46-Years Owned 1969 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark IV

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Entering production in March 1958, the Austin-Healey Sprite was officially unveiled later that year during the Rally Monte Carlo, clearly certifying its sporting intentions. Focused on bringing affordable sports cars to the masses, the Sprite utilized unibody construction to not only lower production costs but also yield a stiffer chassis. Independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering only added to its handling capabilities. The Sprite was celebrated for its simple yet functional design, and as a result, this meant there were no superfluous features. With increasing demand from customers, the Mark II and later variants offered a higher level of refinement and additional features, like a proper trunk, roll-up windows, and expanded engine size for added performance. With production ending in 1971, examples of the fourth and final generation Austin-Healey Sprite such as this are rightfully remembered for their good looks, peppy nature, and the ability to draw a smile from nearly everyone who encounters one.

Highlights

• Powered by a 1,275 cc inline-four cylinder with twin SU carburetors paired with a four-speed manual transmission

• Finished in Old English White over a Black vinyl interior

• Equipped with a black vinyl folding soft top

• Believed to have had just two owners since new, the current owners have retained this Austin-Healey for the past 46 years

• As per the consignor, it is believed that the just over 82,000 miles displayed on the odometer to be original

Features

• Electric wipers

• Manually operated side windows

• Chrome bumpers

• Functional vent window

• Carpeted interior

• Smiths gauges

• Twin bucket seats

• Cigarette lighter

• Center console

• Dual sun visors

• Triple windshield wipers

• Twin bucket seats with adjustable headrests

• Fender-mounted antenna

• Pivoting vent windows

Known Imperfections

• Cracked emblem is unable to be affixed to the car

• Inoperable passenger door lock

• Paint chips

• Four-inch hole in passenger roof

Included

• The current owner has another 1969 Austin-Healey that has been disassembled with all of the parts, including the engine and transmission, which will be included with the sale

• Tonneau cover

• Jack

• Fender-mounted mirror 

Ownership History

The current owner of this 1969 Austin-Healey purchased the car on 27 April 1977 while working at Gale Toyota of Enfield, Connecticut, after the car was traded in by the original owner. Enjoying the car for many years, the current owner reports that they never drove the car in the winter during their ownership. 

Hagerty Marketplace has confirmed a clean title status, the owner maintains the title in hand and will send it to the Hagerty Marketplace team to be reassigned to the new owner after the auction is complete.