Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I
The cheerful face of British motoring, offering accessible sports car thrills in a minimalist package.
- Power
- 43 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 20.5 s
- Top speed
- 83 mph
- Est. value
- $14k–$42k
About the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I
The Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I was designed by Donald Healey to be a low-cost successor to the sporting variants of the Austin Seven. Its distinctive 'Frogeye' (or 'Bugeye' in North America) appearance was a result of a cost-cutting measure; the headlights were originally intended to retract, but were fixed in the upright position to save production expenses. The car features a unique one-piece bonnet and wing assembly that hinges upwards for engine access. Despite its modest power, the Sprite's lightweight chassis and rack-and-pinion steering made it a highly successful entry-level racer and a staple of the 1950s British sports car scene.
Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I specs
The Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I produces 43 bhp (32 kW) and 71 Nm (52 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 20.5 seconds and has a top speed of 83 mph (133 km/h).
| Make | Austin-Healey |
|---|---|
| Model | Sprite |
| Generation | Mk I |
| Trim | Frogeye |
| Years | 1958–1961 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 48,987 built |
| Original price | About $1,800 when new |
| Engine | 948cc A-Series inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 948 cc (0.9 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 43 bhp (32 kW) at 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 71 Nm (52 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 20.5 s |
| Top speed | 83 mph (133 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 664 kg (1,464 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 65 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I worth?
A typical Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I is estimated to be worth $14,000 – $42,000 (about £10,000 – £31,000).
Its original price when new was about $1,800.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I rarity in CarSpot
The Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 38 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I fun facts
- The Sprite was the first British sports car to use unitary construction, where the body shell takes the structural loads rather than a separate chassis.
- Early models lacked an external boot lid to preserve structural integrity; the spare tyre and luggage had to be accessed by tilting the seat backs forward.
- The 'Frogeye' nickname is exclusive to the Mk I, as the Mk II moved to a more conventional front-end design with headlights integrated into the wings.