1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk.1

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 the unnecessary was jettisoned, resulting in the front bumper actually being an optional extra. The most distinctive feature of this car is the rear-hinged hood that incorporated both front fenders with prominent headlights affixed above the grille, which were originally designed to be retractable, earning its beloved “Bugeye” or “Frogeye” name. Powered by a 948cc inline-four, 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 Iris Blue 1959 Austin Healey Sprite, the first full year of the fun-sized sports car, has been cared for and enjoyed by the same family since 1978.  

Highlights 

• Retained and enjoyed by a single family for nearly 46 years 

• Powered by a 948cc inline-four with twin SU carburetors producing 40 hp 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in Iris Blue (BU12) with Blue vinyl seats 

• 13-inch wheels with brightly polished “AH” branded hubcaps 

• The chassis number (AN5L16328) decodes as: 

  • AN5 – Frogeye / Bugeye 

  • L – Left Hand Drive 

  • 16328 – Sequential production number (build date between April and May 1959) 

Features 

• Chrome bumpers 

• Black fabric soft top 

• Original-style soft window side curtains

• Smith’s heater 

• Electric wipers 

Known Imperfections

• Some paint imperfections and a little rust

• Clutch slips occasionally (repair parts from Moss Motors included)

• Horn and turn signals are not operational

• Driver rear wheel is missing one wheel stud

• Minor interior and exterior wear as pictured

Included 

• Two spare tires/wheels (one new) 

• Jack and lug wrench with bag 

• Soft top with bag

• Clutch parts from Moss Motors 

• Two lap seat belt kits from Moss Motors 

• Pair of 1959 Virginia license plates 

• Side curtains 

• Tonneau cover  

• Storage car cover

• Two Sprite repair manuals 

• Some repair and maintenance records  

Ownership History 

This 1959 Austin Healey Sprite has been owned by the same family for nearly five decades and has been a labor of love for the consignor’s father, an Austin-Healey enthusiast. “This was my mother’s car, purchased in 1978 in Richmond, Virginia. My father said that they bought it because mom was short and couldn’t reach the pedals on his Big Healey.”