First registered Austin Healey Sprite Silverstone Test

[dansk59]

What particular accent is that?

[G1NZOU]

Wonderful, I want one.

BMC ftw.

There's too many new cars being built nowadays, I'm going to try and own cars from the 50s and 60s only, starting with my Hornet.

[tripplefatboose]

...narrated by Rik from the Young Ones

[ayrendal]

Ladies and gentlebens, the Sprite; or Midget (depends on your allegiance)... Ever actually driven one?

One which maintains it's original form, but makes the best of the best of economy of design? Without nixxing the correct engine size? Sub 1100cc for a 50s bug/frogeye; 1275cc for a "square" body after the yanks got their hands on the deal. Direct steering, beautiful balance, exceptional performance.

These critters are addictive.

More fun than eating chocolate.

[Stratocaster05]

@ayrendal I actually drove a Midget and it was a pleasure to drive. It had an overdrive gearbox and very quick steering. It was more fun than eating chocolate!

[btproof]

Is this Top Gear from back in da day?? Ha ha

[bigkitten]

Had one of these ('59 model), with the 1275 engine....dull. Had an MG Midget with the 1500 Triumph engine. Could not compare them for driveability. The 950 version must have been a bit embarrassing. Beautiful car, though. Got a lot of attention.

[GavinS1965]

Carbyurettors?Golly!

[Pete22222222]

.. And this day, i've been invited to Silverstone to see something extra special...

LOVE IT!!!

[dneprwild]

Ozzinter, the bugeye was the first Sprite, known later as the mark 1. The mark 2 Sprite was introduced in May, 1961; the MG midget mark 1 in June of 1961. These were the first spridgets and were almost mechanically identical to the mark 1 bugeye. MG designers played a part in the new sheetmetal, but acually it was MG that rebagded the Austin. This is making me want to get my 67 Sprite out of the barn and go for a cruise!

[OzzInter]

The "bug-eye" was the last true Sprite, the later "spridget" was a budget, rebadged version of the MG Midget.

The concept of the original Sprite was a sports car built from Austin A35 parts and priced at an affordable level.

The BMC "A series" engine was a gem of a design and ended up powering everthing from the Mini through to commercial vehicles.

[G1NZOU]

@OzzInter The A series is indeed a very good engine, just hope I can get my one working after 17 years idle.

[Guuyuk]

I say! JOLLY good fun, eh what? Good show, old sport!

[tmaxxgod4]

wow to cool... I JUST got a 1959 and AM IN LOVE

[artofwheels]

classic work of art! 5 stars

[BugEyeBear]

EXCELLENT!!! 8-)

-BugEyeBear-

[375GTB]

A High School teacher friend had a Bug Eye with all 1275 Midget components( from a nearly new wreck ) and a roll over bar. Pop off hard top.

Car went like stink, could keep up with my cousins slightly warmed over '64 MGB, and could beat it on the right road.

David auto-crossed it at U.S.F....a huge, connected parking lot "Corvette" type course, but this Sprite ate it up.

jcarroll330P4@

[faminz]

a very special vid. many thnx. Now Im off to take my old Bugeye downtown.

[Sebbio149]

Lovely little cars,wish I Had one!Salvadori not a bad driver but meanest man who ever drew breath.

[cuzinkevin]

Over the years I have had quit a few frog eyes, fantastic little cars. I like the rear suspension but the standard drum breaks were crap. I love John Bolster they don't make motoring hacks like that any more.

[banditblue]

Terrific piece of motoring history, The trees are still there but the entrance road is now a dual carriageway

[alieneggsac]

It's "extra spethcial!"

[FlightRisk57]

Jolly good fun, though not the best of weather for motoring.

[Guuyuk]

Roy Salvadori wasn't crazy, he was a master! There's a reason that he won the 1959 24Hrs of Le Mans co-driving the Aston-Martin with Carroll Shelby.

[jerche1]

Makes me want to dust mine off and drive it in the rain.

[noconesever]

love the video but my dad is getting tired of it...heyy come back here!!!

[bugeyedfrog]

Thanks for posting this video! As a long-time Sprite owner, it's priceless!

[tonan]

loved the video but I would not take corners that fast in my bugeye, it comes unglued and the rear meets the fron of the car he is crazy.