Target Audience:
DIY owners, restoration specialists, and small-shop technicians working on classic British sports cars
Vehicle Class:
Small two-seat roadster (sports car)
Key Advantage:
Simple mechanicals and minimal electronics make nearly all service work possible with basic hand tools
Design Philosophy:
Lightweight, low-cost, easy-to-maintain construction based on BMC B-series and A-series components
Construction:
Unitary (unibody) bodyshell with front and rear subframes
Layout:
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seat convertible
Engine:
Complete overhaul, rebuild, and tuning for A-series, B-series, and 1500 engines
Cylinder Head:
Removal, valve grind, compression testing, gasket replacement
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump service and testing
Fuel System:
Carburetor (SU HD/HS, Zenith, Stromberg) overhaul, tuning, and synchronization
Clutch:
Removal, inspection, hydraulic system service, adjustment
Transmission:
Removal, disassembly, synchromesh and gear train repair
Rear Axle:
Differential service, halfshaft and bearing replacement
Suspension:
Front coil spring and lever-arm damper service; rear quarter-elliptic leaf spring replacement
Steering:
Rack-and-pinion overhaul, track rod ends, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes:
Hydraulic system bleeding, master and wheel cylinder overhaul, drum and disc service
Wheels and Tires:
Wheel bearing replacement, hub service, torque specifications
Wiring:
Complete wiring diagrams and color codes
Charging and Starting:
Dynamotor/alternator testing, starter service, voltage regulator adjustment
Ignition:
Distributor timing, point dwell and gap settings, coil testing
Lighting and Instruments:
Bulb specifications, gauge testing, switch replacement
Body:
Panel removal, hood (soft top) fitting, sill and floor repair guidance
Torque Specifications:
Factory torque values throughout
Parts Information:
Exploded diagrams with part references and wear limits
Technical Depth:
Step-by-step procedures with measurements, clearances, and special tool notes
Routine Maintenance:
Lubrication charts, service intervals, fluid capacities
Diagnostics:
Fault-finding tables for engine, electrical, and drivetrain issues
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary Engine Range:
948cc A-series through 1275cc A-series; 1493cc Triumph Spitfire unit (1500 models, 1974-1980)
Configuration:
Inline four-cylinder, iron block, overhead valve (1500: OHV with pushrods)
Displacement Range:
948cc to 1493cc
Power Output Range:
Approximately 43 bhp (948cc Sprite) to 65 bhp (1275cc Midget); ~65 bhp for 1500
Carburetors:
Single or twin SU HD/HS; Zenith-Stromberg CD-150 on later 1275 and 1500 models
Fuel Type:
Leaded-era design; unleaded conversion or additive generally recommended
Fuel Delivery:
Mechanical fuel pump, carbureted (no fuel injection)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed manual gearbox with floor shifter
Optional Transmission:
Optional close-ratio gearsets; no automatic offered
Overdrive:
Optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive on some 1275 models
Drive:
Rear-wheel drive via propeller shaft and live rear axle
Synchromesh:
Synchromesh on upper gears; non-synchromesh first gear on early units
Wheelbase:
Approximately 80.0 inches (2,032 mm)
Length:
Approximately 138 inches (3,500 mm), varying slightly by series
Seating:
Two seats, convertible (open) body
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,450-1,660 lbs (660-755 kg) depending on series
Active and Passive Features
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - predates modern crash test programs
Seat Belts:
Lap belts standard; three-point belts fitted or retrofittable from mid-1960s
Braking:
Hydraulic drum brakes all around early cars; front disc brakes standard from 1962 (Mk II)
Other:
Windscreen, padded sun visors on later cars; no airbags or ABS
Audio System:
Optional AM radio (original era); many cars now upgraded to modern head units
Instrumentation:
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure gauges
Driver Assistance Systems:
N/A - not available on vehicles of this era
Oil and Filter:
Approximately every 3,000 miles; more frequent use recommended for hard service
Points and Timing:
Distributor contact points checked/adjusted roughly every 6,000 miles
Chassis Lubrication:
Grease fittings on steering and suspension at regular service intervals
Valve Clearance:
Periodic tappet adjustment (A-series shim-type; 1500 screw-type)
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 multigrade commonly used; correct capacity per manual specifications
Gearbox and Rear Axle:
Hypoid gear oil (EP 90 type); overdrive requires appropriate ATF
Coolant:
50/50 ethylene glycol antifreeze mixture recommended
Brake Fluid:
Period-correct hydraulic fluid; modern DOT 3/4 generally substituted
Known Issues / Common Wear Items
Rust:
Sills, floors, wheel arches, and subframe mounting points are the primary corrosion areas
Oil Leaks:
Rear crank seal, rocker cover, and timing cover leaks are common
Wear Items:
Kingpins/trunnion bushings, lever-arm dampers, synchromesh rings, wheel bearings
Manufacturer:
British Motor Corporation (BMC); later British Leyland
Heritage:
MG and Austin-Healey badge-engineered variants of a common design
Origins:
Launched 1958 as the Austin-Healey Sprite (Bugeye/Frogeye) with MG Midget following in 1961
Development:
Successive Mk updates enlarged engines from 948cc to 1098cc, 1275cc, and finally the 1493cc Triumph unit (1974-1980)
Production End:
Midget production concluded in 1979 (UK market 1980)
Assembly Plant:
Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England (MG); late 1500 production at Canley/Speke under British Leyland
