Image of 1968 Austin Healey Sprite, Note: These illustrations use artistic license and may differ from actual historical models.

Introduction

The 1968 Austin Healey Sprite is a testament to British engineering and design, capturing the essence of a bygone era in motoring. Born from the collaboration between the British Motor Corporation and the Donald Healey Motor Company, this sprightly roadster was designed to deliver affordable sports car thrills. Its historical significance lies not only in its popularity but also in its role as a pioneer of the "bug-eye" look, with its distinctive headlamps that give it an unforgettable face. A unique fact about the Sprite is that it was affectionately nicknamed "Frogeye" in the UK and "Bugeye" in the US due to its protruding headlamps, making it instantly recognizable and endearing it to enthusiasts worldwide.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1968 Austin Healey Sprite is characterized by its charming and friendly countenance, with smooth lines flowing from front to back. The interior, though modest by today's standards, presented a no-frills, driver-focused environment with an emphasis on simplicity and functionality. Materials were typical of the era, with metal, vinyl, and plastic components designed for durability rather than luxury. Technologically, the Sprite was innovative for its unitary construction which improved rigidity while reducing weight. Color options ranged from vibrant reds to deep blues, with British Racing Green being a particularly popular choice among enthusiasts. The roadster body style was iconic, encapsulating the free-spirited joy of open-top motoring.

Historical Significance

The Sprite's impact on automotive design was significant; it helped popularize small, affordable sports cars that offered genuine driving pleasure without the hefty price tag. Its approachable demeanor set it apart from more intimidating contemporaries and opened up sports car ownership to a wider audience. The legacy of the Austin Healey Sprite is evident in the numerous small roadsters that followed, capturing that same spirit of accessible performance.

Performance and Handling

Underneath the bonnet of the 1968 Sprite lay a modest 1,275 cc engine that delivered peppy performance for its time. With a top speed around 90 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in just over 13 seconds, it wasn't about raw power but rather the joy of driving. The handling was nimble and responsive, allowing drivers to feel connected to the road through winding turns and undulating landscapes. The experience behind the wheel was visceral; from the mechanical symphony of its inline-four engine to the tactile feedback through its thin-rimmed steering wheel.

Ownership Experience

The Austin Healey Sprite was often used as a daily driver but found equal success as a weekend show car or even on the racing circuit in modified form. Its maintenance and reliability are characteristic of vehicles from its era; straightforward mechanicals make it relatively easy for owners to perform repairs themselves. However, parts availability may be a concern for some components due to age.

Fun Facts

This delightful roadster has seen its share of limelight with rare editions like the Sebring Sprites fetching attention for their racing pedigree. Celebrity ownerships have added to its allure with notable figures enjoying their own Sprites. While not known for breaking speed records, it has held a place in people's hearts for its charm and character. Criticisms typically revolve around its modest power output and creature comforts when compared to modern vehicles.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors find value in well-preserved or expertly restored Sprites with prices varying widely based on condition. It's estimated that tens of thousands of these vehicles were produced during their run. As classic car values fluctuate, early Sprites have seen appreciation due to their iconic status and relative rarity. A well-maintained 1968 Austin Healey Sprite could fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more depending on various factors such as originality, condition, and provenance.

Conclusion

The 1968 Austin Healey Sprite remains an emblematic figure in automotive history; a small car with a big personality that captured hearts across continents. It stands as a reminder that joy on four wheels doesn't always come from thunderous engines or cutting-edge technology but often from simplicity and character—a true classic in every sense of the word.

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Accessory Floor Mat - 12"X17"-AC 29Accessory Floor Mat - made of high quality black rubber with molded original emblem. Also designed to be sewn into new carpets. 12"X17", Each

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 63Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-3/4" wide X 3-3/8" long, with 1-3/16" long inner slot. Pair

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high-BN 1Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high., with 7/16" I.D. Each

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 1-1/2" wide X 3-3/8" long-CB 56Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 1-1/2" wide X 3-3/8" long. Pair

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Lower Hood Bumper. 2-1/4" long X 1-1/8" wide. Each-HF 11Lower Hood Bumper. 2-1/4" long X 1-1/8" wide. Each

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Hood Bumper-HF 13Hood Bumper. 1-13/16" long X 13/16" wide, with 1/4" bottom hole, 7/16" top hole. Each

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Tail-light Pads. 2-7/8" wide X 4" long. Pair R&L-MP 111-BTail-light Pads. 2-7/8" wide X 4" long. Pair R&L

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Trunk Hinge Pads. 1-1/4" wide X 8-5/8" long. Set-MP 111-CTrunk Hinge Pads. 1-1/4" wide X 8-5/8" long. Set

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Dash Mirror Base Pad. 7/8" wide X 2-1/2" long. Each-MP 111-DDash Mirror Base Pad. 7/8" wide X 2-1/2" long. Each

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Windshield Post Pads. 2-1/8" wide X 5-3/8" long. Pair-MP 111-RWindshield Post Pads. 2-1/8" wide X 5-3/8" long. Pair

1968 Austin Healey Sprite License Plate Housing Base Pad. 4-3/4" wide X 3-5/8" long-MP 111-SLicense Plate Housing Base Pad. 4-3/4" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Trunk Handle Pad. 1-5/8" wide X 5-3/4" long. Each-MP 111-TTrunk Handle Pad. 1-5/8" wide X 5-3/4" long. Each

1968 Austin Healey Sprite Jack Socket Plug. Fits 1-1/2" hole. 1-1/4" I.D. Each-RP 90-BJack Socket Plug. Fits 1-1/2" hole. 1-1/4" I.D. Each