Alongside the big six- cylinder Healey's Austin Healey started producing a smaller and more affordable sports car in 1958; the Austin Healey Sprite.
The Austin Healey Sprite MK I had a very uncommon design with the headlamps integrated upon the bonnet, that was the reason why the car got the nickname "frogeye". The first Sprite was very much a purists sports car; only the most important features were incorporated in the car. Sprite MK I did not have a booth lid, no door handles, no roll- down windows...but because of its compactness and its low weight it was and is fun to drive!

 From the year 1961 the Sprite MK II  appeared on the market. This second version was extensively redesigned. The shape was much more square and common. The headlamps were now placed on the outer front edges and the car was equipped with a booth lid! Sprite MK II was also equipped with disc brakes at the front wheels and the four cylinder Austin engine was uprated to 55 bhp.
In the year 1964 the Healey Sprite MK III saw the light of day, the car was equipped with roll-down windows, door handles, and a further uprated engine producing 58 bhp.
1966 was the year the Sprite MK IV came into production. The car was equipped with a more powerful 1275 cc. engine with a power output of 65 bhp.
The last 1022 Healey Sprites left the factory "labeled" Austin Sprite in the year 1971. The contractual agreements with Donald Healey were ended and Austin ceased using the Healey name. By that time the "big Healeys" were out of production for three years already...   

Technical data

4 cylinder Austin engine
cylinder capacity: 948 cc.
carburettors: 2x S.U.
capacity: 46 bhp. at 5300 rpm.
top-speed: 130 km/h.
gearbox: 4-speed, manual
weight: 640 kg.

Information

Austin Healey Sprite Mk 1 'Frog Eye', year 1959. Colour light yellow with a black interior. This fantastic 'Frog Eye' sports a fantastic restored body and the car is in very good to excellent condition. The car is fitted with the original engine and gearbox. The engine was given mechanical improvements like new piston rings, new bearings, new oil seals, new rockers etc. A high torque starter engine, electric cooling fan and new ignition were installed under the bonnet. Further more the car features: disc brakes at front, aluminium petrol tank, Stainless Steel exhaust, four point safety harnesses, black grille, sports steering wheel and a wooden shifter knob. No other car makes you collect more 'thumbs up' from other people than the little Austin Healey 'Frog Eye', guaranteed!

This classic car was sold to France by
Imparts.

info@imparts.nl 
Imparts B.V.
Telephone international: +31 26 442 99 37