1973 to 2011 ---38 years of Sprite ownership

 

As purchased in 1973 sprite jan2010
As purchased in 1973
Sprite Jan 2010

 

History of my Sprite ownership

Late in 1972 I decided I would like some sort of Sports car. A friend of mine had an MGB but I soon found that they were out of my price range.I therefore decided after some research to look at Austin Healey Sprites as they were the cheapest of the Sports cars (and still are).As it was to be my only car it had to have adequate weather protection and this narrowed it down to one of the later models with wind up windows

Eventually in February 1973 I purchased a 2nd owner 1965 MK111 Sprite for $1000 which was the average price in those days.This is the Sprite (JGF 518) which I still own to this day.The previous owner was a member of a car club and had fitted wide steel wheels (5"), Alloy Rocker Cover and had shortened the gear lever (for quicker changes?).It had done 80,000 miles and was in good condition apart from evidence of the front guards being replaced at sometime. It has still got the alloy rocker cover and shortened gear lever.The steel rims were replaced in the late 70's with 5.5 '' x 13 Alloy wheels (made for a Mini Moke) due to problems with the steel rims cracking around the wheel nut holes .

Late in 1973 I joined the Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club and soon become involved in Competition events such as Sprints and Hill Climbs

It was used daily as my road car until 1982 when I had become sick of the reliability of the Sprite and so decided to sell it.At the last moment I couldn't part with it and decided to put it off the road to fix all the problems such as brakes ,suspension and dents in the body.I enrolled in a panel beating and spray painting course and after 2 years I had the car back on the road.

The Sprite apart from (numerous) engine rebuilds and re sprays has never been fully stripped down and restored.One day I will get around to replacing the sill panels & the door pillars which now have some rust in them.

These days the Sprite has been retired from competition work and  now gets used on a sunny Sunday drive or a Social drive with the Club.It is still a fun car to drive. 

Although with the high cost of petrol these days I am using it more often around town.