1966 AUSTIN-HEALEY MARK III SPRITE Registration Number: LPX...

Hammer

£2,600

1966 AUSTIN-HEALEY MARK III SPRITE

Registration Number: LPX 45D
Chassis Number: HAN8/60782
Recorded Mileage: 48,383 miles 

The Sprite Mark III was announced in March 1964, also marketed as the MG Midget Mark II. Differences between the two were again restricted to minor trim detailing. Although still 1098 cc, the engine had a stronger block casting, and the size of the crankshaft main bearings was increased to two inches. A new (slightly) curved-glass windscreen was introduced with hinged quarter lights and wind-up side windows. Exterior door handles were provided for the first time, with separate door locks. Though the car could now be secured, with a soft-top roof the added protection was limited. The rear suspension was modified from quarter-elliptic to semi-elliptic leaf springs, which gave a more comfortable ride for a near-negligible weight penalty as well as providing additional axle location, the upper links fitted to the quarter-elliptic models being deleted. Though scarcely sybaritic, these changes helped the Sprite and Midget compete with the recently released Triumph Spitfire. 25,905 Mark III Sprites were made.

First registered in May of 1966, this Mark III Sprite was finished in British Racing Green with a black interior, piped in white. The Sprite resided in central London before being acquired by a Bristol-based enthusiast recently. The bodywork appears to be straight, although it will benefit from some cosmetic attention to the paintwork. The chrome wire wheels appear to be fairly new, the brakes also appear to have had recent attention. The Sprite is said to run and drive very well, and will be driven to the auction. A really fun entry level classic for the summer, the Sprite will be sold on a bill of sale, and a V5 will be applied for on behalf of the new owner.