🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin

Model:

MG Sprite Midget

Production Years:

1958-1971

Model Code Range:

AN5 to AH7 (Sprite), GAN1 to GAN6 (Midget)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Do-it-yourself enthusiasts and professional mechanics working on Austin MG Sprite and Midget models from 1958-1971.

Value Proposition:

An indispensable resource for maintaining and repairing these classic British sports cars, offering significant cost savings compared to professional workshop labor.

Instructional Style:

Step-by-step numbered instructions, detailed illustrations, call-outs for critical information (notes, cautions, warnings), and bolded figure numbers for easy reference.

Diagnostic Aid:

Facilitates accurate diagnosis and repair of electrical systems with integrated troubleshooting procedures and detailed wiring diagrams.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Cooling System, Clutch, Gearbox, Propeller Shaft, Rear Axle and Suspension, Front Suspension, Steering Gear, Braking System, Wheels and Tyres, Bodywork, Ignition System, Carburettos, Hydraulic Dampers, Engine Emission Control, Wiring Diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (specific count not provided in product info, but described as comprehensive with hundreds of photos/illustrations)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

WinRAR ZIP archive (.zip) containing Adobe Acrobat Document (.pdf)

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine disassembly, rebuild, timing, valve adjustments, piston and bearing replacement, crankshaft and camshaft service.

Fuel System:

Carburetor tuning (e.g., SU, Weber), fuel pump servicing, fuel line maintenance, tank cleaning.

Electrical System:

Ignition system troubleshooting (distributor, coils, plugs), starter motor, dynamo/alternator service, lighting, wiring harness repair with detailed diagrams.

Drivetrain:

Clutch assembly, gearbox (ribcase and later types), propeller shaft U-joints, rear axle overhaul, differential service.

Suspension And Steering:

Front suspension geometry, kingpin and trunnion servicing, rear leaf spring replacement, steering box adjustments and rebuilds.

Braking System:

Drum brake overhaul, disc brake caliper service, master cylinder replacement, brake bleeding procedures.

Bodywork:

Body panel alignment, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, weather stripping.

Maintenance:

Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of common problems, electrical fault finding, engine performance issues.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement and overhaul, including engine rebuilds and gearbox repairs.

Technical Specifications:

Torque settings, clearances, engine specifications, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic adjustments to full engine and drivetrain rebuilds. Suitable for both DIY and professional mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual. Includes hundreds of photos and illustrations.

Binding Type:

Digital (Printable PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

BMC A-Series (variants)

Displacement Range:

948cc, 1098cc, 1275cc (depending on model variant and year)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 46-66 bhp (depending on engine and tuning)

Carburetor Types:

Typically SU (e.g., HS2, HS4) or Zenith Stromberg CD series, some earlier models may have different configurations.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded petrol (with potential for lead additive or hardened valve seats depending on engine revision)

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

Four-speed manual, all-synchromesh (later models)

Automatic Transmission:

Not typically offered for these models.

Gearbox Casing:

Early models (pre-1963) featured a 'ribcase' gearbox; later models incorporated design improvements.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 82 inches (2083 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1500-1650 lbs (680-750 kg)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic radio/cassette player (optional on later models), often aftermarket upgrades.

Safety Features:

Basic safety features; emphasis on lightweight construction and handling rather than electronic aids.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Engine Oil:

API SE or SF, SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 (check manual for precise recommendations, especially for older engines which may benefit from higher zinc content additives).

Gearbox Oil:

GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 80W/90

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (ensure compatibility, typically mineral oil or glycol-based depending on original specification and brake system).

Common Wear Items:

Kingpins and trunnions, clutch wear, gearbox synchromesh wear, oil leaks from the engine and gearbox, rust in sills and wheel arches.

Electrical Quirks:

Wiring loom degradation, Lucas electrical components can be temperamental, grounding issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Marque Focus:

MG brand, known for lightweight, sporty, and affordable British roadsters.

Sprite Midget Development:

The Sprite was launched in 1958, followed closely by the virtually identical Midget. They shared many components and evolved through several series (e.g., MkI to MkIV Midget, BMC Sprite Mk1 to Mk4).

Manufacturing Locations:

Abingdon, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Heritage:

The Sprite/Midget platform has a strong heritage in club-level motorsport, rallying, and racing due to its nimble handling and tunable engines.