A total of around 50,000 Austin-Healey Sprite MK I cars were built, and it’s not hard to understand why the model was nicknamed the Frogeye. With its protruding headlights, the car gives off a very distinctive and lively impression. In fact, the original idea was for the headlights to be retractable into the bonnet, but that turned out to be too costly a design. Now, a Swedish-sold Austin-Healey Sprite MK I is up for sale at Bilweb Auctions.
The Austin-Healey Sprite was a simple and relatively inexpensive sports car. It was based on the small Austin A30, from which it borrowed both the drivetrain and suspension. To keep production costs down, the car was built without a boot lid and without roll-down side windows in the doors.
Ended up in Piteå
The car now being sold at Bilweb Auctions was first delivered to Ostermans in Stockholm, in the so-called marble halls. For unknown reasons, the car remained with Ostermans until 1964, when it was sold to a man from Piteå. After that, it passed between Luleå, Boden, and Piteå.
From 1980 to 2007, this Austin-Healey Sprite MK I belonged to an owner in Piteå. It was most likely during this time that the car was restored and given the appearance it has today. Since 2017, it has been cared for by an enthusiast on the island of Orust.
Built on April 17, 1959
In Austin-Healey’s 1959 order book, this car is recorded as a right-hand drive export car destined for Stockholm. The build date is listed as April 17, 1959, and the car was originally painted in Nevada Beige, with a red interior and a black soft top. The equipment list also included windshield washers, toughened glass, a heater, tachometer, and a front bumper – which has since disappeared along the way.
On April 23, 1959, the car was noted as delivered and shipped to Sweden and the dealership Ostermans in Stockholm.
Described as pleasant and charming
Today, the car is painted in the classic green shade so closely associated with many British sports cars. Bilweb Auctions’ valuation expert describes the car as a pleasant and charming Frogeye with a fully Swedish history and in good condition.
The auction ends on Thursday, August 28 at 1:10 PM.
Austin-Healey Sprite RHD 950cc – 1959 – Go to the auction here.
