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Alongside the
big six- cylinder Healey's Austin Healey started producing a smaller and
more affordable sports car 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 sports car; 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
Austin engine
cylinder capacity: 948 cc.
carburettors: 2x S.U.
capacity: 46 bhp. at 5300 rpm.
top-speed: 130 km/h.
gearbox: 4-speed, manual
weight: 640 kg.
Information
Austin Healey
Sprite Mk I (nickname 'Frog Eye'), year 1959. Colour pale blue with a
blue leather interior. Weather equipment: black soft top and tonneau
cover, new aluminium side screens.
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