You have to love the sound of an A series with a side draught on it. I used to run an 1100 in a mini, scatter cam and a 40mm Dellorto. Stacks of head work, compression and one of those steel plates to reinforce the centre main bearing. Used to spin in excess of 8000rpm but would pull like a schoolboy from just over 2500. Spent many hours researching Mr Vizzard and applying his ideas. God I'd hate to think how many hours I sank into that little motor. But that sound of the side draught barking through the hole where the speedo once lived. Mmmmmmm induction symphony. Thank you for this clip and triggering happy memories from that sound. The Sprite is a beautiful little car.
That Does take me back.. 1964, My first car was a 1959 Sprog Eyed Fright, British Racing Green, bought from the Chequered Flag at Chiswick, £315.. I didn't have a driving licence.. the old man went ape.. "They'll never pass you in the test if you turn up in that !".. he went out and bought me a Ford Popular to learn to drive, the Sprite remained in the garage, being polished.... First thing after passing was to join the company car club.. had advice on upgrading the engine.. which included a high lift cam.. a 317 if I remember..Wonderful years..
I have to 2nd the comment about appreciating Suzie work and keeping Ivan on track. It's lovely to hear a knowledgeable and keen women behind the lens. Of course Ivan, John the cars and the rest are the draw, but I love the friendly interaction. Thanks
Ok Ivan I am jealous once again! All your vehicles and all of the things you've race and still have those vehicles! Cheers! Keep doing the things you love! Alberta Canada
A great little well sorted car. I've owned my Mk1 since 1967, got it from the Beaulieu Motor Museum where it was exhibited in a display of vintage cars of the future by the AA. Its a 1958 car in dark green, BMC's colour code, like yours. It's had a varied history. Painted it yellow and purple in the early 1970s and raced it successfully with all the mods, big engine disks large rear drums etc., Had to cut a hole in the bonnet for the front 1•5 inch SU, I held a few club records with it. It's now a 100% original car with matching nos. engine etc. and colour, I kept everything I took off! The only race modification left on are the adjustable lever rear shock absorbers because I liked them.
My 1293 mini was S throughout and we ran a 649 cam. Loved the 45 weber. The engine sound from the Sprite brought it all back. Sold it many years ago and regretted it ever since.
Nicely set up little Mk1 Sprite Ivan, couple of my mates had them back in the early 1960's, such tiny lightweight sports cars. I ended up with a 1964 Mk2 but the 'rust bug' got it. Excellent fun while it lasted though.
I rate you as my most favorite You Tuber Ivan 😊😊 keep them coming thick & fast.... Love to see you in the 57 Lotus 7 racing in the dry. I hope you got your racing licence.... Enjoy.....😊
Thanks for that Ivan/Suzy, the 59 Frog Eye was my first car though unlike yours when I tried to lift the carpets much of the floor came out with them... Took me a year in a lockup with no power/lighting to build strength back into it, Thankfully the MOT was far more flexible in the late sixties.. The first motion shaft seal leaked and I think the cam I fitted was of polydyne (748 ?) far too lumpy for a box with standard ratios... lack of funds but youthfull enthusiasim and determination made up for that...🙂 Great work on capturing the vids Suzy Thanks.
What a lovely car! Very well sorted and sounds right on song! I could see you were both really enjoying it! Lovely weather too, what could be better. Cheers, Paul.
beautiful video again and lovely commentary from Ivan , that sure does sound nice and boy it sure does get up the road too, Ivan behind the wheel his driving is so effortless and coordinated too ,
About the trans jumping out of first- I used to work on competition powertrains and when I would encounter this problem I would find that the crank shaft and the trans input were out of alignment. .010" misalignment is enough to cause this problem and checking for faults in the trans will not reveal it. I would separate the trans and the engine and dial indicate the bell housing to see if it is in alignment. Cheers!
Bug eye just brilliant, had one in the 70's. Got the thing sorted and on the road what fun. Soon found out you had to be short or a contortionist to drive one for more then ½ an hour.
My old mk1 midget 1962 was really firm in the corners, crossplies didn’t offer much grip, but great fun. She was bright red with white roundels and yellow wheels, plus screen replaced by a home made aero half round perspex. 😄
From the lack of huge rev drops at each gearchange when Ivan was driving, I think the Fogeye it has a later Sprite/Midget gearbox which has closer ratios than the (Looks identical on the outside) Morris Minor/Austin A40 item.
Derrington! My dad was there after 20 years in Navy engine rooms/dry docks. 1960 maybe...I think workshop manager. He took their transporter to meetings IIRC.
I built up a Mk1 frogeye from virtually the back end and floor only. Link arm rear suspension with coilovers, Cortina 1500 bored to 85mm. Lotus rods, Mahle pistons, Head etc etc, Spitfire front suspension and fibreglass bonnet. 😮 It was blindingly fast. Would rev to 7000 all day. Stop on sixpence.
A cheap harness would be better young lad;-) Have someone take a giant roller to that roof with a good quality roof coating. Is the foam on the inside closed cell? Don’t want the structure rotting when it’s all hidden by the foam. Well done if you are done.
So this car has a non synchro straight cut crash 1st gear? Been a while since I had a Morris minor gear box apart. Just remember them being a bit tricky.
Reading between the lines....is this current series of videos ( from A to Z) being used as a sales description ,getting ready for Ivan to sell the collection?
![Kodak Black - Versatile 4 [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VcP_1Ua__vY/mqdefault.jpg)
I love that Suzie does this important and wonderful work for us all and Ivan. My favourite thing is watching and listening to Ivan and his pals.
You have to love the sound of an A series with a side draught on it. I used to run an 1100 in a mini, scatter cam and a 40mm Dellorto. Stacks of head work, compression and one of those steel plates to reinforce the centre main bearing. Used to spin in excess of 8000rpm but would pull like a schoolboy from just over 2500. Spent many hours researching Mr Vizzard and applying his ideas. God I'd hate to think how many hours I sank into that little motor. But that sound of the side draught barking through the hole where the speedo once lived. Mmmmmmm induction symphony. Thank you for this clip and triggering happy memories from that sound. The Sprite is a beautiful little car.
The way Ivan changes gears never ceases to amaze me. So flawless...
That Does take me back.. 1964, My first car was a 1959 Sprog Eyed Fright, British Racing Green, bought from the Chequered Flag at Chiswick, £315.. I didn't have a driving licence.. the old man went ape.. "They'll never pass you in the test if you turn up in that !".. he went out and bought me a Ford Popular to learn to drive, the Sprite remained in the garage, being polished.... First thing after passing was to join the company car club.. had advice on upgrading the engine.. which included a high lift cam.. a 317 if I remember..Wonderful years..
I have to 2nd the comment about appreciating Suzie work and keeping Ivan on track. It's lovely to hear a knowledgeable and keen women behind the lens. Of course Ivan, John the cars and the rest are the draw, but I love the friendly interaction. Thanks
This is a full on analog mechanical driving experience that’s been completely refined out of modern cars. Long live the classics!
No need for a speedo - anyone who has one of these can hear how fast the engine spins up! Quick Spridgets like this are an absolute joy.
Ah but legally a Speedo is required on the road is it not?
That's a well set up Sprite.
Ok Ivan I am jealous once again! All your vehicles and all of the things you've race and still have those vehicles! Cheers! Keep doing the things you love! Alberta Canada
Love it when it's going through the gears cheers.
A great little well sorted car.
I've owned my Mk1 since 1967, got it from the Beaulieu Motor Museum where it was exhibited in a display of vintage cars of the future by the AA. Its a 1958 car in dark green, BMC's colour code, like yours. It's had a varied history. Painted it yellow and purple in the early 1970s and raced it successfully with all the mods, big engine disks large rear drums etc., Had to cut a hole in the bonnet for the front 1•5 inch SU, I held a few club records with it. It's now a 100% original car with matching nos. engine etc. and colour, I kept everything I took off! The only race modification left on are the adjustable lever rear shock absorbers because I liked them.
My 1293 mini was S throughout and we ran a 649 cam. Loved the 45 weber. The engine sound from the Sprite brought it all back.
Sold it many years ago and regretted it ever since.
Still got my 1330 Austin gt lump-97 at the crank,ate golf gtis up to”cough”90-40+ to the gallon on mother mode
1.25 "Me and old John loves a bit of work." that's got to be the understatement of the century. What an inspiration.
Nicely set up little Mk1 Sprite Ivan, couple of my mates had them back in the early 1960's, such tiny lightweight sports cars. I ended up with a 1964 Mk2 but the 'rust bug' got it. Excellent fun while it lasted though.
I rate you as my most favorite You Tuber Ivan 😊😊 keep them coming thick & fast.... Love to see you in the 57 Lotus 7 racing in the dry. I hope you got your racing licence.... Enjoy.....😊
I’m already excited to see another video of the A30. Absolutely love that little car and Ivan drives it like a nutter 😁😁
Oh god I just luv your handle ! ScrotalCuppage indeed. Nearly spat my coffee when I read that!
That’s the idea 😂😂
You gotta have a laugh as often as you can
Thanks for that Ivan/Suzy, the 59 Frog Eye was my first car though unlike yours when I tried to lift the carpets much of the floor came out with them... Took me a year in a lockup with no power/lighting to build strength back into it, Thankfully the MOT was far more flexible in the late sixties.. The first motion shaft seal leaked and I think the cam I fitted was of polydyne (748 ?) far too lumpy for a box with standard ratios... lack of funds but youthfull enthusiasim and determination made up for that...🙂 Great work on capturing the vids Suzy Thanks.
Ivan, what a beautiful little machine that is. Goes bloody well as well lol Thank you Suzi for documenting this for us all.
Good video work , always entertaining 👍
What a lovely car! Very well sorted and sounds right on song! I could see you were both really enjoying it! Lovely weather too, what could be better. Cheers, Paul.
I wish my Midget 1500 sounded like that A-Series. What a stunning little engine. Best wishes from the US -
beautiful video again and lovely commentary from Ivan , that sure does sound nice and boy it sure does get up the road too, Ivan behind the wheel his driving is so effortless and coordinated too ,
Woohoo, a Sprite! I have a 62 Sprite with a stock 1098 CC A series. It's an absolute blast to drive.
Thank you both loved the video more please .
About the trans jumping out of first- I used to work on competition powertrains and when I would encounter this problem I would find that the crank shaft and the trans input were out of alignment. .010" misalignment is enough to cause this problem and checking for faults in the trans will not reveal it. I would separate the trans and the engine and dial indicate the bell housing to see if it is in alignment. Cheers!
Had one in BC in 59.😊
I enjoyed that so much, I watched it again today. Thanks for getting the star to perform so well, Suzie 👍.
Bug eye just brilliant, had one in the 70's.
Got the thing sorted and on the road what fun.
Soon found out you had to be short or a contortionist to drive one for more then ½ an hour.
Beautiful car. I love that sound. As someone who lives in a city with ‘proper’ hills, I can appreciate Ivan’s views on gearing. Cheers from NZ🇳🇿.
My old mk1 midget 1962 was really firm in the corners, crossplies didn’t offer much grip, but great fun. She was bright red with white roundels and yellow wheels, plus screen replaced by a home made aero half round perspex. 😄
Simply ace, the man, the car and the camera lady, all ace.
Thanks Ivan and Suzie
Super car, thanks Shed Racing Team.
From the lack of huge rev drops at each gearchange when Ivan was driving, I think the Fogeye it has a later Sprite/Midget gearbox which has closer ratios than the (Looks identical on the outside) Morris Minor/Austin A40 item.
Nice little cars & some very pretty bodies were available in period(Ashley etc);another "A"!
The HRDC have a series for them I believe?
Great video!!! I bet it would run really good with a centrifugal supercharger!!!
Must be a blast to drive. 😎
Well done car all around.Thank you for sharing it with us.
I'll take it.
Derrington! My dad was there after 20 years in Navy engine rooms/dry docks. 1960 maybe...I think workshop manager. He took their transporter to meetings IIRC.
Nice radiator assy
Audience the documentarian !!!! Love it 😅
I seriously need that engine for my Morris Minor 🤩
Love the a series, like the 266 cam myself though I would guess yours is a bit hotter. That Sprite does run well.
I think the Academy cars ran the 544 cam
Loads of fun. And BRG color.
Ivan heavy foot make no prisoners 😀 👍👍👍👍👍
lovely video and lovely suzie doing nice commentary and asking intelligent questions, thank you
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I built up a Mk1 frogeye from virtually the back end and floor only. Link arm rear suspension with coilovers, Cortina 1500 bored to 85mm. Lotus rods, Mahle pistons, Head etc etc, Spitfire front suspension and fibreglass bonnet. 😮 It was blindingly fast. Would rev to 7000 all day. Stop on sixpence.
17:00 Ivan "This is perfectly geared. I wouldn't alter it."
So what is the gearing? Standard BMC box? What diff ratio?
A cheap harness would be better young lad;-) Have someone take a giant roller to that roof with a good quality roof coating. Is the foam on the inside closed cell? Don’t want the structure rotting when it’s all hidden by the foam. Well done if you are done.
Great video thanks team
"Hill climb" means no need to carry a spare tire (?)
Sounds lovely👍
Awesome car! So.. What is Johns back story and history Sheds Workshops? 🤔
I have one but can’t get it tuned properly
So this car has a non synchro straight cut crash 1st gear? Been a while since I had a Morris minor gear box apart. Just remember them being a bit tricky.
Delightful...
Reading between the lines....is this current series of videos ( from A to Z) being used as a sales description ,getting ready for Ivan to sell the collection?
Maybe a little rejig of the collection...
Would I like this car ?
Yes
Can I afford this car ?
probably
Could I get in and out of it easily?
Not so sure
Love the videos Ivan and Susie
Any chance we could have interview/ chat with John? Or is he too shy !
Kids these Days 🏁🏎💨🙄...😉✌👍
Super what you all do !
Is Susie you Daughter ?
Love the Lanci’s we have a Flavia Vignale
Keep them coming
Very enjoyable video. Just a thought but, an electric fan would solve the overheating and not sap much power.
What, no Zagato bodied cars? That would be a nice Z for the collection.
If this amazing car is for sale please could you send me the link? Thanks
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Love that car!!!
When you want to ship it to the USA?
Oh, that is very tempting…
👍🇦🇺
love the vids you two, keep em coming