Austin-Healey Sprite MK1 “Frogeye” (1959)

Kickdown Check

• On-site kickdown assessment completed
  • 134 photos
  • Paint Thickness Measurement
  • Video including engine running
• Complete restoration from 1997 to 1999
• Currently owned since 2001
• Vehicle identity and originality verifiable via the BMIHT Production Record Trace Certificate (1997), original identification numbers (engine, transmission, chassis), and comprehensive restoration documentation
• DEKRA appraisal report from 2013 with a grade of 2+ available

Facts & Specifications

• Year of manufacture: 1959
• First registration: San Francisco, USA
• Engine: 948-cm³ inline 4-cylinder engine with approx. 42 PS (31 kW)
• Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission (manual shift)
• Exterior color: Irish Blue
• Interior: Black faux leather
• TÜV valid through October 2027
• Features:
  • Luggage rack
  • Removable windows
  • Mini-Lite alloy wheels
  • Aluminum dashboard
  • Radio
  • Small sport steering wheel
  • Smith's Instruments
  • Tripmaster
  • Left-hand drive
• The following modifications were made:
  • Contactless ignition (converted in 2017)

Condition

Exterior

• The exterior color of the Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I is Irish Blue, restored to its original condition between 1997 and 1999
• The body is in excellent condition
• Fully restored from 1997 to 1999; metal hood refinished in 2008
• No known rust
• Tires: Dunlop 155/70 R13 75T with approx. 6 mm of tread depth

Interior

• The Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I is equipped with black leather
• The interior is in very good condition with minimal age-related signs of wear
• Foldable individual seats upholstered in faux leather and a leather-upholstered dashboard
• All features are in working order
• There are no known defects in the interior

Mechanics

• Ready to drive immediately and registered
• The engine runs flawlessly, is leak-free, and runs smoothly
• The manual transmission is in top condition
• Chassis completely overhauled in 1997–1999
• Brake system overhauled with new components
• Contactless ignition system converted in 2017
• Starter battery and turn signal system replaced in 2026
• Last TÜV inspection in October 2025 with no defects found
• No technical defects are known

History

Ownership History

• Since 2001: current owner (Germany)
• Before 2001: USA
• Number of owners: unknown

Service History

• 1997–1999 – Complete restoration (body, engine, chassis)
• 2008 – Metal hood refurbished
• 2017 – Engine overhaul and conversion to contactless ignition
• Oct. 2025 – TÜV general inspection with no defects found
• 2026 – Starter battery and turn signal system replaced

Documents

• BMIHT Production Record Trace Certificate (1997)
• DEKRA appraisal report from 2013 (Grade 2+)
• Original appraisal report by Klaus Kukuk from 1999

Summary

For sale is a 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I “Frogeye” in Irish Blue with black faux leather, first registered in October 1959 in San Francisco, USA. The vehicle’s identity and originality are comprehensively documented by the BMIHT Production Record Trace Certificate as well as by the original serial numbers on the engine, transmission, and chassis, all of which have been preserved throughout. Between 1997 and 1999, the vehicle underwent a complete restoration (body, engine, and chassis), which is reflected in the 2013 DEKRA appraisal with a grade of 2+. The most recent TÜV general inspection in October 2025 was passed without any defects; the TÜV certification is valid through October 2027. Special features such as Mini-Lite alloy wheels, an aluminum dashboard, and left-hand drive round out the picture of this well-maintained and road-ready Frogeye.