Vehicle Description
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.
