From Rainy Shropshire to Sunny Spain: A 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Finds Its Perfect Home

There’s something especially fitting about a classic British sports car swapping grey skies for sunshine—and that’s exactly what’s happened with one of our recent sales here at Forge Press.

A beautifully presented 1959 left-hand drive Austin-Healey Sprite MkI departed our Shropshire base last week and has now begun an exciting new chapter under the Spanish sun.

The car’s new owner, Jason, first discovered his boyhood dream while browsing online—despite being in Spain at the time. Spotting the rare left-hand drive example, he immediately recognised it as the perfect fit for his plans to export a classic car to mainland Europe.

Having recently missed out on another vehicle, Jason was understandably keen not to lose this opportunity. After speaking with Christian at Forge Press, he was able to reserve the Sprite before travelling back to the UK to view it in person.

A trip from London soon followed—and, as expected, it didn’t take long for Jason to make his decision.

Reflecting on the experience, Jason said:

“I was in Spain when I found my boyhood dream car online at The Forge, an Austin Healey Sprite, and being a LHD, I knew immediately it was perfect for my requirements with the intention to export it there. Christian was very open and transparent about the current interest in the car and, given that I had just been ‘gazumped’ on a different classic in Spain, allowed me to reserve it whilst I made arrangements to come back and view. A couple of weeks later, I drove from London to view the car, and of course, immediately purchased it (as I probably already knew I would)! Christian kept me fully updated about the process for preparation of the car and, not having ever owned a classic car before, gave me guidance on how to look after it in the future. He also sourced and arranged the fitting of an immobiliser that I wanted, and dealt with the transport company to ship the car to Spain. It is now basking in that sunny climate, which is perfect for such a lovely little motor. It’s in fantastic condition, drives beautifully and, having looked around The Forge, this is just like all the other cars there. They are all kept in superb condition and cherished. I highly recommend The Forge as Christian has great attention to detail, gets things done, stands by his word, and communicates promptly and clearly. Should I decide to get a classic in the UK, this will be the first place I look.”

Now settled in Spain, the Sprite is enjoying the kind of climate these cars were made for—open roads, blue skies, and plenty of opportunities for top-down motoring.

Stories like this highlight the appeal of classic British cars and the role Forge Press plays in connecting enthusiasts with the right vehicles—wherever in the world they may be.