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Austin-Healey Sprite MK1

1959 · Manual · Old English White

£24,950

Listed today at Autostorico. Last checked today.

Key facts

Year: 1959
Gearbox: Manual
Engine: 948cc four-cylinder
Fuel: Petrol
Drive: RWD
Body: Convertible
Colour: Old English White
Generation: Mk1

About this car

The Sprite Mk1, known as the 'Frog Eye' in Britain for its bonnet-mounted headlamps, was conceived as a cheap, sporting successor to the pre-war Austin Seven. This one is a home-market car built in December 1959 and supplied new through H.H. Timberlake of Wigan.

It is finished in Old English White with black trim and carries factory options of a tonneau cover, toughened glass and bumpers. The current owner, an Austin-Healey enthusiast, commissioned a full nut-and-bolt restoration by Haileywood Specialist Cars, including a bare-metal respray.

The 948cc engine was rebuilt to a high specification and balanced across its four cylinders. The original smooth-case gearbox was rebuilt with later 1275 Sprite internals. The differential, suspension and brakes were overhauled, and the car has re-chroming, new interior trim and carpets, a new mohair hood and re-wiring. Mileage and registration are not stated.

Written by Vertar from Autostorico’s listing. Check the details with the dealer before you buy.

Performance

The maker’s official figures for this model, not measurements of this car (BMC published spec for the 948cc A-series with twin SUs (43 bhp gross @ 5,200 rpm). Weight, top speed and acceleration left null because the known figures come from period road tests, not the factory.).

Power: 43 bhp
Engine: 948 cc, 4 cylinders
Engine position: Front-engined
Induction: Naturally aspirated