Two bonnet assemblies cover the production range. The earlier type is a semi-universal component that fits all Sprites and Midgets from the start of production through to approximately halfway through 1500 production (to GAN6-183739). This bonnet includes provision for all three bonnet stay arrangements used during production, left-hand-mounted stay rod, right-hand-mounted stay rod, and right-hand-mounted telescopic stay, making it suitable for any car within its chassis range. It accepts the early-style front corner buffers.
The later bonnet (from GAN6-183740 onward) is specific to late 1500 production and includes the bracket for the telescopic stay only, with later-style front corner buffers that are not interchangeable with the earlier type.
Bonnet Hinges and Safety Catch
The bonnet hinges bolt to the bulkhead and to the bonnet itself with screws, plain washers, and spring washers. The safety catch is a separate mechanism from the main bonnet lock, it prevents the bonnet from flying fully open if the main latch releases unexpectedly at speed. The safety catch hook, pivot spring, bracket, and locking pin are all available individually.
Bonnet Stay
The bonnet stay holds the bonnet open while working in the engine bay. Three stay arrangements were used across production: a left-hand-mounted stay rod on early cars (to approximately GAN5-89500), a right-hand-mounted stay rod from GAN5-89501 onward, and a telescopic stay from GAN5-127605 onward through GAN6. The telescopic stay is the most convenient type, providing a gas-assisted support that holds the bonnet securely at any opening angle. A stowage clip holds the stay rod against the inner wing when the bonnet is closed.
Bonnet Release Cable
Two bonnet release cable types were used. The earlier type, fitted to all cars up to GAN6-212000, has a round pull-knob and is routed through the left-hand footwell, secured to a bracket on the inner side panel just above parcel shelf height. From GAN6-212001 onward, a T-handled cable was fitted, routed along the engine side of the left-hand footwell inner panel with the handle located in a hole on the front engine liner panel under the centre of the fascia. The cable connects to the bonnet latch mechanism via a trunnion assembly at the front panel.
Bonnet Buffers and Soundproofing
Rubber buffers are fitted at the front corners and along the sides of the bonnet landing panel, cushioning the bonnet when closed and preventing metal-to-metal contact that would damage the paint. The front corner buffers differ between the early and late bonnet specifications. Bonnet soundproofing material is available as a pre-cut pad that bonds to the underside of the bonnet, reducing engine noise transmitted through the panel into the cockpit.