Close window
Print details

Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite

Austin-Healey Sebring SpriteAustin-Healey Sebring SpriteAustin-Healey Sebring SpriteAustin-Healey Sebring SpriteAustin-Healey Sebring Sprite
Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite
Lot number 144
Hammer value N/S (est. £18,000 - £20,000)
Description Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite
Registration WJJ 998
Year 1959
Colour Blue
Engine size 1,310 cc
Chassis No. AN5/11730
Engine No. 9CVH11549

In the late Fifties John Sprinzel took the humble Frogeye Sprite and developed it into a formidable racing car. As Colin Chapman famously said: "simplify and add lightness". 

The Frogeye was pretty much there already both in terms of simplicity and lightness, but John Sprinzel set about refining the package. These were the days when even front braking made do with drum brakes but the Sprinzel car had discs. The body was replaced by a lightweight aluminium rear shroud and streamlined coupe top manufactured by Williams and Pritchard. Out went the frog's eyes and in came a prettier nose. Even the doors were lightweight items. The Sebring Sprite Coupe was born.

This particularly attractive looking Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite has just emerged from a full ground-up restoration based on a 1959 Frogeye body shell. All the work has been carried out by a highly experienced automotive engineer, using mostly all new parts including an 'Archers' Sebring body kit. For the uninitiated, Archers Garage of Birmingham are probably the world's leading authority on Sebring Sprites and produce particularly well-engineered body kits and parts for the model.

The car comes with its original UK registration number, WJJ 998. Other features include a tuned 1310cc engine; uprated suspension with front anti roll bar and rear Panhard rod; 14-inch Minilite alloy wheels; rollcage; front disc brakes with servo assistance; competition seats and a full safety harness. Whilst not set up for competition, it would be relatively simple to achieve such a set up. Said to drive beautifully, the car has only covered a nominal mileage since it was completed and is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale. 

Close window
Print details