Austin Healey Sprite MK1

The Austin Healey Sprite was announced to the press in Monte Carlo on 20th May 1958, just before the Monaco Grand Prix. It was intended to be a low-cost sportier successor to the pre-war Austin Seven. The little Sprite quickly became affectionately known as the ‘Frog Eye’ in the UK and the ‘Bug Eye’ in the US as its headlights were prominently mounted on top of the bonnet, inboard of the front wings. There were no exterior door handles, the driver and passenger were required to reach inside to open the doors. There was also no boot lid and access to the spare wheel and luggage compartment was achieved by tilting the seat backs forward and reaching under the rear deck.

The Austin Healey Sprite MK1 offered here at Autostorico is a home market registered example built in December 1959 and supplied new through H. H Timberlake Ltd of Wigan to its first owner. Finished in Old English White with Black interior trim this as new example was specified with the following factory options, Tonneau cover, Toughened glass and bumpers. Purchased by its current owner an avid Austin Healey enthusiast, who undertook a no expense spared full nut and bolt restoration carried out by Haileywood Specialist Cars. Works included removing the engine, gearbox and stripping the whole body, before a bare metal respray. The car was also subject to a full mechanical overhaul including engine rebuild to the highest specification with it balanced to 0. 1 of gram across the 4 cylinders. Original smooth case gearbox rebuilt with later 1275 Sprite internals. Differential, suspension and braking system overhaul. Other notable works included re-chroming, new interior trim including carpets, new mohair hood and re-wiring.

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