1967 Austin-Healey Sprite MKIV Convertible

Vehicle Description 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite $19,000 "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! A Sprite 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. With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrit