The Austin-Healey Sprite launched in 1958 as an affordable, lightweight sports car, instantly famous for its distinct, bonnet-mounted headlights nicknamed the “Frogeye”. Built around an innovative unitary body structure, it ran on a spartan 948 cc A-Series engine.
In 1961, the Sprite Mark II introduced traditional front wings and an open boot lid. This boxier styling was immediately badge-engineered by BMC to revive The MG Midget, creating the legendary “Spridget” family.
These later cars evolved together through the 1960s, gaining winding windows, a winding soft-top, and a punchy 1,275 cc engine. While the Sprite name was dropped in 1971, the Midget carried on alone until 1979, ending its long run with prominent rubber bumpers and a Triumph Spitfire engine.
Austin Healey Sprite “Frogeye”
The “Frogeye” introduced affordable open-top motoring – the bonnet-mounted headlights were cheaper to make than pop-ups. With an innovative unitary chassis, and a twin-carb A-Series engine, it delivering nimble agility.
Years
1958-61
Engine
948cc S4 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
38,999
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Austin Healey Sprite Mk II
The Mk II abandoned the distinctive look for conventional front styling and a rear boot lid. The engine was slightly uprated (1,098cc from late ’62) and the car got front disc brakes. Nimble and fun to drive,
Years
1961-64
Engine
948/1098cc S4 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
20,450/11,215
Power: Weight
Dimensions
MG Midget Mk I
Lightweight roadster based on the Sprite. It featured the same lively 948cc A-series engine with twin SU carburettors, drum brakes all round, and sliding perspex side screens.
Years
1961-64
Engine
948/1098cc S4 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
16,080/9601
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Austin Healey Sprite Mk III / IV
Evolution into a more refined, capable sportscar. The Mk III introduced wind-up side windows, a curved windscreen, and semi-elliptic leaf springs. The Mark IV delivered a detuned Cooper S engine and a proper folding soft-top.
Years
1964-66
Engine
1098/1275cc S4 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
25,905/14,350
Power: Weight
Dimensions
MG Midget Mk II / III
Same chassis, engines, and gearboxes, as its Spridget twin. The Midget was marketed as a slightly premium alternative, featuring a classic MG chrome grille, extra exterior body trim, and upgraded interior materials.
Years
1964-66/1966-69-
Engine
1098/1275cc S4 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
22,601/13,425
Power: Weight
Dimensions
MG Midget Mk IV
Officially a Mk III facelift. It featured Rostyle wheels, a recessed black grille, black sills, and slim chrome bumpers. January 1972 introduced the round rear wheel arches..
Years
1969-74
Engine
1275cc S4 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
86,623
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Austin Healey Sprite Mk V / Austin Sprite
This final facelift aligned with the Midget, now the dominant model. So, black plastic grille, matte-black sills, Rostyle wheels. The final examples were badged Austin after the agreement with Donald Healey was ended.
Years
1969-71
Engine
1275cc S4 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
7414/1029
Power: Weight
Dimensions
MG Midget 1500
The Midget 1500 was redesigned to meet strict US federal regulations. Heavy, impact-absorbing polyurethane bumpers, offset by the bigger engine from in-house arch-rival the Spitfire; ride height raised by an inch.
Years
1974-79
Engine
1493cc S4 OHV Triumph
Body Style
Roadster
Production
Power: Weight
Dimensions