Austin-Healey Sprite Mk2.
Mike dropped me a line early in 2021, he's on the hunt for his old Austin-Healey Sprite Mk2 registration YVE 910 and wonders whether it still survives? No car with that registration number is currently logged with DVLA at this time, but that's not to say that the Sprite isn't around somewhere, un-registered and out of use in someone's garage. Does this car ring a bell with anyone? Mike paid 190 GBP for the car in 1967 and owned it until 1969.
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If anyone can shed light on this Austin-Healey's subsequent life, please drop me a line via the contact details on the Old Classic Car site's homepage. Paul Sadler (Mike's brother) also sent me photos of his modified Mk1 Sprite, they now appear on the Mk1 Sprite page, one of which shows the two brothers' cars together facing the camera.
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The Mk2 Sprite replaced the Mk1, a charismatic sports-car often referred to as the "Frogeye" Sprite or - in the USA - the "Bugeye" Sprite. The square-jawed Mk2 made its debut late in May 1961, still with the 948cc version of BMC's inline straight-four A-Series engine beneath its bonnet. Whereas the Mk1 had a lift-up front end enabling excellent access to its engine, the Mk2 introduced a more conventional bonnet and front-end styling arrangement, a look that would be shared with the contemporary MG Midget right through until that model's eventual demise in 1980. In October 1962 the BMC 948cc engine would be enlarged to 1098cc in both the Midget and the Sprite, and front disc brakes became standard fitment.
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