Target Audience:
Enthusiast sports car buyers seeking an affordable, lightweight two-seat roadster
Competitive Advantage:
Low purchase price, simple mechanicals, easy home maintenance, extensive parts availability
Key Features:
Small-block BMC A-Series engine, convertible body, light weight, kart-like handling
Engine:
948, 1098, 1275 and 1500 cc engine disassembly, overhaul, reassembly
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses
Fuel System:
SU carburetors, fuel pump, tank, lines
Ignition System:
Distributor, coil, timing, spark plugs
Clutch:
Hydraulic system, release bearing, inspection
Gearbox:
4-speed manual gearbox removal, rebuild, gear train details
Drivetrain:
Propeller shaft, rear axle, differential
Suspension:
Quarter-elliptic and later semi-elliptic leaf springs, lever-arm dampers
Steering:
Rack and pinion steering, track rod ends
Brakes:
Front disc and rear drum brakes, hydraulic circuits, master cylinder
Wheels and Tires:
Wheel specifications, tire fitment, balancing
Body and Fittings:
Panel removal, hood, doors, windscreen, locks
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, gauges, starter, alternator/dynamo
Tune-Up Procedures:
Valve clearance, carburetor adjustment, ignition timing
Fault Diagnosis:
Step-by-step troubleshooting charts per system
Routine Maintenance:
Service schedules, lubrication points, adjustment intervals
Major Overhauls:
Engine and gearbox removal, rebuild specifications
Technical Depth:
Factory-level torque figures, clearances, tolerances and special tool references
Torque Specifications:
Provided throughout for fasteners and components
Exploded Diagrams:
Illustrated component breakdowns
Parts Data:
Dimensions and limits for wear-checking components
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:
BMC/BL A-Series inline 4-cylinder, 1275 cc
Engine Options Range:
948 cc (Mk I Sprite), 1098 cc, 1275 cc, 1500 cc ( Triumph SP unit, 1974-on)
Power Output:
Approximately 65 bhp (1275 cc) to 44 bhp (1500 cc US specification)
Carburetors:
Twin SU HS2 (later models single or twin SU HS4)
Fuel Supply:
Mechanical fuel pump, rear-mounted tank
Fuel Type:
Regular grade petrol
Standard Transmission:
4-speed manual, all-synchromesh (early models non-syncro first gear)
Optional Transmission:
Close-ratio gearbox option on later models
Features:
Floor-mounted shifter, remote linkage; overdrive not fitted to Midget
Final Drive:
Live rear axle, hypoid differential
Wheelbase:
Approximately 80.3 in (2,032 mm)
Length:
Approximately 137 in (3,480 mm), varies by model year
Width:
Approximately 59 in (1,500 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,580 lb (720 kg)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - not rated by modern programs; vehicle predates standardized crash testing
Active Features:
Front disc brakes, rack and pinion steering
Passive Features:
Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column (1969-on), seat belts
Lighting:
Hazard warning lights (later models), reverse lamps
Audio System:
Factory-fit AM radio optional; aftermarket fitment common
Instrumentation:
Speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure gauges
Driver Assistance:
N/A - none fitted, vehicle predates electronic driver aids
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, engine oil approx 8 pints with filter
Valve Clearance:
Check/adjust every 6,000 miles
Points and Timing:
Every 6,000 miles
Chassis Lubrication:
Grease points every 3,000 miles
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 multigrade recommended for all conditions
Gearbox Oil:
EP 80/90 gear oil
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze mixture
Common Wear Items:
SU carburetor jets and needles, king pins, leaf spring bushes, brake hydraulics, lever-arm damper seals
Manufacturer:
MG, part of the British Motor Corporation / British Leyland
Model Evolution:
Launched 1961 as a badge-engineered Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II; progressed through 1098 cc, 1275 cc, rubber-bumper 1500 cc eras ending 1979
Production Location:
Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England (to 1974)
Sibling Model:
Austin-Healey Sprite - mechanically identical, differs in trim
