LOT 207 *N

1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I Roadster Registration no. not registered (previous UK registration XWF 696) Chassis no. AN5/1964 Engine no. 8G10RM71198

Sold for £11,500 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 207^*,N

The Connoisseurs Collection Part IV
1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I Roadster

Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|19 September 2026, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I Roadster
Registration no. not registered (previous UK registration XWF 696)
Chassis no. AN5/1964
Engine no. 8G10RM71198

Aimed at the sporting motorist on a tight budget, the Donald Healey-designed Sprite entered production in March 1958. A distinctive bonnet topped by two 'frog eye' headlamps ensured instant recognition and the now-familiar nickname. Healey made use of existing BMC parts, including the tuneable A-Series overhead valve engine producing 43bhp, together with the A35 gearbox, front suspension and rear axle, while uprating the rest of the running gear by using Morris Minor rack-and-pinion steering and an MG master cylinder for the hydraulic brakes. Although its proven power train and running gear were entirely conventional, Healey's new baby was notable for its state-of-the-art unitary construction body/chassis. In a class of its own for price and performance, the Sprite was a huge success during its three-year production life.

This example of the much loved 'Frog Eye' Sprite that brought affordable sports car motoring to so many enthusiasts was purchased by the vendor from Brooks' sale at the RAF Museum, Hendon in April 2000 (Lot 706). At that time it was stated that the car had been owned for 10 years and was immaculate and 'very original'. Fewer than 1,000 miles had been covered annually since restoration. The car is offered with an substantial amount of UK history and also comes with shipping documents relating to its importation into Japan where it has been on static display/storage since acquisition. Recommissioning will be required before further use.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalogue.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.

*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N	NOVA declaration
	If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N	NOVA declaration
	If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.