1965 Austin-Healey Sprite

The popularity of the Austin-Healey Sprite was attributed to its fun driving characteristics and low costs. Arriving on the market in May of 1958 - depending on specification - it was only slightly more expensive than the Morris Minor. The engine, transmission, rear axle, and front suspension were all from the Austin A35, but the steering components would come from the Morris Minor.

The 1965 Austin-Healey Sprite AN8 convertible was powered by an overhead-valve six-cylinder engine that displaced 177.7 cubic-inches and produced 150 horsepower. It had a four-speed manual gearbox with disc brakes in the front and drums in the rear. They had an 80-inch wheelbase and measured 136 inches in length.

A total of 8,882 examples were produced in 1965, selling for $1,890.

In 1956, the Ashley Laminates Limited Company was formed and during its early years, they produced fiberglass bodies, mainly for the conversion of Austin Sevens and Ford Eights into stylish sportscars. After the arrival of the Frogeye Sprite, the company began building hardtops and lightweight forward-hinging bonnets for enthusiasts seeking to change the slightly odd-looking Frogeye bonnet and bubble hardtop into something more streamlined and conventional. The new bonnet incorporated a large air intake and a central power-bulge for both the MG Midgets and the Austin-Healey Sprite. The low-line hardtop later became available on the 'Spridgets' and also added a small Kamm tail spoiler.

Ashley Laminates Limited continued to build bonnets and hardtops until it ceased production in 1972. The Sprites and Midgets fitted with Ashley bonnets and hardtops are often referred to as Ashley GT's.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011