Austin-Healey Sprite Mk 1 (1960)
Austin-Healey Sprite Mk 1 "Froschauge" (1960) owned since 1990, engine overhauled, Mk II transmission installed
Overview
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BID HISTORY
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Highlights and general information
For sale is a 1960 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I "Froschauge" in cherry red with black interior.
Highlights
- Left-hand drive imported from the USA – according to the previous owner from Kansas (dry state)
- In Germany since 1990, permanently owned by the current owner since then
- 43,000 miles according to the odometer – original mileage according to the owner
- Mileage verifiable thanks to long-term ownership and history
- Engine completely overhauled – according to the owner, the car has been running very well since then
- Transmission converted to Mk II transmission
- Hardtop, soft top, and tonneau cover included
- Spoke wheels with wing and octagonal nuts
- Approx. $7,000 investment
- Regular maintenance by specialist companies in Friedrichsthal and previously at MK-Parts Sturm in Baden-Baden
General information about the vehicle
- Year of manufacture: 1960
- First registration: USA, 07/1960
- Location: 67714 Waldfischbach-Burgalben, Germany
- Number of previous owners: unknown
- Accident-free in current ownership
- Registered
- TÜV until 09/2025
- Ready to drive
Model history
The Austin-Healey Sprite was introduced in 1958 as a compact and affordable roadster. Developed by the Donald Healey Motor Company and produced at the MG plant in Abingdon, the Sprite relied on proven series technology to keep costs low. The first generation, known as the "Frog Eye," quickly became a cult classic thanks to its distinctive front design. From 1961, the model was also offered as the MG Midget—both versions are now known among enthusiasts as "Spridgets."
Facts
Exterior & interior:
- Exterior color: Cherry Red
- Interior: black interior
- Light gray hardtop
- Repaint: unknown according to owner
Engine and transmission:
- 948 cc four-cylinder in-line engine with 46 hp (34 kW)
- Manual 4-speed transmission, converted to Mk II transmission
- Engine completely overhauled by specialist workshop
- Transmission replaced due to technical defects (4th gear jumped out)
Mileage:
- Mileage: 43,029 miles (read)
- Mileage verifiable: no
- No service history available
Documentation
- Vehicle documents available
- Invoices
Tires, brakes, bodywork & underbody:
- Tires: Tread is good, tires are a bit older
- Brakes: Good condition
- Bodywork: Acceptable condition
- Underbody: Acceptable condition – surface rust
- Please view the photo gallery and videos for further insights into the condition of the vehicle.
Known defects:
- Alternator was replaced with a Mini Cooper alternator while on vacation – no tachometer drive available (original alternator not available)
- Bodywork with age-related signs of wear
- Underbody with slight flash rust
- Larger paint chip on rear right
- Hole on the back of the driver's seat
- Please view the photo gallery and videos for further insight into the condition of the vehicle.
Summary
For sale is a 1960 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I "Froschauge" in cherry red with black interior. This charming classic was exported to the USA, where it was mainly located in Kansas. The vehicle has been in Germany since 1990 and has been owned by the current owner since then. According to the odometer, the mileage is just under 43,000 miles. The engine has been professionally overhauled and the transmission has been converted to a reliable Mk II model. This is an exciting opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own an Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I in authentic condition.
Vehicle videos
Kickdown check
- Kickdown photographer was on site
- Video of the vehicle available
- Main inspection
Comments of this past auction
Technik: Die Serie Mark I hatte wegen der Anordnung der Scheinwerfer in Europa den Spitznamen „Frogeye“ („Froschauge“), in den USA „Bugeye“. Ursprünglich sollten die Scheinwerfer einfahrbar sein, ähnlich wie beim Porsche 928, jedoch verwarf man diese, um Kosten zu sparen. Die Front (Haube, Kotflügel) ist ein komplettes Stück, ähnlich wie beim Jaguar E-Type, und lässt sich als Ganzes nach hinten öffnen, um an den Motor zu gelangen. Der Sprite Mark I verfügt über keine äußeren Türgriffe, man muss die Tür von innen öffnen. Auch verfügt der Sprite Mark I über keine Heckklappe. Um an den Kofferraum zu gelangen, muss man die Sitzlehnen umklappen, und unter das Verdeck greifen, was den Kofferraum schwer nutzbar macht. Viele Besitzer installieren eine Gepäckablage auf dem Heck. Motor und Getriebe stammten vom Austin A35, Lenkung und Bremsen vom Morris Minor. Bei einem Hubraum von 948 cm³ leistete der Motor 43 bhp (brake horse power) (44 PS) (32 kW) bei einer Umdrehungszahl von 5300/min. In einem Test aus dem Jahr 1958 erreichte der Wagen eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 133,4 km/h. Vom Sprite Mark I entstanden 48.987 Fahrzeuge.