My 69 Austin Healy has arrive. It says Sprite on the trunk. Is it a Midget, too? Or is it considered both?

Question

The car is soooo cute! It is in my garage. My husband likes to restore old cars for fun. I think this car is going to be a keeper. The owner is getting us the title. This should tell us what kind of car it is, but we would like to know now.

Answer 1

The MG midget was a derivative of the AH Sprite. The two were produced until the late sixties when AH production stopped - the midget continued through to 1979
By the end of sprite production the only difference betwen the two was the name badge. This was a very common situation in the British motor industry of the sixties. Many models of car that may have be nigh on identical were given different name badges to pander to brand loyalty.

If I had a choice I'd have the Sprite as its rarer ( but in reallity it will make no difference at all unless you need to find a new name badge)

Answer 2

The term "Spridget" comes from this era - encompasses both AH SPRIte and MG miDGET. Yes, these are the same vehicles, a prime example of badge engineering, where the only enginnering difference is the nameplate, or badge.

The Sprite was a totally different model from the main AH. I think the Healy of this era was the 3000. Same for the MG Midget - the MG B was the "standard".

The most valued Sprite is the original - called the Bugeyed Sprite. If you've ever seen one with its raised headlights, you'll know where that name came from.

Great little cars.

Answer 3

Lucky you!! :-) Love those. The Austin Healy "Sprite" was probably different in a few ways than the 'Healy'. It might have a smaller engine, but I'm no expert.
I remember in the early or mid 60's, a relative came up to N. TN from Memphis. She had saw a 'Sprite' and had fallen in love. She never got hers ... ahhh :-| So maybe it's an older version, you got me!
Don't let it get away from you,
Mack

Answer 4

Its the same car different badge