1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite

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 so access to the spare wheel and luggage compartment was achieved by tilting the seat-backs forward and reaching under the rear deck.

Finished in the original Speedwell Blue paintwork 921 FTU is a good solid example of a very early 'Frogeye' Sprite. The history file includes the original bill of sale and the official Austin Healey certificate of warranty, along with various bills, MoT's, the owner's handbook, a workshop manual and schedule of repairs. There is also a receipt for an engine rebuild just over 5000 miles ago. The vendor reports good oil pressure on cold start. It comes with an aluminium luggage rack, period Philips radio, a sought-after hardtop with detachable side windows for the hardtop and the slider windows for the soft top. The car has never been fully restored, although it was re-sprayed a while ago, the paint is starting to show signs of its age although in respectable condition.

Structurally all appears very good, with no inherent rust/rot problems. The 'A' posts appear in sound condition with factory body numbers still in place. All the body panels are straight and the floor is structurally sound. 921 FTU has had new rear suspension springs fitted. It has also recently been fitted with stone guard headlamp covers and had the front grill re-chromed, all the other bright-work is in good condition. The interior seating, door-cards and carpets are also in excellent order.

Overall, this is a very pleasant classic car that brings a smile to the driver's face and any pedestrians on every excursion. A great piece of British history captured in a very original condition without upgrades and mods to detract from its authenticity. In short, a little gem!