Austin-Healey Sprite Mark IV

1966 to 1971
Overview
Also called	Austin Sprite
Production	1966–71 22,790 made
Body and chassis
Related	MG Midget MkIII
Powertrain
Engine	1,275 cc (1.3 L) A-Series I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,032 mm (80.0 in)
Length	3,492 mm (137.5 in)
Width	1,397 mm (55.0 in)

The Mark IV was presented at the London Motor Show in October 1966.Besides receiving the larger 1275 cc engine (which disappointed enthusiasts by being in a lower state of tune than that of the Mini-Cooper 'S'), the Mark IV and its cousin the Mark III MG Midget had several changes which were more than cosmetic. Most notable is the change from a removable convertible top, which had to be stowed in the boot, to a permanently affixed, folding top of greatly improved design, which was much easier to use. Separate brake and clutch master cylinders were fitted, as car manufacturers' thoughts began to turn to making their products safer. On US market versions the larger engine sacrificed some of its performance from 1968 on, through the use of smog pumps and other modifications to comply with federal emission control requirements. 1969 was the final year the Sprite was exported to the US.

For the 1970 model year cast-alloy wheels were fitted and the grille was changed to resemble that fitted to the MG Midget.

Engine:

• 1966–71: 1275 cc A-Series I4, 65 hp (48 kW) at 6000 rpm and 72 lbf·ft (98 Nm) at 3000 rpm

The Healey connection was discontinued in 1971, so the final 1,022 Sprites built were simply Austin Sprites. This was a cost-cutting move of Donald Stokes', enabling British Leyland to stop paying royalties to the Donald Healey Motor Company. There was no direct successor, as BL's extensive range already contained the MG Midget, which was identical to the Sprite except for badging, and the similarly dimensioned and priced Triumph Spitfire.

In Film and Television

Austin Healey Sprite MkIV in Top Gear tv series 13 (2009)