Vehicle Description
1967 Austin Healey Sprite MKIV Convertible
When the Sports Car Club of America, (SCCA), was formed in 1944,
the vehicles were of European origin. The influence of World War II
and the American's exposure to European sports cars increased
interest in the United States which by the 50's had seen
enthusiasts bring in Austin Healeys, Jaguars, Lotus, MG, Porsche
and others. Given their size and focus on the driver and driving
experience, these cars were quite exotic for the time and sports
car clubs and races quickly began popping up around the country. By
the 60's, Corvette and Shelby Cobras joined the party, but
Europeans were still viewed as the benchmark for great sports
cars.
For consignment, we have a race ready 1967 Austin Healy Mark IV
convertible. This car would have started out as a pedestrian sports
car with Austin Healey Sprites having a history of being built by
and co-marketed as MG Midgets, (think; Ford Taurus - Mercury
Sable). True to some sports car definitions, they were two-seat
automobiles with emphasis on dynamic performance and handling.
Other definitions dictate that true sports cars are roadsters,
(convertibles or open air), and this little Sprite would fit the
bill. Lots has been done to this little car to make it a
substantial track car while retaining its street legality!
Exterior
Originally a California car, first prepared for racing in 2011,
this car's striking appearance leaves no doubt it wants to get up
and go. Hunkered down on 13-inch Minilite aluminum wheels, the
blue...a sort of electric or rally blue...looks great on the car,
accentuated by a large "247" number decal on each door. FP appears
on the passenger side front fender denoting the car is raced in the
Production class of SCCA - modified but retaining original design
and structure. No mistaking that here as the headlight, taillights
and marking lights are in place and functional...part of the
"street legal" requirements. Hood pins secure the hood while a
beefy roll cage sits tall over the seats. The trunk retains its
twist latch and "Sprite" emblem. References to Suixtil, an
Argentinian race accessory company, can be found on a left fender
decal and decal on the trunk lid. We should note there is a scratch
in the paint near the right rear taillight and the inner lip of the
trunk lid show evidence of invasive rust and that probably wasn't
an intentional weight reducing measure. A nifty chrome sport side
mirror provides views of pursuing competitors to the left.
Interior
Red Sparco racing seats dominate the interior and accommodate the
5-point racing harness. A removable Sparco steering wheel is
present, in front the machined metal dash panel. Gauges are at a
minimum here - just enough for racing; speed, tach, water temp and
oil pressure. A bank of electric toggle switches and fuses complete
the amenities. The pedals are bare bones and small and the shifter
is a sculpted piece of billet that provides great grip. A fire
extinguisher is bolted to the transmission hump. The rest of the
interior is sparse as race cars tend to be. No radio, no
sound-deadening, no door cards. The roll cage provides side support
and the doors are fixed but low enough to practically walk over.
You're at one with the road and you wouldn't want distractions like
opening doors to ruin the experience.
Drivetrain
The rebuilt in 2011 1275cc 4 cylinder engine is fed by dual
1-barrel carbs and lit by an electronic ignition distributor. A
four-speed manual sends the power to a limited slip differential
and 4.55 gears. Stopping comes by way of a recently upgraded dual
circuit brake system, new Kevlar front brake pads and new shoe pads
on the back drums. A new battery and smaller race-style alternator
were added in the summer of 2021. Wires and hoses are newer as is
the aluminum radiator. Gas is pumped from an 8-gallon racing fuel
cell in the trunk using an electric fuel pump.
UndercarriageThe sparsity continues in the flat-bottomed
undercarriage, but we can confirm the Evo adjustable shocks and
rear leaf springs. A header terminates at a glasspack style muffle
via a straight pipe; we noted surface rust on the length of the
exhaust. True to its British roots, we notice some seepage on the
oil pan. A bright yellow tow hook is connected to the frame in
front.
Drive-ability
It doesn't take much power to make small cars feel super fast, and
this one is no exception. The suspension and racing wheels keep
this car planted around turns and the open-air driving is about as
close to street legal go-kart as you'll find. Shifts are short and
crisp and braking is spot on and this little blue rocket eagerly
takes to our test loop with flying colors. It's light, tight and
just right!
ASprite can be defined as small, playful, and having magical powers
and this little car is both spritely and spry. A toss-able little
track car that can be driven to shows and convenience stores just
as readily. This car already has some vintage racing provenance -
at both Lime Rock and White Mountain. If you look at its happy
face, it is clearly saying, "C'mon....let's go!" Well, who will
answer the call?
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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