Beschreibung
1959 Austin Healey Sprite Frogeye
?Chassis Number AN5 14213
The Austin-Healey Sprite is a small, open sports car which 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 model that 'a chap could keep in his bike shed', yet be the successor to the sporting versions of the pre-war Austin Seven. The Sprite was designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company, which received a royalty payment from the manufacturers, BMC. It first went on sale at a price of £669, using a mildly tuned version of the Austin A-Series engine and it shared many other components from existing cars to keep costs down. The little Sprite quickly became affectionately known as the 'Frogeye' in the UK and the 'Bugeye' in the US, because its headlights were prominently mounted on top of the bonnet, inboard of the front wings. Originally the designers had intended that the headlights could be retracted, with the lenses facing skyward when not in use; but cost-cutting by BMC led to the flip-up mechanism being deleted. The front sheet-metal assembly, including the bonnet and wings, was a one-piece unit, hinged from the back that swung up to allow access to the engine compartment. The 43bhp, 948cc engine was upgraded with twin 1 1/ 8" inch SU carburettors. The rack and pinion steering and suspension were derived from the Morris Minor with the front suspension made up of a coil spring and wishbone arrangement with the arm of the Armstrong lever shock absorber serving as the top suspension link. The rear axle was both located and sprung by quarter-elliptic leaf springs, again with lever-arm shock absorbers. There were no exterior door handles; the driver and passenger were required to reach inside to open the door. 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.
This Healey in particular was registered on the 14th of July 1959, and has only 3 owners from new, being in the most recent ownership for two decades. The most recent custodian, stripped the car from running condition in the early 2000’s, entrusting Croft Engine Services with a rebuild of the cylinder head and engine in 2005. This has not been fitted since however spins freely.
A very honest rust-free example retaining its steel bonnet, and is prepared in primer and will just need slight rework prior to topcoat and reassembly. The steering rolls freely, however, we would recommend going through the suspension and brake system prior to road use.
All trim work is as pictured and the windscreen will need replacing.
This Project is registered with a current UK V5 and is supplied with gearbox, carburettors, grille (not pictured)
viewing by prior appointment only.
For further details please contact our sales team.
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