Thanks for the input guys.
I saw a little plunger on the door jamb, but assumed it was for the interior lights. I will check.
The passenger door was open, but what we figured out, when we first found this, was that there is a lever that releases the latch on the backrest when the seat squab is lifted up... on the drivers side it works fine, but on the passenger side it doesnt.
By inserting a finger in beside the lower lever, you can feel a metal rod, like a door release lever that runs from the seat base lever upward to the seat back latch. On the drivers side, it is tightly attached at both ends... or feels like that, but on the pass side, it is loose and feels disconected , maybe on both ends!
I will take some pics.... but you gents with 17 year olds who have just passed their driving tests will understand... the car is never here when I am!
PS: Love that Sprite Gilly.... I am a Brit too!
Here is my other love... one good Blue and one Red basket case!
http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/showthread.php?t=15691