Lot Ended
Description
Rebuilt 1,275cc engine with various performance upgrades; rebuilt
gearbox; lightweight flywheel; uprated brakes and suspension; lots spent; lots
of fun!
Introduced in
October 1966, the MkIV was the final and most refined iteration of the
‘Spridget’ range produced under the Austin-Healey badge. While it retained the
square-bodied styling established by the MkII, the MkIV brought significant
mechanical and practical upgrades that transformed it from a basic roadster into
a more capable, everyday sports car.
The defining
feature of the MkIV was its 1,275cc A-Series engine, a detuned version of the
unit found in the Mini Cooper S. Although it produced a modest 65bhp, the car’s
light 1,500lbs curb weight allowed for spirited performance with a 94mph top
speed and a much-improved torque curve compared to the peaky, rev-hungry 1,098cc
engine it replaced.
Enhanced creature comforts
included reclining bucket seats and a proper folding top which could be quickly
flipped up or down from the driver’s seat, unlike the cumbersome ‘stow-away’
hood of previous models with its fiddly, finger-trapping and f-word provoking
sticks...
First registered in Reading in August
1970, this MkIV is peppier than most as the current owner, a professional car
restorer, has treated the car to many performance-enhancing upgrades during his
seven-year ownership.
These include a fully
rebuilt engine with Omega +0.040” pistons; heavy duty head studs; MED uprated
oil pump; MED vernier cam pulley; David Newman 270 camshaft; uprated valve
springs; Rimflo valves; Andrews Precision Engineering balanced crank assembly;
aluminium rocker box; LCB manifold; WOSP high-torque starter motor; Peter May
ignition coil; uprated dynamo; MED short stub stacks and air filter; Flexolite
electric fuel pump; Malpassi filter/regulator etc.
Other goodies include: gearbox overhauled by Peter May Engineering
with lightweight flywheel and Helix clutch; Proptech balanced propshaft; braided
stainless steel brake and clutch hoses; full brake system overhaul with new
calipers, discs, master cylinder etc. The suspension has also been completely
rebuilt and uprated with special shock absorbers and polybushes etc – all
detailed in copious notes and invoices on file.
A new Don Trimming DeLuxe Mohair hood has also been fitted, along
with new inertia reel seatbelts and a recent new set of Falken tyres, including
the spare which is unused.
A plate on the dash
says the car was restored in 1985 at 54,313 miles and it now shows 93,036 miles,
around 20,000 of these on the rebuilt engine. Used by our vendor as a daily
driver to begin with, and for long-distance touring, the car is said to
drive "far better than standard" but has been very little used in the last
couple of years, hence the reason for sale.
Okay,
the bodywork has a few minor blemishes here and there, but this Healey is
fighting fit mechanically and has been starting promptly and running well as we
have moved it around on site, feeling light and nippy with good 65psi oil
pressure.
On offer here at a modest guide price
(far less than the vendor has spent on it), this peppy Sprite can be enjoyed as
it is and the bodywork could be smartened up over time as
desired.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com