1968 Austin Healey Sprite - Meticulous Upkeep
The Austin-Healey Sprite is one of Britain’s most characterful and enduring sports cars, a model that perfectly captured the carefree spirit of open-top motoring in the 1960s. Compact, eager and unmistakably charming, the Sprite earned a loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic, offering spirited performance and simple mechanical honesty in equal measure.
First registered on 09 July 1968, this delightful example was originally built for and dispatched to the United States, where it spent the majority of its early life in a favourable climate. As a result, when it returned to the UK in the early 1990s, it did so in remarkably rust-free condition — a rare and invaluable foundation for restoration. It was subsequently restored and professionally converted to right-hand drive, allowing it to be enjoyed properly on British roads while retaining a number of desirable and distinctive US-market features.
Finished in classic red coachwork, the car presents with the bright, confident stance that defines the late Sprites. It proudly retains its US-specification chrome boot rack, full-size front indicators and, a welcome touch of luxury, factory-style sun visors — an indulgence not afforded to UK Sprites of the period. These subtle distinctions set the car apart while adding both practicality and visual appeal.
The interior is trimmed in black with elegant red piping, perfectly complementing the exterior and evoking the understated sporting ambience of a 1960s British roadster. The cabin is purposeful yet inviting, with that unmistakable low-slung driving position and clear, direct instrumentation that makes every journey feel like an occasion.
Mechanically, this Sprite has enjoyed conscientious ownership and meticulous upkeep. Milestone Classics
supplied the car to its last owner in 2008, a respected garage proprietor who maintained it to the highest standards throughout his custodianship. It has been consistently MOT tested each year, despite now being legally exempt, demonstrating a commitment to safety and correctness rather than mere compliance. In 2022, the clutch was replaced, incorporating an upgraded roller release bearing for improved reliability and smoother operation. The car has always been carefully used in dry conditions only, preserving both its structure and presentation.
This is a wonderfully honest and well-sorted example of a much-loved British sports car: rust-free origins, sensible upgrades, distinctive specification and a documented history of attentive maintenance. For those seeking a charming, usable classic with transatlantic provenance and enduring appeal, this 1968 Austin-Healey Sprite offers open-air motoring exactly as it should be — simple, spirited and full of character.
PRICE: £6995