drive is always offered with this Mark III Sprite, with the new performance enhancements, this little Sprite flies like a pocket rocket.

Electrics and Other

All of the electrics on the car are said to be working, including the lighting.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

A preloved pocket rocket, given all the attention it wants and more - this Sprite is ready to tackle many more touring adventures.

The Sprite comes with a healthy history file. Meredith reports dry storing the car in his garage and giving it regular MOT and mechanical services when required. The car is now MOT and Tax exempt.

The car comes with stacks of paperwork with many parts receipts; take a look at the media pack for more details. Meredith is more than happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
20.02.2018	MOT	99,332
09.03.2017	MOT	99,332
11.03.2016	MOT	99,332
12.03.2015	MOT	99,332
13.03.2014	MOT	99,332
21.02.2013	MOT	99,332
01.03.2012	MOT	99,331
03.03.2011	MOT	97,862
04.03.2010	MOT	96,626
12.10.2006	MOT	96,626
11.03.2005	MOT	96,626
18.08.2003	MOT	96,116