🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin Healey

Model:

Sprite

Year:

1960

Model Designation:

BMC "Frogeye" Sprite / AH Sprite Mk1

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Essential technical documentation for owners and independent repair professionals of the classic Austin Healey Sprite Mk1, a popular entry-level sports car.

Competitive Analysis:

Provides vehicle-specific, dealer-level technical data, distinguishing it from generic repair guides. Offers significant cost savings for owners performing their own maintenance and repairs.

Key Features:

Vehicle-specific content, step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, troubleshooting, and diagnostic procedures. Designed for ease of use by individuals with basic mechanical aptitude.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Description:

Comprehensive service and repair instructions for all major systems, including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical, bodywork, and more.

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed but not specified, typical for workshop manuals of this era.

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

General Information, Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle, Driveshaft & Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior & Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning.

Engine Mechanical System Details:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head overhaul, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing inspection, camshaft and timing gear service, lubrication system, cooling system, engine specifications and torque values.

Engine Electrical System Details:

Ignition system (distributor, coil, spark plugs), charging system (generator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, wiring schematics, troubleshooting electrical faults.

Fuel System Details:

Fuel tank and lines, fuel pump operation and service, SU carburetor overhaul, adjustment, and synchronization, fuel filter replacement.

Manual Transaxle System Details:

Gearbox removal and installation, internal component inspection and repair, gear shifting mechanism, clutch release mechanism, clutch friction disc and pressure plate service, flywheel inspection.

Suspension System Details:

Front and rear suspension component identification, kingpin and bushing service, spring and shock absorber replacement, wheel bearing maintenance, front end alignment specifications.

Steering System Details:

Rack-and-pinion steering gear overhaul, tie rod end replacement, steering column adjustments, steering wheel removal, steering system troubleshooting.

Brake System Details:

Hydraulic system overview, master cylinder overhaul, wheel cylinder overhaul, brake shoe and drum inspection and replacement, brake line maintenance and bleeding procedures, parking brake adjustment, brake specifications.

Body Interior Exterior Details:

Body panel removal and installation, door and latch adjustments, hood and trunk lid operation, convertible top mechanism, interior trim panel removal, dashboard components, body repair techniques, paint and finish recommendations.

Body Electrical System Details:

Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting, dashboard instruments, horn, wipers, heater blower motor, wiring harnesses, fuse box details, troubleshooting electrical circuits.

Procedures Included:

Step-by-step repair instructions, troubleshooting guidance, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications.

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon mechanical and electrical issues.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed, illustrated, step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustment across all vehicle systems.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance tasks including fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, ignition timing checks, valve adjustments, and brake system inspection.

Technical Depth:

Detailed enough for professional mechanics and knowledgeable DIY owners, covering diagnostics, repair, and maintenance of all major vehicle systems.

Technical Depth Detail:

Includes detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, precision measurements for component clearances, valve timing procedures, and electrical system resistance values.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Printable digital format, allowing users to print specific pages as needed. Quality depends on user's printer.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Displacement:

948 cc (57.9 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

62.9 mm x 76.2 mm (2.48 in x 3.00 in)

Compression Ratio:

8.3:1 (typical)

Horsepower Gross:

43 bhp @ 5500 rpm

Torque Gross:

52 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Twin SU HS2 Carburetors (typically)

Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded Gasoline (originally leaded)

Valve Train:

Pushrod Activated Overhead Valves

Cooling System:

Water Cooled, Thermostatically Controlled

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

None offered for 1960 model.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed in manual (e.g., 1st: 3.43:1, 2nd: 2.37:1, 3rd: 1.41:1, 4th: 1.00:1)

Transmission Fluid:

Typically SAE 80 or 90 EP Gear Oil (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

82 inches (2083 mm)

Length:

142 inches (3607 mm)

Width:

56 inches (1422 mm)

Height:

49.5 inches (1257 mm) (top down)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1400 lbs (635 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified in historical data, but manual would detail load capacities.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (Crash testing standards were vastly different in 1960; focus is on inherent design.)

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, Rack-and-pinion steering, Rigid chassis construction.

Passive Safety Features:

Minimal by modern standards. Basic body structure, no airbags or seatbelts as standard equipment in early models (though the manual would cover installation and maintenance if fitted).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic radio (optional), analog gauges (Speedometer, Tachometer, Oil Pressure, Water Temperature, Fuel Gauge).

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern definition. Focus on basic driver control and feedback.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact recommendations based on usage).

Tune Up Interval:

Periodic checks of ignition timing, spark plugs, and carburetor synchronization recommended, often aligning with oil changes or annually.

Engine Oil Type:

Classic mineral oil, e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 30. Manual will specify viscosity and potentially API service classification (e.g., API SF or earlier).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5 Imperial pints (2.8 liters) (refer to manual for exact capacity).

Coolant Type:

Water with a suitable anti-corrosion additive. Manual will detail specific additive recommendations or original coolant mixtures.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (original specification might have been DOT 3 or equivalent non-petroleum based fluid). Manual is critical here.

Common Issues And Solutions:

Oil leaks (rocker cover, sump, gearbox), carburetor tuning, ignition system reliability, potential chassis rust, brake system maintenance. Manual provides solutions for all.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Manual will list original part numbers and cross-references to common aftermarket equivalents (e.g., Fram PH13, Purolator L10023, or equivalent for BMC 'A' Series engine).

Air Filter Part Number:

Manual will specify part numbers for the SU carburetor air filters.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Austin Healey is renowned for its range of successful lightweight British sports cars, often produced in collaboration with Donald Healey Motor Company and BMC.

Model Evolution:

The 1960 Austin Healey Sprite (Mk1, or 'Frogeye') was the inaugural model, designed as an affordable entry-level sports car. It was characterized by its distinctive open headlights and simple, functional design. Later models (Mk2, Mk3, Mk4, and Midget) evolved significantly in styling and mechanics.

Production Period:

1958-1961 for the Mk1 'Frogeye' Sprite.

Manufacturing Location:

Abingdon, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Brand Recognitions:

Austin Healey cars consistently recognized for their sporting heritage, performance, and iconic British design.

Model Ratings:

The Sprite Mk1 is highly regarded among classic car enthusiasts for its pure driving experience and historical significance.