Target Audience:
Owners with basic mechanical skills and independent auto professionals
Vs Other Manuals:
Vehicle-specific, not generic; provides dealership-level information
Instruction Style:
Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations
Benefits To Owner:
Enables informed discussions with technicians, empowers DIY repairs
General Information:
Included
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, tuning, and repair
Engine Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ignition, charging, starting systems
Emission Control:
System components and adjustments
Fuel System:
Carburetion (SU, Zenith-Stromberg), fuel pump, lines
Clutch System:
Hydraulic clutch operation and repair
Manual Transmission:
Gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms
Automatic Transmission:
Covered for applicable models/options
Driveshaft Axle:
U-joints, rear axle assembly
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs
Steering System:
Steering rack, linkage, column
Restraint System:
Seat belts and mounting points
Brake System:
Hydraulic brakes, front discs, rear drums, adjustments
Body Interior Exterior:
Panels, doors, trim, convertible top
Body Electrical:
Lighting, dashboard instruments, switches
HVAC:
Heating and ventilation systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing common problems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions
Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Adjustment:
Carburetor, ignition timing, brake adjustments
Depth:
Detailed, covering basic to advanced repairs; equivalent to dealership service manuals
Engine Options 1958-1960:
948 cc OHV inline-4 (BMC A-Series)
Engine Options 1961-1964:
1098 cc OHV inline-4 (BMC A-Series)
Engine Options 1964-1971:
1098 cc OHV inline-4 (BMC A-Series, updated variants)
Typical Horsepower 948Cc:
Approx. 42-48 bhp
Typical Horsepower 1098Cc:
Approx. 50-55 bhp
Carburetion Types:
Single or Twin SU Carburetors (e.g., HS2, HSF), Zenith-Stromberg (later models)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
Some later models may have offered an automatic transmission option (less common)
Gearbox Description:
Robust BMC gearbox, often requiring careful shifting
Wheelbase:
80 inches (2032 mm) for most models
Length:
Approx. 138-144 inches (3505-3658 mm)
Width:
Approx. 52-53 inches (1320-1346 mm)
Height:
Approx. 46-47 inches (1168-1194 mm) to top of windscreen
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1600 lbs (658-726 kg)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months
Tune Up Interval:
Recommended annually or every 6,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
Viscosity varies by climate, typically 20W-50 or 20W-40 (e.g., Castrol GTX equivalent)
Coolant Type:
Water/antifreeze mixture (e.g., 50/50 ethylene glycol)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Common Wear Items:
Bushing wear (suspension, steering), clutch wear, radiator leaks, SU carburetor tuning
Engine Problems:
Potential for oil leaks, decarbonizing may be needed on high-mileage engines
Manufacturer Origin:
British sports car manufacturer Donald Healey Motor Company
Sprite Development:
Developed as a more affordable, smaller sports car than the Austin-Healey 3000; nicknamed 'Bugeye' for its distinctive headlights.
Production Period:
1958-1971
Major Marks:
Mark I ('Bugeye'), Mark II, Mark III, Mark IV