A small sports car based on the Austin A35 and Morris Minor.
Almost like a micro car
In the 50s, several new car brands emerged that built microcars, very small and light vehicles. In England, many of these were simple, open roadsters with sporty features. People had less money, and the light vehicles could be an alternative to motorcycles. The Austin-Healey Sprite was a collaboration between Donald Healey Motor Co. and the Austin division of BMC. Several components were taken from the Austin A35 and Morris Minor, such as the 948 cc A-series engine, the rack-and-pinion steering and the front suspension.
Sprite Mk1 "Frogeye"
The first version – the mk1 – of the Sprite was introduced as early as 1958. The special front with protruding headlights quickly earned the nickname frogeye. As early as 1961, the Sprite got a facelift, a completely new front without frog eyes. Simultaneously with the announcement of the Sprite mk2, the MG Midget was launched. The two cars were almost identical and were produced on the same assembly line. The two cars were so similar that they are often referred to as Sprigged.
Some may think it is not right to draw parallels between the Austin-Healey Sprite and the microcars that appeared in the 1950s and disappeared after a short time. But it does explain that there was a market for a small sports car like the Sprite. The Mk1 is 3.5 meters long, weighs under 700 kg. Rigged for racing, the weight could come to under 600 kg. The small 948 cc engine could give a top speed of around 130 km/h. The feeling of speed must have been phenomenal.
Sprite Mk2–Mk4
From 1961, major visual changes were made. The Mk2 received a completely new front and rear, a new dashboard, and the A-series 1100 engine.
From 1964 came the Mk3, which can be identified by the fact that it had side windows, triangular windows and external door handles.
The Mk4, which arrived in 1966, was equipped with the 1275 engine. Visual features include smaller bumper horns and a folding top. On earlier models, the top had to be removed and stowed in the boot. Today, folding tops can be retrofitted, and several earlier models have had this done.
In 1970 the cars received a new matt black grille until production ceased in 1971. A batch of cars are said to have been produced after Healey had withdrawn from the project. These may have been sold and registered as "just" Austins, but are otherwise identical to the Austin-Healey.
Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite
Austin Healey Sebring Sprite is a modified variant of the Sprite, for use in car racing and motorsport. The cars received changes to the engine, chassis and brakes, as well as a new front and a coupé-shaped roof. The Sebring Sprite became a separate model that was also homologated for motorsport.
About the pictures
The main picture was taken at one of the Norwegian Sports Car Club's annual spring musterings at Øvrevoll gallop outside Oslo. The car is a Mk1 "Frogeye". The interior picture is taken of the same car on the same occasion. The grey "Frogeye" participated in Veteran Car Day in Skien 2026. The other pictures of Sprite Mk2 og Sebring were taken at various car shows in Perpignan, France. The interior photo of the RHD Sprite Mk2 was taken at a car show in Norway, uncertain where – perhaps Tofte, Asker.
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See
Austin Healey Club Norway
