1970 Austin-Healey Sprite MkIV

Introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1966, the fourth generation of Austin-Healey's diminutive Sprite now benefited from the larger 1,275cc 'A-Series' and a number of other minor mechanical developments including separate brake and clutch master cylinders. Externally, the most notable improvement was a change from a removable convertible top, which had to be stowed in the boot, to a permanently affixed folding top of greatly improved design which was much easier to use.

A facelift was carried out for the 1970 model-year (beginning in September 1969) after Austin-Healey (and MG) became part of British Leyland. These largely cosmetic revision were to update the appearance of the car (now ten years old) and minimise the difference between the Sprite and Midget versions to reduce production costs; both cars now had the same cosmetic features, differing only in their badges. Alongside a new range of body colours, both cars now had the same grille, based on the plainer square-mesh design of the MkII-onwards Sprite, but now finished in satin black with the addition of a chrome embellisher.

The work on fully restoring SRU 562H, this delightful little 1970 Austin Healey Sprite MkIV, was completed by its previous keeper between 2020 and 2021 and there are a number of photographs with the car showing the restoration in detail. It’s an original, UK-supplied, right-hand drive example that was factory-finished in yellow before being changed to red in the late 1980s. During the restoration, it was treated to a fresh coat of, what we believe, is Signal Red, which is complemented by its hard-top roof finished in Old English White. As can be seen from our images, the little Sprite now presents particularly well.

Converting SRU 562H, to its current fast road/sprint and hill climb specification has taken place over the last 12 months by its current keeper. Work included a bolted-in roll cage, twin Sparco Sprint steel-framed, cloth-covered bucket seats with red Sparco full harnesses (all purchased from Demon Tweeks on 08/03/2023 so obviously still current), bonnet and boot lid retaining straps, new Swiftune racing mirrors on brackets, front and rear tow straps, and Minilite-style alloys.

It still retains its standard 1.3-litre engine (1,275cc) A-series inline-four, fed by twin SU carburettors fitted with K&N filters and driving the rear wheels through its new 4-speed manual transmission replaced in 2023. A spare gearbox is available by separate agreement to the new owner should they choose. A new exhaust back box, along with an alternator conversion have also been added.

We understand that SRU had an outing at Anglesey and was cleared by the scrutineers for that event in the Healey Sport Championship, however the regulations tend to vary from club to club and further safety equipment (plumbed-in extinguisher, remote cut-offs etc.) may be required for subsequent outings.

On offer at No Reserve, this fabulous little Sprite could well be a great first entry into the world of club motorsport or simply enjoy as a fun road car.