🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin-Healey

Model:

Sprite

Year:

1969

Model Code:

Mk III / Mk IV (depending on market and specific identification)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Austin-Healey Sprite 1969 owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops

Value Proposition:

Offers significant cost savings on repair bills, empowers owners to perform self-maintenance and repairs, provides professional-grade information.

Content Quality:

Complete and intact, no missing/corrupt parts, original factory information, hundreds of pages of diagrams and detailed information.

Ease Of Use:

Pictures and easy to follow directions, numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, numbered table of contents.

📋 Manual Details

Scope:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of pages (as indicated by description)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine Service / Repair, Engine Control System

Transmission:

Transmission Service / Repair

Brakes:

Brake System

Electrical:

Wiring Diagram, Electrical System

Suspension:

Suspension

Steering:

Steering

Cooling:

Cooling System

Fuel:

Fuel Injection / Fuel System

Emissions:

Emission System

HVAC:

Heater/ Air Conditioner

Chassis Body:

Chassis / Body

Interior:

Interior

Drivetrain:

Differential / Drive, Axle

Maintenance:

General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed substeps expand on repair procedure information, Numbered instructions guide you through every repair procedure step by step, Disassembly, Assembly, Cleaning and Reinstalling procedures

Depth:

Professional level, suitable for local service/repair shops, comprehensive diagnostic, repair and maintenance information

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Functionality:

YES

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder (OHV)

Displacement:

1275 cc (77.8 cu in) for Mk IV, 1098 cc (67 cu in) for Mk III (check specific VIN for exact fitment)

Horsepower Approx:

55-65 BHP (depending on engine variant)

Torque Approx:

70-75 lb-ft (depending on engine variant)

Carburetion:

Typically twin SU carburetors (e.g., HS2 or HS4)

Fuel Type:

Leaded or Unleaded Gasoline (depending on market and engine specification)

Ignition System:

Conventional Coil and Distributor

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual

Type:

N/A (typically only manual was offered)

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios available in manual, typically close-ratio for sporty performance.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 146 inches (3708 mm)

Width:

Approx. 52 inches (1321 mm)

Height:

Approx. 47 inches (1194 mm) to top of windshield

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1600-1700 lbs (726-771 kg)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 80 inches (2032 mm)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Not applicable for the era and regulatory standards of 1969. Emphasis on driver awareness and vehicle dynamics.

Braking System:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes

Seatbelts:

Lap belts typically standard, shoulder belts may be optional or dealer-installed.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM radio, optional dealer-installed or aftermarket units.

Features:

N/A (No electronic driver assistance systems present).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era).

Tune Up:

As needed, typically based on spark plug condition, distributor points, and carburetor adjustment.

Grease Points:

Periodic lubrication of suspension and steering components via grease nipples (refer to manual for specific locations).

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W50 or 20W/50 (preferred for air-cooled engines of the period, check manual for exact specification, API CC/CD or equivalent).

Coolant:

50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (hygroscopic, requires periodic replacement).

Transmission Fluid:

Gear oil, e.g., GL-4 80W/90 (check manual for specific type and capacity).

Differential Fluid:

Gear oil, e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 80W/90 (check manual for specific type and capacity).

Common Problems:

Oil leaks (especially from rocker cover and crankshaft seals), clutch wear, synchronizer wear in gearbox, electrical gremlins, carburetor tuning sensitivity, rust (particularly around wheel arches, sills, and floor pans).

Carburetor Issues:

Float needle and seat wear, vacuum leak issues, sticking pistons in SU carburetors.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

British Motor Corporation (BMC), later British Leyland.

Heritage Connection:

Continuation of the popular Austin-Healey Sprite line, evolving from earlier Mark I (Bugeye) and Mark II models.

1969 Model Distinction:

The 1969 model year aligns with the Sprite Mk IV, featuring the larger 1275cc engine shared with the Midget. Prior models (Mk III) utilized the 1098cc engine.

Production Period:

Sprite Mk IV produced from 1966 to 1971.

Manufacturing Location:

Abingdon, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Reputation:

Renowned for its fun-to-drive nature, classic British sports car styling, and accessible entry into classic motoring.

Owner Satisfaction:

High owner satisfaction among classic car enthusiasts due to its simplicity, charm, and participation in historic motorsport events.