Austin Healey Sprite Mk 2 (1961-64)
The **Austin-Healey Sprite Mark II (1961–1964)** was developed as a strategic evolution of the original Frogeye/Bugeye Sprite, with the goal of modernising the design while retaining its affordability and fun-to-drive character. Here's a breakdown of the concept and intention behind its creation:
🎯 **Core Objectives Behind the Sprite Mk II**
- **Modernise Styling**
- Replace the quirky *Frogeye* look with a more conventional front end
- Introduce a **rectangular grille**, **separate front wings**, and a **lockable boot lid** for improved practicality
- **Enhance Practicality & Comfort**
- Add features like **sliding side windows**, **improved weather protection**, and **bucket seats**
- Make the car more appealing for daily use and longer journeys
- **Maintain Affordability**
- Continue using **BMC parts-bin engineering** (e.g. A-Series engine, A35/Morris Minor components)
- Keep the price accessible to young enthusiasts and first-time sports car buyers
- **Improve Performance**
- Initially retained the 948cc engine from the Mk I
- Later upgraded to a **1098cc A-Series engine** with front **disc brakes** for better stopping power
- **Support Badge Engineering Strategy**
- Launch of the **MG Midget Mk I** alongside the Sprite Mk II
- Shared platform allowed BMC to offer two distinct brands with minimal development cost
🧠 **Strategic Vision**
- Transition the Sprite from a minimalist novelty to a **more mature, globally competitive sports car**
- Broaden its appeal beyond club racers to include **young professionals and export markets**
- Lay the foundation for future “Spridget” models with shared development between MG and Austin-Healey
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Global Popularity
The **Austin-Healey Sprite Mark II (1961–1964)** achieved notable global popularity, building on the success of the original Frogeye/Bugeye Sprite. Here's how it fared internationally:
🌎 **Global Popularity Highlights**
- **🇺🇸 United States**
- The **largest export market** for the Sprite Mk II
- Appreciated for its affordability, improved styling, and motorsport potential
- Sold through BMC’s U.S. dealer network and often marketed alongside the MG Midget
- **🇬🇧 United Kingdom**
- Popular among **young drivers and club racers**
- Seen as a more mature and practical alternative to the Mk I
- Frequently used in **autotests, hill climbs, and amateur motorsport**
- **🇪🇺 Continental Europe**
- Gained traction in **France, Germany, and the Netherlands**
- Supported by BMC’s expanding European dealer network
- Valued for its compact size and low running costs
- **🇦🇺 Australia & Commonwealth**
- Sold in **Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa**
- Adapted well to local conditions and enthusiast communities
- Used in local motorsport and club events
- **🏁 Motorsport Exposure**
- Competed in **rallies, endurance events**, and club racing
- Helped reinforce the Sprite’s reputation as a nimble, budget-friendly performer
📦 **Production & Export**
- **Total Mk II production**: ~31,665 units
- A **significant portion exported**, especially to North America
- Shared platform with the **MG Midget**, boosting global visibility
🧠 Legacy Insight
The Sprite Mk II’s global appeal stemmed from its **refined design**, **low cost**, and **broad accessibility**. It successfully transitioned the Sprite from quirky to conventional—without losing its charm.
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Overview: The **Austin-Healey Sprite Mark 2**, introduced in **1961**, was a crucial evolution of the original **"Frogeye" Sprite**. It marked a shift towards a more conventional design, with **separate headlights** instead of the distinctive bonnet-mounted ones. This change made the car more aligned with contemporary styling trends and broadened its appeal.
Mechanically, the **Sprite Mark 2** benefited from improvements such as a **larger 948cc engine**, offering better performance. It also introduced **front disc brakes**, enhancing stopping power and making it more competitive in the small sports car market.
The introduction of the **badge-engineered MG Midget** alongside the Sprite Mark 2 was significant, as it allowed British Motor Corporation (BMC) to **expand its market reach** under two well-known brands. The Sprite continued to be a **popular choice for amateur racers**, thanks to its **lightweight construction and nimble handling**.
This model reinforced **Austin-Healey’s reputation** for producing **affordable yet fun sports cars**, ensuring the brand remained relevant in the evolving automotive landscape of the early 1960s.
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The Austin Healey Sprite Mark 2, like many classic cars, has its share of common faults. Here are some issues you might encounter:
1. **Oil Leaks**: These can occur from various parts of the engine, including the rear carburetor and rocker arms.
2. **Cooling System Problems**: Issues such as water leaks from the overflow hose, faulty radiator caps, and overheating due to incorrect thermostat settings or low water levels.
3. **Electrical Issues**: Problems with the ignition timing, worn carb jets, and faulty vacuum units can lead to poor performance and bad gas mileage.
4. **Suspension and Steering**: Worn king pins, weak shocks, and loose steering box adjustments can cause steering wheel shake and wandering while driving.
5. **Braking Issues**: Oil on brake shoes, frozen wheel cylinders, and worn hubs can lead to brakes grabbing or pulling.
6. **Transmission and Gearbox**: Difficulty getting into gear, worn gear shift levers, and issues with the reverse lockout can be common.
7. **Body and Frame**: Rust and weak frames can cause doors to be hard to open or even open while driving.
These are some of the common faults you might encounter with an Austin Healey Sprite Mark 2. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help keep these issues at bay.
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Generations
The Austin Healey Sprite had four generations:
1. **Mark I (1958-1961)**: Known as the "Frogeye" or "Bugeye" Sprite due to its distinctive headlight design.
2. **Mark II (1961-1964)**: Featured a more conventional front-end design and improved mechanicals.
3. **Mark III (1964-1966)**: Introduced further refinements, including wind-up windows and a more powerful engine.
4. **Mark IV (1966-1971)**: The final generation, which included a larger engine and more comfort features.
These generations highlight the evolution of the Sprite over its production run.
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Trim Levels
The Austin Healey Sprite Mark 2 was offered in a few different configurations:
1. **Standard Roadster**: This was the basic model, featuring a 948cc engine initially, which was later upgraded to a 1,098cc engine.
2. **Deluxe Roadster**: This version included additional features such as a heater and better interior trim².
The Mark 2 also saw a significant design change from the original "Bugeye" look, adopting a more conventional front-end design.
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Production Total: 31,665
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Price New: While we can find a price for a specific model of the Austin Healey Mark 2, the exact base price of the vehicle in 1961 is not provided in the text. However, the price of £1362 for a BT7 with hardtop and overdrive gives us an idea of the price range for the Austin Healey Mark 2 in 1961.
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Main Rivals (Price): In 1961, the main rivals of the **Austin Healey Sprite Mk2** included the **MG Midget** and the **Triumph Spitfire**. Here are their approximate new prices:
- **MG Midget**: Around **£1,100**
- **Triumph Spitfire**: Around **£1,050**
These cars were popular choices in the sports car segment, offering a blend of performance and affordability.
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Engine/s
The Austin Healey Sprite used several different engines throughout its production run. Here are the main engines used in each generation:
1. **Mark I (1958-1961)**:
- **948 cc A-Series I4**: Produced 43 hp.
2. **Mark II (1961-1964)**:
- **948 cc A-Series I4**: Initially continued from the Mark I with slight improvements.
- **1098 cc A-Series I4**: Introduced in 1962, producing 56 hp.
3. **Mark III (1964-1966)**:
- **1098 cc A-Series I4**: Continued from the Mark II.
4. **Mark IV (1966-1971)**:
- **1275 cc A-Series I4**: Produced 65 hp.
These engines highlight the evolution of the Sprite's performance over the years.
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Recorded in UK 2025
There are approximately 1,900 to 3,150 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark II cars from 1961-1964 recorded in the UK as of 2025, with most being under SORN status rather than actively licensed for road use.
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Target Age Group: The **Austin-Healey Sprite Mark 2**, introduced in **1961**, was aimed at **young drivers and motoring enthusiasts**, typically in their **20s and 30s**. It was designed as an **affordable, entry-level sports car**, making it accessible to those who wanted a **fun, stylish roadster** without the high costs of larger sports cars.
Its **compact size, lightweight construction, and improved performance** made it particularly appealing to **amateur racers and weekend drivers** who valued **nimble handling and open-top motoring**. The introduction of the **badge-engineered MG Midget** alongside the Sprite Mark 2 also helped expand its appeal to a broader audience.
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Spares
Here are some places where you can find spares for an Austin Healey Sprite in the UK and Ireland:
1. **A H Spares Ltd**: Based in Southam, UK, A H Spares specializes in parts for all Austin Healey models, including the Sprite.
2. **Moss Europe**: They offer a wide range of parts and spares for the Austin Healey Sprite, with fast shipping and easy returns.
3. **Abingdon MG Parts**: Located in the UK, they provide parts for the Austin Healey Sprite MK1 and other models.
4. **Frogeye Spares Company**: Specializing in the Sprite Mark 1, also known as the Frogeye Sprite, this company offers parts and restoration services specifically for this model.
These specialists should be able to help you with any needs for your Austin Healey Sprite.
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Specialists
Here are some specialists for the Austin Healey Sprite in the UK and Ireland:
1. **Rawles Motorsport**: Located in Hampshire, Rawles Motorsport is recognized as one of the UK's premium restorers of Austin Healeys, including the Sprite.
2. **Merlin Classic Cars**: Based in Derbyshire, Merlin Classic Cars specializes in the restoration, maintenance, and race preparation of all Austin Healey models.
3. **A H Spares Ltd**: Based in Southam, UK, A H Spares has been providing quality parts for Austin Healey models, including the Sprite, since 1972.
4. **Frogeye Spares Company**: Specializing in the Sprite Mark 1, also known as the Frogeye Sprite, this company offers parts and restoration services specifically for this model.
These specialists should be able to help you with any needs for your Austin Healey Sprite.
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Racing
The Austin Healey Sprite Mark 2 was quite successful in racing! Despite its modest performance, the Sprite was popular in motorsports due to its excellent handling and lightweight design. Notably, a trio of factory-prepped Sprites finished 1-2-3 in their class at the 1959 12 Hours of Sebring. The Sprite also competed in other prestigious races like Le Mans and Sebring.
The **12 Hours of Sebring** is a renowned endurance race held annually at the Sebring International Raceway in Florida. It is part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and is considered one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world, alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The race takes place on a 3.74-mile circuit that combines former airport runways with narrow service roads, creating a challenging and unique track². The event is famous for its "once around the clock" format, starting during the day and finishing at night.
The 12 Hours of Sebring has a rich history, dating back to its first race in 1950. Over the years, it has attracted top drivers and manufacturers from around the globe. Notable drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, and Tom Kristensen have competed in this race.
Porsche holds the record for the most manufacturer wins, with 18 victories. The race is known for its grueling nature, testing the durability of both cars and drivers.
ICONIC MOMENTS
The 12 Hours of Sebring has had many memorable moments throughout its history. Here are a few highlights:
1. **1966 Finish**: One of the most dramatic finishes occurred in 1966 when Dan Gurney, leading the race, had his Ford GT40 Mk.II break down on the final lap. Gurney pushed the car across the finish line, but was disqualified for doing so.
2. **1970 Race**: The 1970 race is often considered one of the best. It featured a rolling start for the first time and saw fierce competition between Ferrari and Porsche. Steve McQueen, despite racing with a broken foot, finished second with co-driver Peter Revson in a Porsche 908/02.
3. **1983 Victory**: In 1983, a GTO class Porsche 934, which had been 11 laps behind at one point, managed to win the race. Driver and car owner Wayne Baker didn't even realize he had won until after crossing the finish line.
These moments highlight the endurance, skill, and sometimes sheer luck involved in this iconic race.
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