1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I

AN511884roadUnited Kingdom

The Austin-Healey Sprite 'Frogeye' was a Donald Healey-designed lightweight two-seater introduced in 1958, built at Abingdon and distinguished by its fixed, elevated headlamps and one-piece front bodywork. This example spent three decades under a single owner before undergoing an extensive retirement restoration spanning 2005 to 2012, executed to a standard described as exceeding original factory quality, with bodywork carried out by a Rolls-Royce coachwork specialist and mechanical components rebuilt or replaced throughout.

Ownership

2023-02-24Auction sale
Sold £22,000 (≈ $28K)
Iconic Auctioneers catalogue lot →
Date unknown
Single long-term owner
partial documentation
Held the car for approximately 30 years; commissioned the retirement restoration project that began in 2005 and concluded in 2012.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Twin Sparks Collection
partial documentation
Acquired the car following completion of the restoration; the history file contains substantial invoices, an original Special Tuning Booklet, Workshop Manual, and correspondence between buyer and builder.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

2005Restoration
Rolls-Royce coachwork specialist
Comprehensive retirement restoration project commenced, ultimately completed in 2012. Scope included full professional bodywork and paintwork by a Rolls-Royce coachwork specialist, re-upholstery of seats and interior in navy blue vinyl with matching hood, and either restoration or like-for-original replacement of all mechanical and electrical components.
The engine was re-bored with new pistons, reground crankshaft, new bearings, timing chain, sprockets, and replacement oil and water pumps. Modifications from standard specification included fitting a 12G295 cylinder head, uprated 1¼-inch SU carburettors, a ribbed gearbox, and a 1098cc-type flywheel and clutch assembly. Original steel wheels were retained and fitted with Continental tyres. Approximately 100 miles covered since completion.

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