MkI

Austin-Healey Sprite MkI

First Registration 1960, Austin-Healey Sprite MkI

Only 1‘600 kms since „frame-off“ full restoration

Swiss Road Registration with „Veteran“ entry

British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate

Matching Numbers and Colours

This Austin-Healey Sprite of the first series (MkI 1958-1961) still has the typical body shape with the upright front headlights. Because the headlights were also moved towards the middle of the car, the motoring press of the time often gave them the nickname “Frogeye”. The Austin stylists originally wanted to integrate them deep into the side wings, but the car could not have been registered because of the minimum height of the lights prescribed in the USA. The initial plan was to move the headlights further towards the centre and to mount them so that they could rotate. However, this idea had to be dropped for cost reasons, and so the lights were mounted in a fixed position. This very characteristic look was not very well accepted by the public and the Sprite MkI was replaced by the MkII after only four years. The design of the MkII was very similar to the MG B and these days lacks anything special.

Without any consideration of costs, this “Frogeye” was completely rebuilt at the highest level. For this project, the car was disassembled into its pieces and every screw was renewed. The entire mechanics were, of course, also completely rebuilt. A detailed photo documentation demonstrates the immense effort that went into the restoration. This Austin-Healey Sprite is a whole lot better than it ever was when it came off the production line!

The advertising slogan from that time could hardly be more true today: “It’s the Spritle-ly feeling! Suddenly everthing is more fun.” The driving fun can hardly be beaten and the sympathies of pedestrians will just fly towards you!

Please, check our website www.lutziger-classiccars.ch for more detailed pictures.