Description
1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I - Frogeye
Fantastic early production model Austin-Healey Sprite in great mechanical and cosmetic condition, no rust - one of the best we have ever seen!. All steel body and no fiberglass reproduction as often seen – all original car. All instrumentation in great working condition. Original steel wheels and hubcaps are included in the sale.
Danish owned and registered since 1997. The previous Danish owner have had the car since 2004 and had the car repainted and new head gaskets installed during his ownership. Service records dating back to 1997 are included in the sale.
This is a left-hand drive continental European market car with am odometer in kilometers, making this a rare and desirable car. All instrumentation in working condition.
Car Specification:
VIN/ Chassis number: AN5/ 9667
Odometer: 63, 499 kilometers
Engine: 948 cc (0. 9 L) A-Series I4
Transmission: Manual
History of the Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I:
The 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. 48, 987 "frogeye" Sprites were made.
The 43 bhp, 948 cc OHV engine (coded 9CC) was derived from the Austin A35 and Morris Minor 1000 models, also BMC products, but upgraded with twin 1 1⁄8 inch SU carburetors. The rack and pinion steering was derived from the Morris Minor 1000 and the front suspension from the Austin A35. 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, owing to the need to retain as much structural integrity as possible, and access to the spare wheel and luggage compartment was achieved by tilting the seat-backs forward and reaching under the rear deck.
48, 987 "frogeye" Sprites were made.
