A Timeless Classic Reimagined: 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite

We’re delighted to welcome to The Forge this beautifully restored 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite — a truly exceptional left-hand-drive example that perfectly captures the charm of British motoring heritage.

Lovingly rebuilt to a superb standard, this Frogeye combines period character with subtle, well-judged upgrades that make it both show-worthy and wonderfully usable on modern roads.

Classic Style, Enhanced Performance

Under the bonnet sits a lively 1275cc engine, providing an eager step up in performance from the original 948cc unit. Paired with a five-speed gearbox, the Sprite now cruises comfortably at modern speeds — making it just as enjoyable for weekend drives as for long touring adventures.

Other thoughtful enhancements include:

Front disc brakes for improved braking confidence

Minilite wheels for that timeless motorsport look

Aluminium fuel tank and Facet fuel pump for reliability

Upgraded alternator for consistent electrical performance

Body-coloured underside, showcasing the meticulous level of restoration

Every component has been chosen for quality and durability, ensuring this Frogeye is as well-sorted mechanically as it is visually stunning.

Heritage and Provenance

According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this Austin Healey Sprite Mk1 — Chassis Number AN5-L23969, Body Number BAE/23788 — was built as a left-hand-drive, North American export model. It left the Abingdon factory on 25th September 1959 and was dispatched just three days later to the Austin Healey dealership in Fort Worth, Texas.

The car was originally finished in Old English White with a Red interior and Black hood, complete with factory-fitted options including a heater, rev counter, windscreen washers, tonneau cover, whitewall tyres, laminated windscreen and U.S.-spec lighting.

The Spirit of the Frogeye

Few classics encapsulate the fun and simplicity of open-top British motoring like the Frogeye Sprite. With its instantly recognisable “smiling” face, light weight and nimble handling, it remains one of the most charming small sports cars ever built.

This particular example, restored to a remarkably high standard and featuring tasteful upgrades throughout, strikes the perfect balance between originality and usability.

Whether admired on the show field or driven spiritedly along a country lane, this 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite is sure to bring smiles wherever it goes — just as its designers intended over sixty years ago.