Healey Sprite Mk II driven by a 24-year-old

“MINANO SUNDAY PICNIC 2023” is an event where owners of classic cars dress up in stylish outfits matching their vehicles and bring nostalgic items to enjoy car discussions. The event was held on 4 November 2023 at “Our Minano Base” in Minano-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture. Here we introduce some cars and owners that caught our attention at the event.

“This Austin is my first car”

Mr. Sota Nakajima, who participated with his friend Kirin Komatsu, driving a right-hand-drive 1962 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II, is now 24 years old (at the time of the interview). He is a promising young classic car owner.

“This Austin is my first car. My encounter with the Healey Sprite Mk II, which I bought six months ago, was by chance. I went looking for a car and the shop owner introduced me to one just like it. It had a hardtop, which I liked, and was styled a bit like a clubman racer.

I thought it looked cool, and I’m the type of person who believes in fate and stuff, so I decided on this car without hesitation. The final deciding factor was the shop I could rely on. It’s important to have a reliable doctor you can consult and run to whenever you have a problem.”

He owns two motorcycles, a 1989 Honda GB250 Clubman, which he bought soon after getting his license, and a 1986 Kawasaki GPZ400R D2, which he got three years ago, but only one four-wheeler, an Austin. He uses the Healey Sprite Mk II in all situations, from daily use to play.

“The exterior of the car is a particular point of interest, as it is full of use. I also like the cute combination of the light blue body and leather belt. And yet the rugged bumperless café racer look is also good. Incidentally, the mileage was 31,000 km when I bought it, and it’s now up to 34,500 km.”

Plans for additional vehicles

Mr. Nakajima, who also told us that both motorcycles and four-wheelers need to look cool anyway, also told us about his plans for increasing the number of vehicles in the future.

“I sometimes think that I want a sports car with a larger displacement. But realistically, I want a convenient transporter that can carry a motorbike. When I’m traveling and the weather is good, I want to unload the bike and have a short ride. I want to have some adult fun.”

Mr. Nakajima is using his Healey Sprite Mk II with aplomb at this stage. Still young and full of vitality, he will be able to fulfill all her dreams in the future.

translated by DeepL