1962 Austin Healey Sprite Mk2 (MG Midget Mk1) 5-Spd ~130bhp Atlantis Frontline

We have here for sale an exemplar of the ultimate period performance Spridget The "Atlantis" was a contemporary conversion to a more powerful 1.6 l Ford Crossflow engine, with a 5-speed Type 9 gearbox. This example is based upon an earlier 1962 “HAN 6” Mk II Sprite, has a considerably uprated engine, combined with hugely improved suspension and brakes to cope with the extra power.

The result is a car that weighs ~670 kg (in track config), with 53:47 weight distribution and 130+bhp, but handles superbly thanks to input from several Spridget motorsport specialists – notably Frontline Developments – and yet is refined and reliable enough to used regularly on the road.

Specs: 1.7 L Ford Crossflow engine (see below for more details) 5-speed Type 9 gearbox. Fully uprated suspension: Front has been converted to Frontline Development's double wishbone, telescopic damper, negative camber setup, with 450 lb springs and 11/16" anti-roll bar. At the rear we have Peter May lowered quarter-elliptical leaf springs with Gaz shocks and Frontline Development's Panhard Rod. 6 x 13” Performance Minilites with new 185 section Yokohama A 539 tyres all round, under subtly flared arches. Mamba Motorsport big brake kit, with 9.6" disc brakes, 4-pot Wilwood callipers and new Mintex 1144 road-and-track pads. Lightweight fibreglass MGC style bonnet (10 kg saving)

Solid, fully Waxoyled body with strengthened floor and lightweight aluminium panels. Electric, thermostatically controlled fan (mechanical fan removed) Sparco FIA approved bucket seats.

Schroth Racing 4-point FIA harnesses. Frontline Developments half roll cage. Good condition soft top and frame, shower cap, plus mk 1 Midget Works hardtop and original side screens.

Easily converted with just 4 captive bolts to a windscreen for road use, or to Brooklands aero-screens for track/race use and/or look. Other race details include FIA master switch, fire extinguisher, Aston filler cap, removable Racetec centre and Ashley historic race side mirrors, quick release steering wheels (I swap between a 320 mm Momo 78 motorsport wheel and a 13" Mota Lita wood-rimmed which I find perfect for road). I will also provide a lot of race sponsor decals that I've not applied.

The engine is a 1600 Ford Crossflow (681 F block Kent). I understand it has a rebuilt crank and has been bored out by +.090", with cast pistons to give 1,696 cc. It is believed to be running a Piper 285 cam with a modified head - I've been told ported and polished with larger valves. It's fuelled with twin Weber DCOE 40 s and controlled by electronic Megajolt wasted spark ignition. Previous owners estimated it was putting out 130-140 bhp I don't have evidence of any of this I'm afraid, but can attest that it runs very well! There is no hint of smoke, it idles very flat – regardless of temperature with no lumpiness, and good useable low down torque.

The engine installation was done some time ago and appears to be high quality, with the compact Crossflow looking like it was made for the Sprite, and behind the rear wheels for the near perfect weight distribution. The Type 9 gearbox is smooth, geared perfectly for both acceleration and motorway speeds, and a joy to use, but the lever does sit a little further back than the A-Series 'box.

I recently tested it at a track day at Thruxton and it performed admirably It cornered flat, turned in sharply, with perfectly progressive oversteer. The brakes had both excellent feel and stopping power. It couldn't keep up with some of the modern machinery on the straights, but equally it wasn't embarrassed, and was a lot more fun and predictable than my Porsche 996 was.

Bad points: There was a noticeable oil leak, which I had been unable to locate. However, while taking a video for this listing I've just noticed the crankcase oil breather has been disconnected all this time which may well be the culprit! Something to monitor. The paintwork is bubbling in a few places. There's not much in the way of paperwork to support the engine work in particular (although I can put you in touch with previous owners who have relayed everything here). I therefore have to reiterate caveat emptor, but these specs are to the best of my knowledge.

Good points: Setup to be as happy on the track as the road, and can be easily converted to full road spec if desired.

It has proven reliable, structurally sound and stiff, everything works, and it drives, stops and handles extremely well, with performance considerably stronger than a standard Spridget, (or even a period "Atlantis"!).

Tax free and MOT exempt. Insurance costs me less than £100. Updated head and R 9 hoses mean that it should be okay with modern fuels.

I'd encourage a test drive (as I'd defy you to not be grinning!), with appropriate insurance.

However, I have also saved a walkaround and cold start video, some more photos, as well as a couple of clips on track here:

Pick-up is from Whitchurch, Hampshire. I'd also be happy to arrange mainland UK delivery, at cost.

Only selling as I need the funds for a 4-seat daily driver (although could consider p/x for a 16 v or 100 bhp+ classic round-nose Mini?).

Feel free to ask any questions and good luck bidding!

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