1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I Roadster

This 1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite Mark I was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where it was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000. It is powered by a four-cylinder engine that displaces 948 cubic centimeters and capable of producing around 43 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and a suspension comprised of coil springs and wishbones.

This example was imported into Canada in early 1959. Its first owner retained the car until 1974, upon which time it was sold to a second Canadian owner. This owner cared for the car until 1993. The third owner began a restoration that concluded in 1998. Since that time it has been kept in a climate-controlled storage. It is finished in the original factory color of Iris Blue with matching and correct interior of black. It is equipped with a complete factory tool kit, correct factory soft top with side curtains, and the optional factory tonneau cover.

The interior is one of the only few modifications this car has been given. It is a Mark II interior that offered more comfort and support for the occupants.

The Austin-Healey Sprite was designed by Donald Healey and was produced beginning in 1958. It was an alluring car with a low-cost price tag and ample performance features. Power was from a tuned version of the Austin A-Series engine and borrowed many of its mechanical components from existing cars which aided in keeping the costs to a minimum.

The Mark I Sprites were known as the Frogeye in the U.K. and the Bugeye in the United States due to its unique front end with headlights mounted on top of the center hood. This was not part of the original design; in fact, they were originally to be mounted into the front of the car so they could 'flip-up' while in use. They would face skyward when not in use.

The frontal area was all one-piece and hinged from the back. It swung up allowing ample access to the engine compartment. There were no exterior door handles. To open the door, one had to reach inside and use the internal lever to operate the door. there was also no trunk lid. To gain access to the trunk and to the spare wheel, the seats backs had to be tilted forward.

At auction this vehicle found new ownership, selling for the low end of the estimated value, and fetching $25,300.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2007