Kyosho Austin Healey Sprite Gelb 1:18

The Sprite entered the Austin Healey line-up in 1958 as the entry sports car model developed by BMC (British Motor Corporation), which existed from 1952 to 1966. Conceived as a small sports car for mass appeal, the minimalist engine and undercarriage were designed to keep costs down. Weight reduction was also a focus, and the Sprite adopted the world’s first semi-monocoque open body. While the 948cc inline 4-cylinder engine output was only 43 ps, this was sufficient power for the 600 kg vehicle weight (less than modern light vehicles), which had the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class at the time. Combined with the rack and pinion steering gearbox, the highly responsive Sprite reaffirmed the pure joy of driving with a lightweight sports car. Produced from 1958 to 1960, the Mk 1 was the most popular model in the series, which was in production for 13 years through to 1971. The Mk 1 not only embodies the elements of the initial development concept of incorporating only parts necessary for driving performance but also features a distinctive front mask with headlights protruding from the bonnet that appealed to many. This feature earned the Mk 1 nicknames such as crab eyes in Japan, frog-eye in England, and bug-eye in the United States.