1963 Austin Healey Sprite

There’s nothing quite like a classic British sports roadster for your enjoyment in fine weather, top down, rorty exhaust note, and the wind in your face. The polar opposite of the American large car with a big displacement V8, the British roadster relies on small dimensions, light weight, cutesy looks, and an engine that produces just enough power to maintain a sprightly pace on a country road. Sounds interesting? This 1963 Austin-Healey Sprite is an ideal entry point, and it’s a numbers-matching vehicle to boot. This could be your digital detox tool for the weekends, and one to free your spirit.

Exterior and Interior

Spanning four generations from 1958 to 1971, this 1963 Austin-Healey Sprite is of the second generation, or Mark 2 iteration. While it’s not the cutesy Frogeyed first generation, it’s still an eye-catching car, helped by its peach exterior, wire wheels and compact dimensions of just 130 inches long and 53 inches wide. All lights, chrome, and badges are in place and great condition too. Open the low doors and enter the two-seat cabin of this 1963 Austin-Healey Sprite which features a similar peach interior to match the exterior, and the first thing that strikes you is how compact it is. That’s because these cars were mostly designed for solo enjoyment, or a drive with someone close to you, as you’re literally rubbing elbows with them. The dash features gauges to communicate all salient aspects of motoring, and little else. A sporty wood-rimmed aluminum spoked steering wheel, stubby gear knob, and a smattering of toggle switches are your main companions. There’s no touch screen infotainment system to distract you, or dual-zone climate control to pamper you with. The equally dinky trunk hosts the spare wheel, but you can toss a couple of soft bags in there with some adjustment.

Engine

What’s beneath the hood of this 1963 Austin-Healey Sprite? Brace yourself for it’s every bit the contrast to what you’d find on an American car. Ready? It’s a 1.1L long-stroke four-cylinder carbureted engine that delivers 56hp at 5,500rpm and 62lb-ft at 3,250rpm. A four speed manual transmission sends this to the rear wheels. This car has received a recent tune-up, rebuilt engine and transmission with just 500 miles since then, dual carburetors, and racing suspension.