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Alongside the
big six- cylinder Healeys Austin Healey started producing a smaller and
more affordable sportscar in 1958; the Austin Healey Sprite.
The Austin Healey Sprite MK I had a very uncommon design with the
headlamps integrated upon the bonnet, that was the reason why the car
got the nickname "frogeye". The first Sprite was very
much a purists sportscar; only the most important features were
incorporated in the car. Sprite MK I did not have a booth lid, no door
handles, no roll- down windows...but because of its compactness and its
low weight it was and is fun to drive!
From
the year 1961 the Sprite MK II appeared on the market. This second
version was extensively redesigned. The shape was much more square and
common. The headlamps were now placed on the outer front edges and the
car was equipped with a booth lid! Sprite MK II was also equipped with disc brakes at the front wheels and the four cylinder Austin engine was
uprated to 55 bhp.
In the year 1964 the Healey Sprite MK III saw the light of day, the car
was equipped with roll-down windows, door handles, and a further uprated
engine producing 58 bhp.
1966 was the year the Sprite MK IV came into production. The car was
equipped with a more powerful 1275 cc. engine with a power output of 65
bhp.
The last 1022 Healey Sprites left the factory "labeled" Austin
Sprite in the year 1971. The contractual agreements with Donald Healey
were ended and Austin ceased using the Healey name. By that time the
"big Healeys" were out of production for three years
already...
Technical
data
4 cylinder in
line engine
cylinder capacity: 948 cc.
carburettors: 1 twin choke Weber (modification)
capacity: >50 bhp. at 6000 rpm.
top-speed: approx. 91 mph. - 145 km/h.
gearbox: 4-speed, manual
weight: 640 kgs.
Information
Austin
Healey Sprite MK I, year 1959.
Colour dark blue with a green leather interior.
This Austin Healey Sprite is the earliest and most sought after Sprite
model. This first model is also nicknamed "Frogeye". This Healey Sprite
was fully restored in the past and the car is still in excellent
condition. The car is fitted with a twin choke Weber carburettor,
Minilite alloy wheels and a Motolita steering wheel. This car is a
beautiful little "rascal" not suitable for shy people...
Everybody reacts to this car, approving nicks, thumbs up and
conversations with people everywhere! This
classic car was sold by
Altena Classic Service.
info@altenaclassicservice.nl
Altena Classic Service
Telephone international: +31 524 56 11 22 |
