1965 AUSTIN-HEALEY SPRITE

OVERVIEW

This 1965 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk III convertible has been one-family-owned for more than 30 years and underwent a four-year restoration process that included a cosmetic overhaul, a new cloth top, a transplanted 1,275cc inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission, and several new parts. Features include a Moto-Lita steering wheel, chrome brightwork, and a rebuilt front suspension. Refinished in Ice Blue with a black retractable soft top over a black vinyl interior, this Sprite is now offered with restoration documentation, uninstalled original parts including the hubcaps and emblems, and a clear Maryland title in the seller’s name.

EXTERIOR – FEATURES

The reportedly rust-free body was repainted Ice Blue and equipped with a new black cloth retractable top as part of the restoration process. Features include newer chrome bumpers and bumper guards, a driver-side mirror, and replacement wipers. The seller notes that there is a dime-sized blemish on the front driver-side fender.

EXTERIOR – WHEELS AND TIRES

Steel 13-inch wheels with chrome center caps are wrapped in newer tires.

INTERIOR – FEATURES

The two-seat interior is fitted with black vinyl bucket seats, matched to the door panels, newer three-point seat belts, dash, and newer carpeting. Features include floor mats and a Moto-Lita steering wheel.

INTERIOR – GAUGES

Smiths-branded instrumentation includes a 100-mph speedometer, a 7K-rpm tachometer, and additional gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 35,000 miles, but the odometer is inoperative so the true mileage on the chassis is unknown. Mileage on the current engine is estimated to be 40,000 miles, according to the seller.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

The upgraded 1,275cc inline-four is fed by dual carburetors and features an electronic ignition system. Mechanical work in recent years includes the replacement of the hoses, gaskets, clutch, oil cooler, steering rack, battery, generator, and water pump. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a floor-shifted four-speed manual transmission.

UNDERCARRIAGE

The shock absorbers and anti-sway bars were replaced and the front suspension was rebuilt during the restoration.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The car comes with restoration documentation and uninstalled original parts including the hubcaps and emblems. The seller has provided a series of videos with first-person driving dynamics and drive-by footage below.