Models
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[edit] Background
First produced in 1958, the Austin-Healey Sprite (later also badged as the MG Midget) was an entry level sports car designed by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) primarily for the American market.
Designed by Donald Healey, it used many "off the shelf" components from other BMC vehicles keeping costs low. It used a version of the Austin "A-Series" engine (used in the A-40, and later the Austin Mini).
Various models were available, as the car evolved during its almost 30 year production run.
[edit] Sprite Mark I (Bugeye)
Nicknamed the "Bugeye" in the United States (and the "Frogeye" in the United Kingdom) the Mark I was distinguished by having its headlamps mounted on top of the bonnet (or hood in the US). While the headlamps were originallly designed to be retractible (similar to the later Porsche 928) this was deemed to be too expensive for final production, with the resulting fixed mounting giving the car its unique appearance.
Both the engine and suspension were derived from other BMC, along with many other components allowing the final cost to remain remarkably low. The Sprite used the A-series engine, displacing 948cc upgraded with twin 1 1/8" inch SU carburettors.
Engine:
- 1958 - 1961: 948cc BMC A-Series engine (inline 4, 43 HP @ 5,200 RPM; 52 lb-ft torque @ 3,300 RPM)
[edit] Sprite Mark II / Midget Mark I
The Sprite Mark II was redesigned to remove the much maligned (and now loved) "Bugeye" headlamps. Now located in a more conventional location in the front of each wing (fender) the car received positive reviews from the press at the time.
Other upgrades included a real trunk (boot) with a hinged lid, and disc brakes were offered.
At this time the MG Midget also made its debut (and therefore was always one Mark number behind). It received mainly trim upgrades (for example a different grille and some side trim mouldings) but essentially it was the same car mechanically.
Engines:
- 1961 - 1964: 948cc BMC A-Series engine (inline 4, 46 HP @ 5,500 RPM; 53 lb-ft torque @ 3,000 RPM)
- 1962 - 1964: 1098cc BMC A-Series engine (inline 4, 56 HP @ 5,500 RPM; 62 lb-ft torque @ 3,250 RPM)
[edit] Sprite Mark III / Midget Mark II
Becoming further "refined" to meet the demands of the American market, the Mark III featured "wind-up" windows, exterior door handles.
Rear suspension was changed from quarter-elliptic to semi-ellpitic leaf springs offering a softer (but not as sporting) a ride.
Engine:
- 1964 - 1966: 1098cc BMC A-Series engine (inline 4, 59 HP @ 5,750 RPM; 65 lb-ft torque @ 3,500 RPM)
[edit] Sprite Mark IV / Midget Mark III
Further refinements for comfort resulted in the car becoming a "convertible" (with a permanently attached soft top) rather than the "roadster" configuration of earlier cars.
The Mark IV received the most powerful engine yet, displacing 1275cc. Fortunately for many owners of earlier cars, this engine could be "bolted in" with no modifications improving performance. Indeed it's now rare to find a Bugeye that's not been upgraded with a "1275".
The last year the Sprite was imported to the States was 1969, although production continued until 1971. The MG Midget continued on however.
Engine:
- 1966 - 1971: 1275cc BMC A-Series engine (inline 4, 65 HP @ 6,000 RPM; 72 lb-ft torque @ 3,000 RPM)
[edit] Midget Mark IV
Continuing on, was the MG Midget, using a 1500 cc engine.
