Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I (Frogeye)
Overview
| Produced: |
1958-1961, 48987 produced. |
|---|---|
| Types: |
Sports, 2 doors
|
In 1958 BMC launched a new, small sports-car based on well proven Austin A35 mechanical parts. The new car was known as the Austin Healey Sprite and would be produced at the MG factory in Abingdon. The Sprite introduced a whole new concept in sports-car ownership that would later be copied by Triumph and MG.
The Sprite consisted of a twin carb A35 engine, 948cc, A-Series engine driving the rear wheels via a four speed gearbox. The body was of a simple design with no external boot access and with minimal decoration. The one-piece bonnet was originally designed to include pop-up headlamps, however the mechanisms proved to complex and so the lamps were mounted in a fixed pod. This unusual styling feature actually added to the cars "cute" appeal and it quickly gained the nickname "Frogeye" (or "Bugeye" in the USA) Sprite.
Engines
| Capacity | Config | Model | Bore/Stroke | CR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 948cc | S4 OHV | BMC A-Series | 62.92mm x 76.2mm |
Fuel System
| Type | Number | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| SU | 2 |
Transmission
| Type | Gears | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | 4 |
Drivetrain and Suspension
| Drivetrain | F/R | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | - | |
| Suspension | Front | - |
| Rear | - | |
Performance
| Top Speed | 0-60 | SQM | MPG | Engine Pwr | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82mph | 20.5s | 21.8s | 34mpg | 43bhp @5200 |
Brakes
| Front | Rear | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Drum | Drum |
People who looked at this car, also looked at:
- Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II
- Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I
- Alfa Romeo 156
- Austin-Healey Sprite Mk III
- Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III
Have you any further information on this car?
Valuation
| Poor | Average | Excellent | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1750 | £4500 | £8000 | 26-Oct-06 |
Please note the valuation prices provided indicate likely value in the United Kingdom. Values in other countries may vary
Related Contacts
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Related products for sale in the shop
Posters & Prints | |
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A3 Poster Of Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite Black
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A3 Poster Of Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite 1960
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A3 Poster Of Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite 1961
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Books | |
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Restoring Sprites & Midgets An Enthusiast's Guide
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Austin-Healey Sprite Gold Portfolio 1958-71
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Austin-Healey Sprite Mk 1 'Frogeye' Official Workshop Manual
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Austin-Healey Sprite Mk 1 'Frogeye' Official Owners' Handbook
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MG Midget/Sprite 1958-1980 Owners' Workshop Manual
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Magazine Back Issues | |
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Practical Classics August 2001 UK Second class
£5.65
|
Practical Classics September 2001 UK First class
£6.45
|
|   | |
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