Description

This 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite was sold new in New Jersey where it stayed for about 40 years before being sold to Washington where it was refurbished from 2006-2009. Work included body repairs, a repaint in British Racing Green, full engine and transmission rebuilt and new suspension. The previous owner has driven the car about 1,000 miles since acquiring it in 2020, and has reupholstered the seats, refreshed the steering wheel and gauges, added an new horn button, installed a stainless steel exhaust, and completed fitting a soft top. About $10k in receipts are provided along with BMIHT certificate showing the original specifications. This Sprite is offered with a factory hardtop, full tonneau cover, and a clean Washington title and European import papers stating all import duties are paid.

The seller states that the body was repainted around 2006, and exterior flaws include bubbles at the trailing edge of the passenger-side rocker, and a slightly different shade of paint to the driver-side rocker. Stainless grill surround pieces were removed for a cleaner look, but are included. Most of the chrome is described to be in good shape, and an extra set of bumpers/overriders is provided. Rear Euro-style amber turn lenses were installed and original red pieces are also included. The wing-mounted mirror is a modern reproduction.

Correct-style 13″ steel wheels have chrome AH-logo hubcaps, and wear Dunlop SP40 tires. The trunk holds a matching wheel with non-matching tire.

Gauges and controls are believed to be correct pieces. Both the speedometer and tach are said to operate smoothly, but read 10-12% and 20-30% high respectively. The 5-digit odometer registers 10k miles, with actual mileage unknown. The heater fan switch is not operating, although the fan works when power is provided directly. The sale includes a factory hardtop in good but unrestored condition, and a full tonneau cover in need of new zippers.

Seats were reupholstered using a year-correct kit from Mirror Trim in the UK, and have leather seating surfaces. Later reclining-type seat frames are identifiable by the side tilt levers. The front corners of floors in both foot wells have 2×1″ areas of corrosion, as shown in gallery images.

Engine number matches the BMHT certificate confirming this unit is original to the car. The “12CC” prefix indicates a BMC A-Series 1,275cc motor built for Sprite/Midget production. The car retains a generator, voltage regulator, positive ground electrics, a brake master cylinder with integrated steel reservoir, and matching clutch master cylinder. The engine bay was not repainted to the same standard as the exterior, and the trunk interior has not been repainted.

A September 2017 compression test provided these results:

• 145 psi – Cylinder 1
• 145 psi – Cylinder 2
• 140 psi – Cylinder 3
• 145 psi – Cylinder 4

The seller notes that the transmission can back out of first gear under hard acceleration in some situations. A 3.90 differential is installed, and a 4.22 geared unit with a second set of axles is said to have been used for hill climb competition. The seller has welded-in a repair to a boxed section of the passenger front frame rail under the radiator, as shown in the gallery. Front and rear sway bars are included but not mounted.