1969 Austin Healey Sprite 1.3L Petrol · CXF 696G

The vehicle remains in a roadworthy state but the maintenance history reveals a trend of recurring suspension and braking component wear. The most recent test in August 2022 at 43,713 miles identified a minor exhaust leak and significant wear on three tyres, alongside worn suspension bushes. While the car passed, the persistence of play in king pin bushes and shock absorbers across multiple years suggests that wear-related components are addressed only when they reach a point of failure rather than as part of a preventative maintenance schedule. At 43,713 miles over 57 years, the Austin Healey Sprite shows an exceptionally low usage pattern, averaging roughly 760 miles per year. There is a significant gap in records between November 2011 and February 2015, during which the vehicle may have sat stationary for an extended period. This low mileage often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and hydraulic systems, as evidenced by the frequent reports of brake hose corrosion, leaking hydraulic fluid, and perished shock absorbers despite the low distance travelled. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension geometry, as the king pin bushes and wheel bearings have been flagged for play in 2021 and 2022. The structural integrity of the rear suspension mounting area requires close scrutiny, following the 2020 failure for excessive damage to the offside rear spring mounting, which indicates potential for hidden rust or fatigue in the chassis. Additionally, the braking system should be checked for corrosion on the pipes and hoses, as the record shows a history of ferrule corrosion and leaks over the last decade.