1960 Austin-Healey Sprite Roadster

The Austin-Healey Sprite was designed by Donald Healey and production began at MG's Abingdon factory in March of 1958. A few months later, the new car was officially introduced in Monte Carlo, just prior to the Monte carlo Rally.

The Sprite used a unitary construction body shell with a rearward-hinging bonnet and wings. In the front were two 'frog eye' headlamps, thus earning it the familiar nickname.

Power was from Austin A35's 948cc A-Series engine fitted with twin SU carburetors and offering 43 horsepower. The car was given an independent suspension setup in the front along with a rack-and-pinion steering.

This car was completed at the Austin-Healey Works in January of 1960 and was configured as a US market left-hand drive example. It was painted in Iris blue over a blue interior. The early history remains unknown, but by the 1990s the Sprite was in Texas where it was given a meticulous restoration. During that time, the original 948cc engine was removed in favor of a 1,275cc unit, and a supercharger installed to feed it. It was also given Minilite-style alloy wheels, white-faced Smiths gauges, and a sports steering wheel.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014