1962 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II

Description

“Style and Character.” That is how BMC summarized the 1962 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II.

Building on the features of the popular 1958-1961 "Bugeye" Sprite, Austin-Healey updated the roadster for the 1962 model year. The Mk II Sprite kept the Bugeye’s unit-body construction, but it received a complete makeover. A more conventional grille and headlight setup replaced the Bugeye’s cheerful visage, with the car taking on styling that would be seen on the MG Midget a few months later. The Mk II Sprites initially ran with the same 948 cc A-series OHV four-cylinder engines as before, as does this early Mk II. The Mk II’s light weight and low center of gravity made it a terrific handler, and the Sprite earned a reputation on the rally and road racing circuits. 

This 1962 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II was purchased a decade ago in non-running condition. The consignor rebuilt the engine and transmission, made significant mechanical repairs, and added upgrades like negative-ground 12-volt electrics. Now this early Sprite Mk II continues that valued tradition of automotive style and character. 

Highlights 

• Early production Mk II Sprite 

• Finished in Old English White over Red interior 

• Powered by a 948 cc A-series OHV four-cylinder engine rated at 46 horsepower and 52 lb-ft torque 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Upgrades and maintenance since 2014 include: 

  • Converted electrical system polarity to negative ground 

  • New master cylinder 

  • New slave cylinder 

  • New electronic fuel pump 

  • New alternator conversion from generator 

  • New spin-on oil filter conversion  

  • New distributor and plugs 

  • New heater core 

  • New suspension A-arms and leaf springs  

  • New drum brakes 

  • New interior seats, carpet, and paneling 

• The chassis number (HAN6L16608) decodes as: 

  • HAN6 – Austin Healey Sprite Mk II 

  • L – Left-hand drive 

  • 16608 – Production number  

• This 1962 Austin Healey Sprite Mk II is offered with the five-digit odometer showing just over 56,082 miles at the time of listing; however, it is believed the odometer has rolled over and the true mileage is unknown  

 Features 

• Minator UK 13-inch aluminum alloy wheels 

• Three-spoke wood-trimmed steering wheel 

• Dash-mounted rearview mirror 

• Driver’s side exterior mirror 

• Hood pins 

• Fuel level, speedometer, tachometer, oil, and temperature gauges 

• Center dash ignition 

• Seat belts 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint scrapes on driver’s side rear fender near deck lid 

• Paint scrapes on driver’s side front fender behind wheel well 

• Paint chips on hood 

• Paint scrapes on passenger fender near front bumper 

• Paint chip on passenger fender above rear wheel well 

• Paint chip near driver’s side taillight 

• Corrosion on floor pan 

• Chip out of driver’s seat trim 

Included 

• Fire extinguisher 

Ownership History 

The owner of this 1962 Austin Healey Sprite Mk II purchased the car in 2014 in non-running condition. The engine has since been overhauled, the transmission rebuilt, and other maintenance and upgrades completed.