fits make: Austin. year: 1967–1974.

( Brand: Austin-healey ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 22A471 ), ( Part Type: Fork ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Manufacturer Warranty: 3-months ), ( Oe/oem Part Number: 22a472 ), ( Drive Type: Rwd ), ( Universal Fitment: No ), ( Vintage Part: Yes ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United Kingdom ), ( Transmission Type: Manual )
The Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II, also known as the Frogeye Sprite or Austoin-Healey 22a471, is a two-seat roadster sports car produced by the British automobile manufacturer Austin-Healey between 1959 and 1961, with an updated version, the Mk II, produced from 1961 to 1974. The Mk II Sprite was available as a fixed-head coupe (Bugeye) and a roadster (Frogeye). It is particularly notable for its distinctive "frogged" headlights and large bulging bucket seats.
The Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II was powered by a 948cc overhead camshaft engine with twin carburetors, which was capable of producing 58 horsepower. It came with a manual 4-speed gearbox, and the option of a Laycock Overdrive unit which allowed for more comfortable cruising at higher speeds. It had a top speed of 90 miles per hour (140 kilometers per hour) and could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 kilometers per hour) in approximately 18 seconds.
The Sprite Mk II was a lightweight and nimble vehicle, weighing just under 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms). Its chassis was a ladder frame design, and it featured independent front suspension with wishbones and a live axle rear suspension. The car came standard with drum brakes on all four wheels, although disc brakes were available as an optional extra.
The interior of the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II was simple yet functional. The dashboard was upright and housed the essential instruments, including a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and oil pressure gauge. The seats were large and supportive, and there was limited but sufficient space for storage in the front and rear compartments.
The exterior design of the Frogeye Sprite was distinctive and iconic. The car was known for its "frogged" headlights, which were a quirky styling feature that gave the car its nickname. Thebody was made primarily of aluminum, contributing to its lightweight and agile handling. The Sprite Mk II also came with a small removable hard top or tonneau cover as standard equipment.
The Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II was a popular choice among drivers who appreciated its sporty handling, affordability, and unique character. It was also a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors who valued its classic design and British heritage. With its small but powerful engine and nimble handling, the Sprite Mk II remains an iconic vehicle in the history of sports cars.
The Austin-Healey Sprite Mk2/4 (1967-1974), specifically the 3-4 fork version, is a classic British sports car known for its charming design and agile handling. Here's a balanced assessment of its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:
Pros:1. Affordability: Compared to many other classic sports cars, the Austin-Healey Sprite is relatively affordable, making it an excellent choice for those new to classic car ownership or for those who want a second car for weekend enjoyment.
2. Agile Handling: The small size of the car and its nimble suspension make it a pleasure to drive, especially on winding roads.
3. Motorway Capability: Unlike some other classic sports cars, the Austin-Healey Sprite handles motorway driving well, offering a comfortable ride for longer trips.
4. Club Support: The Austin-Healey Sprite Owners Club is a large and active community, making it easy to access parts, advice, and camaraderie.
5. Customizability: The car's small size and affordable parts make it a popular choice for those looking to customize their vehicle.
Cons:1. Weather Dependency: As with many classic cars, the Austin-Healey Sprite is not well suited to daily driving in inclement weather. Regular maintenance and protection from the elements is a necessity.
2. Limited Space: The small interior may not accommodate taller drivers or larger passengers comfortably.
3. Fuel Efficiency: With its small engine, the Austin-Healey Sprite is not particularly fuel-efficient, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
4. Simple Systems: While some may view the car's simplicity as a pro, others may consider it a con, as the Austin-Healey Sprite's systems are less advanced than modern cars.
5. Rare Parts: As the car is no longer in production and some parts are becoming scarce, replacement parts can be quite costly or difficult to find.
Conclusion:The Austin-Healey Sprite Mk2/4 (1967-1974) offers an excellent driving experience, charming design, and a supportive community. However, its affordability comes with certain compromises such as limited space, weather dependency, and the challenge of obtaining spare parts. If you are looking for a classic sports car with a emphasis on thrilling driving and club support, the Austin-Healey Sprite may be right for you. If, however, you require more interior space, better fuel efficiency, or advanced systems, you may want to consider other options.
Recommendation:If your priorities are affordability, agile handling, and a charming driving experience, the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk2/4 (1967-1974) should be on your shortlist. Newcomers to classic car ownership and enthusiasts seeking a weekend driver will find much to love in this British icon. Invest time in researching, understanding its requirements, and honing your maintenance skills for an enjoyable and rewarding ownership experience.
This is a good used original 3rd-4th Gear shift fork for Austin Healey Sprite and MG Midget 1968-1974 with 1275cc engines.