Two-Owner 65k-Mile 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Following the success of the so-called “Big Healeys,” Donald Healey endeavored to create more affordable sports cars for the masses. The Austin-Healey Sprite entered production in March 1958 and was officially unveiled later that year during the Monte Carlo Rally, certifying its sporting intentions.  

Utilizing a unibody not only lowered production costs but yielded a stiffer chassis and independent front suspension, with rack-and-pinion steering added to its handling capabilities. A basic sports car with a simple yet functional design meant everything unnecessary was jettisoned, resulting in the front bumper actually being an optional extra. The car’s most distinctive feature is its rear-hinged hood, which incorporates both front fenders with prominent headlights affixed above the grille that earned its beloved “Bugeye” or “Frogeye” nickname.  

Under the hood, the Sprite received a 948cc inline-four, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Britain’s Autocar magazine tested an early example and declared, “We found the Austin-Healey Sprite a most significant and exciting new model ... It offers more fun per dollar than anything we have driven for a long time.”  

This 1959 Austin Healey Sprite is a two-owner car showing 65,671 miles (believed original) and has been enjoyed by the same owner for nearly six decades. 

Highlights 

• Refinished in Cherry Red paint over black leather upholstery 

• Powered by a 948cc inline-four engine with twin SU carbs rated at 45 hp 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• The chassis number (AN5L17297) decodes as: 

  • AN5 – Frogeye / Bugeye Sprite 

  • L – Left-hand drive  

  • 17297 – Sequential production number 

• Body and mechanical upgrades in 2007-2008: 

  • Body stripped and sanded, primed, and re-painted in original Cherry Red 

  • New floorboards 

  • Engine refresh at 45,000 miles: Head milled, values ground, new valve springs installed, and twin SU carburetors rebuilt  

  • New aftermarket starter and generator 

• Upgrades/replacements in February 2008: 

  • Seat cushion and squab foams 

  • Black leather seat covers with black piping 

  • Perfectionist panel kit 

  • Black Karvel carpet 

  • Black Hardura trunk/boot liner kit 

  • Black English Everflex convertible top 

  • Black English Everflex tonneau cover 

• Rebuilt by Nisonger Instruments in June 2007: 

  • Mechanical speedometer (at 63,020 miles) 

  • Fuel gauge 

  • Mechanical combo oil pressure/water temperature gauge

• Re-chromed in March 2007: 

  • Bumpers 

  • Headlight rings, grille, and grille guard 

  • License plate housing 

  • Wiper escutcheons 

  • Gauge bezels 

  • Brake handle 

Features 

• No exterior door handles (opens from inside) 

• 100 mph speedometer and 6,000 rpm tachometer 

• 13-inch steel wheels with “AH” chrome hubs 

• Dunlop Gold Seal C41 5.20-13 70P tires 

• Drum brakes 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor paint chips and flaws (most notably a paint bubble on passenger lower rear quarter panel) 

• Duct tape on steering wheel center horn piece 

• Paint scuffed on edges of rearview mirror 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack and lug wrench 

• 2 keys 

• Plexiglass side curtains 

• Car cover 

• Original driver’s handbook 

• Original workshop manual 

• Some original parts (original starter, generator) that could be re-cored 

Ownership History

The New York state seller of this 1959 Austin Healey Sprite has owned it since August 1967. The seller explains, “I purchased the car when I was 17, and I was told by the dealer (at Maginnis Motors in Horsahm, Pennsylvania) that I was the second owner. I bought it partially because a family friend raced Bugeyes and advised me on what to look for when buying a used one. The car had about 30,000 miles on it when I bought it, which was believable since it had the original tires. I had a lot of work done on it in 2007 and 2008, including fresh paint. My painter grew ill during this process, and the paint job is OK but not great. The car was my first car, but it has never been my primary vehicle. Most of the miles were put on it in the late ’60s and early ’70s; it has been stored or only used in the summer for the past 40+ years. It was a great fun first car that I was able to work on when I was younger, when I could get in and out of it more easily. The Sprite runs great. There are some small paint chips and flaws but no dents.”