Vehicle Description
It's time to enjoy a car for the purists. This 1966 Austin Healey
Sprite Mk IV is iconic classic British roaster fun on a budget.
This is the best Healey Sprite for certain people. Not only does
this later model do away with the more polarizing "frogeye" look,
but it has been optimized for the driving experience. For example,
this one does not have side glass or a roof, two heavier features
that took away from the sprightly namesake of the car. So it has a
closer weight rating to the earlier Mk II generation, but it
retains the larger displacement motor of the Mk IVs. Even without
an interesting engineering, this one has a lot of attraction. The
silver paint is the perfect subtle British color that still loves
the sunshine. And the brightwork stands out from this hue thanks to
an investment in places like new headlight surrounds, grille, and
side mirrors. It's a total package that is presented nicely and
feels authentic right down to its factory "AH" hubcaps.
Inside, the dual bucket seats are there to provide some individual
comfort, but we all know this is really a driver-focused roadster.
That's why you get a grippy Austin Healey three-spoke wood and
chrome steering wheel, and beyond that are competition-grade Smiths
gauges. This one doesn't need a center console because your right
hand rests perfectly and naturally on the woodgrain AH
gearshift.
This Sprite truly lived up to its name, and it gives up luxuries
like windows to remain a light European roadster. This allows you
to get the most performance out of the 1275cc four-cylinder motor,
which was the largest displacement they ever offered in the
Sprite's history. In fact, this one even has a Weber carb on top
for optimal performance. Combine this with the close ratio
four-speed manual transmission, and you begin to understand why
people love these cars. After all, there's no better feeling than
rowing through the gears at the exact right time to stay in the
powerband. And you can do that with confidence, because the BMC
A-series motor is a longstanding reliable powerplant with a large
parts network, even in America. The last key to the Sprite being so
good on the backroads is its unibody construction. It was
revolutionary for a road car at the time, and it keeps the
featherweight body nice and stiff in the turns. It even handles
quite nicely thanks to front disc brakes and modern Firestone tires
at all four corners.
Here's an affordable classic roadster that's less mainstream (and
more rare) than its MG relative, but a less polarizing design than
the Mk I's frogeye. Just hurry up before someone else realizes this
roadster is within their budget too. Call today!!!