For Sale: 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite in Farmingdale, New York

1959 Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite MK1 for sale! Motorcar Classics is proud to present this exceptional 1959 Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite MK I featured in Old English White with red interior. The Austin-Healey Sprite was announced to the press in Monte Carlo by BMC, British Motor Corporation, on 20 May 1958, just before that year?s Monaco Grand Prix. It was targeted to be a low-cost Austin-Healey sports car that a chap could keep in his bike shed. The car was designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company, with production being undertaken by Austin-Healey. It first went on sale at a price of 669, using a tuned version of the Austin A-Series engine and as many other components from the Austin model range as possible to keep costs down. With its simple design and lightweight construction, the Sprite soon became an immensely popular car in Europe and in the USA with the production of the Sprite Mk 2 continuing through 1971.Ours is a stunning UK home-market example with all matching numbers that has undergone a meticulous restoration in the UK utilizing as many of the original components as possible while replacing many with authentic replacement items. The engine is the original 950 cc unit and a very rare factory hardtop with convertible top and side screens to complete the package.The source of the Frogeye nickname these cars acquired is rather obvious, and it has become a term of endearment for these very collectible MK I models. Don?t be deceived by the diminutive exterior dimensions. Once inside, there is plenty of space for driver and passenger. The Sprite was as popular on the track as it was on the street, and with a slick 4-speed gearbox, the car feels faster than the numbers indicate, and with its fruity exhaust note, it is truly a delight to drive.