This is a short article, compared to 'Gunge's' story, because we have not owned the Mk 3 for that long. The Story starts with Dad's cousin - Russell Hawkins - who lived in Sydney, and was going overseas in December '94 to work for 5 years, and he offered it to us to look after (and run it occasionally) until his return, or else to purchase it. That's how we came to possess it. The car is English in origin (no build plate on the bulkhead), and we believe that an English diplomat had brought it out with him to Canberra. Dad had previously driven the car on many occasions while visiting Russell who was living in Canberra at the time. It was a lovely tight car to drive, which prompted Dad to say to Russell "if you ever want to sell it, I'll buy it from you" (Dad had previously bought the 'Big Healey' off him many years before - history repeating itself methinks). Russell had owned it for well over ten years, and in that time had had it re-sprayed and had the interior re-trimmed.

When Russell went overseas we bought the car (much to the annoyance of Mum). The car was totally original, even down to the very tired original 1100cc engine that it was still running. Over the next few years many a few maintenance items were carried out including; new tires, new rear leaf spring, Motolita s/wheel, rebuilt brakes, etc. It also did numerous club events including, social drives, economy runs (where it did very well) and a trip to Bordertown (SA) for an interstate challenge.

At the time of writing this (May 2001), a new engine has been transplanted, because about 18 months ago the 1100cc motor lost oil pressure. Luckily we had been building up a nice mild 1275cc motor for it, and this was duly slotted in (after a lot of fettling to get the engine tune right). At the same time I rebuilt the gearbox with the help of the Workshop Manual and a few tips from dad. Also a tall 3.7 diff. was recently fitted, so it would cruise better on highway trips.

Future plans include some minor rust removal from the lower rear guards but apart from that, it's an excellent little car! Needless to say the car gets used quite regularly and is an absolute delight to drive!

Keep on punting (your Sprite),
Lachlan (can't this thing go any faster?) Fowler.