![]() ![]() ![]() Although mechanical changes were minimal, the bodywork changed dramatically, with the headlights relocated to a more conventional and modern position in the wings, a conventional bonnet, and a full-width grille. The MKII followed in mid-1961, powered by the 948cc engine but with larger twin 1 1/4-inch SU carburetors, delivering 46.5 horsepower, and backed by a close-ratio gearbox. Production of the Mark I Sprites lasted from 1958 through 1961 with 48,987 examples built. ![]() The relatively spartan vehicle was rather feisty, with a top speed in excess of eighty mph. The thirteen-inch tires were wrapped with 520x13 cross-ply tires or optional 145HR13 Pirelli Cinturato radial tires. Armstrong level-arm shock absorbers and top links were at all four corners, with the front sprung by coil springs and wishbones with the rear used quarter-elliptic leaf springs. The rack-and-pinion steering was courtesy of the Morris Minor 1000 and the front suspension from the Austin A35. It was a 948cc overhead valve unit with twin 1 1/8-inch SU carburetors and delivering 48 horsepower. The engine was derived from the Morris Minor 1000 and Austin A35 models. To enter the vehicle required reaching inside, and access to the luggage compartment and spare wheels was via tilting the seat-backs forward and reaching under the rear deck. It was devoid of a boot lid and door handles. There was very little brightwork, ornamentation, and trim pieces. The entire front sheet metal assembly was a one-piece unit, including the wings and bonnet, which was hinged at the back. The structure was not a full monocoque due to two front chassis legs projecting forward from the passenger compartment. Testing at MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) revealed the thickness to be inadequate, resulting in a return to the original specification. Bilbie's original metal gauge thickness of the rear structure was reduced by the Austin Design Office during the prototype build. The chassis, designed by Barry Bilbie, used unitary construction with many of the sheet metal body panels, sans bonnet, absorbed many of the structural stresses. The body was styled by Gerry Coker with subsequent alterantions by Les Ireland following Coker's emigation to the U.S. The engine was intially a tuned version of the Austin A-Series engine and many other components from existing cars were utilized to minimize costs. The prominent headlights of the Mark I Sprite soon earned the nickname 'frogeye' in the United Kingdom and 'bugeye' in the United States. Designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company and produced at the MG factory at Abingdon, the low-cost model was announced on May 20th of 1958 in Monte Carlo. The Austin-Healey Sprite was produced for over a dozen years, lasting from 1958 to 1971 and built along four generations. ![]()
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