Introduction
Darren Rungasamy
It's back to motoring basics with the joyful and adored ‘Frog-eye’ Sprite.
An astute piece of engineering and marketing by race driver Donald Healey, the Austin-Healey Sprite was very much a thoroughbred in the stable of Healey cars. Healey kept an eye out on the low-cost market of cheap and not always cheerful kit cars and realised the potential for an affordable, easy-to-maintain open-top Roadster, with a strong monocoque body and race-type suspension.
Released in 1958, the Sprite became a formidable performer on the track and rally stages and was loved equally on both sides of the Atlantic. Healeys connection with Austin meant it was mechanically proven, with plenty of scope for tuning. However, it was its distinctive styling, earning the name 'Frog-Eye Sprite' that lingers in the memories of many. It proved to be an enormous success thanks to this charismatic styling and lean-meat philosophy regarding weight, eschewing frivolities such as door handles, winding windows and a boot lid. None of this mattered of course, because on the road, the Austin Healey Sprite is a joy to drive.
Overhauled in the last year at a cost of over £7,000, which includes an engine renovation, refurbished wire wheels with new tyres, several useful electrical modifications and an interior refit. First registered in 1959, this "Iris Blue" MK1 also comes with a hardtop, a front disc brake upgrade, its heritage certificate, user and mechanical manuals and a binder full of provenance.
This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting David the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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