1967 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark III

The Austin-Healey Sprite was produced from 1958 to 1971, quickly gaining the nickname the 'frogeye' in the United Kingdom and the 'bugeye' in the United States due to the prominent placement of its headlights on top of the bonnet. The first generation of styling lasted until 1961, and the second generation was built until 1964. It continued to use the 948cc engine (engine code 9CG) but with larger 1.25-inch SU carburetors, increasing horsepower by over 3hp to 46.5 bhp. The engine was backed by a close-ratio gearbox, and the bodywork was completely new, with the headlights moving to a more conventional position in the wings, a conventional hood, and a full-width grille.

The Austin-Healey Sprite Mark III was produced through the 1967 model year, though the Mark IV had been introduced in late 1966. The Mark III featured a 1098cc engine that was rated at nearly 60 horsepower while the Mark IV had a larger, 1275cc powerplant that offered 65 horsepower. The engine in the MKIV was similar to the one found in the Mini-Cooper 'S' but with less horsepower.

Mark III styling included a slightly curved-glass windscreen, hinged quarterlights, and wind-up side windows. For the first time, the Sprite had exterior door handles with separate door locks. Although lockable for the first time, the soft-top roof added little protection for those motivated to get inside.
Along with the 1098cc A-Series inline-four-cylinder engine, the previous quarter-elliptic rear suspension was replaced by semi-elliptic leaf springs, greatly improving the ride comfort.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011