1965 Austin-Healey Sprite MK3

The Sprite embodies the spirit of affordable British motoring fun. The Sprite was repainted by a previous keeper in Ice Blue Metallic several years ago. Mark also had the car repainted in 2014, where some bodywork was attended to. There are a couple of scratches to point out on both rear quarter panels and the odd age-related mark here and there. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to make up your own mind about the condition of the paint. Walking around the Sprite, the bodywork presents well - there are some areas where there are blisters which can be seen in the photographs, but they all appear to be under the paintwork and not broken through. We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The metal dashboard has been painted black which could be improved with a gentle rub down and another coat or two - an easy Sunday job we think. The instruments are working correctly and the odometer shows ~8,131 miles at the time of our visit. The lightweight chassis and the modest power output from the 1100cc engine give the perfect analogue feel, and with the low-slung seating position and simple controls it brings home just what driving a British classic is all about. The windscreen and side windows are in good condition; there are a couple of age-related marks in keeping with the age and mileage. The headlights and rear lights are in good order, with no damage to the lenses - the chrome work has a bright finish with minimal tarnishing. The vinyl roof was replaced several years ago with a new old-stock item; therefore, this fits very well in a couple of minutes. The tonneau cover's short zipper on the driver's side is faulty and doesn’t close, but this could easily be replaced by your local trimmer. Mark told us the left front light is missing one of the securing screws, so is a bit loose. It has been that way for years but he forgot to address it as it doesn't cause a problem. The Sprite steel wheels are finished in silver and are in good condition - these are topped off with chrome Austin Healey hubcaps, which are in excellent condition. The tyres are a matching set, all of which have plenty of tread remaining. Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old. What’s thought to be the original vinyl seats are in excellent condition, with no damage or major signs of age. The carpets have some wear, and there is a section missing from the driver’s footwell. With that said, there are plenty of specialists who will supply pre-cut carpet sets for the Sprite, so this could easily be replaced. With a little choke, the 1100cc engine fires up, and with a couple of throttle blips it comes to a smooth idle, and the car runs with no issues reported by Mark. In 2013, the Sprite had a replacement cylinder head fitted, which was converted to accept unleaded petrol. More recently, a new alternator has been fitted and a service carried out. Fitted with a four-speed gearbox, the change is precise, with the gears easily selected, and the car pulls well throughout the range. The switchgear in the Sprite is minimal due to its age. The lights work as they should. The wipers don’t work, Mark had a replacement but it couldn't be fitted, he still has the old one though, Mark told us, to his knowledge, everything else is working as it should. The radio has been converted with an auxiliary cable so you can use this to play music from an external device. Mark told us the hood is a new old stock one which he found on eBay a few years ago, the hood frame is a refurbished original, but not original to this car. He does have the original, which will be provided. It is completely functional and folds all the way back (which the one in the photo does not) but isn't in as good condition. Dating back several years, you will see that the Sprite appears to have been well maintained, with various invoices for servicing work and parts purchased, as well as old MOT certificates dating back to the 1990s. It really is ready to jump in and drive - the Sprite runs lovely, and on a sunny day, what’s more perfect than spinning around in a British classic. We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, and does not have any outstanding finance. Please note: this check does not include mileage verification. We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing. Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming. If you have any questions, no matter how small, please ask the seller in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win, just like in a traditional auction. On the road, the Sprite handles lovely, sitting low to the ground. The car handles bumps with ease, and no knocks or bangs were heard coming from the suspension. The brakes bring the car to a stop in a straight line, with a solid feel to the pedal and no problems mentioned by Mark. The original two-spoke steering wheel does have some age-related wear to the rim and centre horn button. The geark stick is in good condition, with just a small amount of age-related wear.