1959 Austin-Healey 'Frog-Eye' Sprite MkI Roadster

• Landmark British sports car
• Left-hand drive
• Extensively restored
• Part of the Bishop Collection sice November 2014

Having forged strong links with BMC in the process of developing the successful Austin-Healey 100, Donald Healey turned his attention to designing a smaller version intended to make sports car motoring affordable to a wider sector of the market. Raiding the BMC parts bin for suitable components, Healey used the Austin A35's 948cc A-Series engine, gearbox, front suspension, and rear axle, though he chose to up-rate the rest of the running gear by using Morris Minor rack-and-pinion steering and an MG master cylinder for the hydraulic brakes (the A35's rears were mechanical). Equipped with twin SU carburettors, the engine produced 43bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of around 86mph.
Although its power train and running gear were entirely conventional, as well as thoroughly tried and tested, Healey's new baby was notable for its state-of-the-art unitary construction body/chassis. Christened 'Sprite', the new sports car entered production at MG's Abingdon factory in March 1958 featuring a distinctive forward-hinging bonnet/wings topped by two fixed 'Frog Eye' headlamps, thus ensuring instant recognition and the now-familiar nickname. Despite a Spartan equipment level - even the front bumper was listed as an extra! - the 'Frog Eye' sold well, which was not really surprising as there was nothing competing with it either on price or performance.
A very well presented example of the much loved 'Frog Eye' Sprite that brought affordable sports car motoring to so many enthusiasts, this left-hand drive model was first registered in the UK in November 2014 to a Mr David Carpenter of Essex, although there are bills on file in his name dating back to January 2011. Also on file is a (copy) State of Connecticut Assignment of Ownership document dated 2010 indicating that the Sprite had formerly been in the USA. Recent bills (inspection recommended) suggest that the car continued to benefit from refurbishment following its acquisition by the Bishop Collection in November 2014. Offered with a V5C Registration Certificate, the Sprite will require re-commissioning before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed.