2,500 (Austin) Mini Sprite's were sold in the UK
UK cars sold in either Primula Yellow or Cinnabar Red
UK Cost when new - #3,334
Another 2,500 Mini Sprite's were sold in export markets, in Primula Yellow,
Cinnabar Red or Silver
The Mini Sprite is undoubtedly the only Mini with a sporting image produced in
the ten years between the demise of the Mini 1275GT in 1980 and the
introduction of the Rover Mini Cooper in 1990. Based on the Mini City E, the
Mini Sprite came equipped with a 998cc, 43bhp Mini-Metro specification A+
engine, wide alloy wheels and black wheel arch extensions from the 1979 Mini
1100 Special, full-length body side stripes in Nimbus Grey, non-reclining
front seats with Herringbone seat trim from the MG Metro, black vinyl
headrests, black bumpers and grille, and 3-dial instruments from the Mini
1275GT. At the time, just as the the use of the MG badge on the Metro had
caused uproar, the use of the Sprite name on a Mini caused complaints from
Austin-Healey enthusiasts.
Biff Jones
'59 Bugeye 'Kermit'
'61 AH Sprite 'Ole Gray' in the "Healey Book"
'71 Midget 'Freebie"
http://sprites2.homestead.com/
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