Registration - GNB 884D

Chassis No. - HAN861054

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 31,500

The black bodywork of this smartly-presented MKIII Sprite contrasts well with its cream leather interior trim and matching carpets, and the car rides on cream-coloured steel disc wheels. It was apparently restored in 2006/2007 and retained by the previous keeper for no less than 25 years. ‘GNB 884D’ is currently regarded by the vendor as having ‘excellent’ bodywork, paintwork, upholstery, 1098cc engine and four-speed manual gearbox. He is now offering it complete with new hood, leather rimmed steering wheel, and over £17,000 worth of receipts for work carried out. The Sprite has apparently covered a mere 1,500 miles in the last 10 years and, according to its odometer, only 31,500 in its life to date, so should yet be good for many more years of top-down motoring.

The model’s bodywork was completely revamped for the MKII version that was introduced in 1961. The new nose had conventional wings, bonnet and headlights. The rear was also updated and given an opening bootlid. The following year the engine received a welcome increase in capacity to 1098cc. The MKIII that was launched in 1964 featured an updated engine of the same capacity. More obvious, however, were the new curved windscreen, hinged quarterlights, wind-up windows and exterior door handles with separate locks. At this stage the quarter-elliptic rear springs were replaced by semi-elliptic ones, to the benefit of the car’s ride.

Some 129,000 Sprites were sold between 1958 and the end of production in 1971, around 26,000 of which were the MK III version. The model had no successor, as by then the British Leyland (née BMC) stable included the almost identical MG Midget as well as the Triumph Spitfire.

In summary:

• Restored in 2006/2007
• Receipts for no less than £17,000
• Just 1,500 miles travelled in the last 10 years