1959 AUSTIN-HEALEYAUSTIN SPRITE MkI
ENGINE 948cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 59bhp@5600rpm TORQUE 64lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 96mph 0-60MPH 13.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 26-33mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 92,471 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine starts easily and revs readily with no untoward exhaust smoke. This little ‘Frogeye’ feels like a racing car; lively, tight and on edge. The steering is ultra-precise – not twitchy but the slightest input affects where the car goes. The gear shift action is slick and accurate with a lovely mechanical feel. The ride is firm so the car corners fairly flat with excellent grip but remains comfortable. This thing is loud! The noisy side exit exhaust is hilariously entertaining at first but could become tedious on a long drive. The Shorrock supercharger delivers vivid acceleration and it pulls well through the gears and rev range. New brakes have just been fitted and are still bedding in, so have yet to get their full bite.
BODYWORK CHECK
The panels are straight, there’s no rust, the paint is good and a dent in the matt black bonnet has been repaired professionally. Headlight grilles, a boot-mounted spare wheel, side exit exhaust and rear over-riders in place of full bumpers lend it a tough rally car appearance. The front grille has good chrome, the painted wire wheels are in fine order (including the chrome knock-off spinners) and the tyres are good 145/13 Pirelli P4s with deep tread all round. There is a hole drilled in the roof for a spot lamp, and an air intake flap in front of it to cool the cabin.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The green leather bucket seats are in very good condition, as is the small amount of green carpet. The simple dash is supplemented by a boost gauge for the supercharger, plus stop watches, split/trip clocks, a map light, auxiliary switch panel and fire extinguisher. The woodrimmed steering wheel looks and feels good. There are no seatbelts fitted, but the sliding windows are in good condition with no scratches and afford access to the interior door catch (there are no external door handles or locks).
UNDER THE BONNET
It’s all in good honest shape in and around the engine bay, with no rust or accident damage to be found. The supercharger and big SU carburettor are obvious on the right of the engine and there are no signs of anything being amiss. It’s an almost factory-looking installation and the engine is all tidy with no signs of any water or oil leaks. A Kenlowe electric cooling fan and an oil cooler have been fitted. The dual-line braking system has new lines throughout the car.
THE CCW VIEW
This ‘Frogeye’ Sprite is already a hugely entertaining car to drive, and the addition of a supercharger just adds to that. Anthony Godin’s workshop has just recommissioned it and it could readily be used for race/ rally events, or just enjoyed in its current lovely condition as a fun road car.