Although the engine is less than one liter in displacement, it is still thrilling to be behind the wheel.
It’s a charming little sports car, no matter what you call it, the Mark 1, the bugeye, or the Frog Eye, the Austin-Healey Sprite’s first iteration is. Jay Leno’s 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite comes from the son who was the original owner. The comedian, dressed in denim, takes the little car out for a spin in this video.
Back in those days, the Sprite was an entry-level sports car. According to the Illustrated Austin-Healey Buyer’s Guide, this engine produces 43 horsepower (32 kilowatts). A four-speed manual gearbox transmits the power.
Sprite is not fast nor quick. According to the buyer’s manual, acceleration to 60 miles per an hour (96 km per hour) takes 23.7 seconds. Maximum speed is 79 mph (127 km/h).
Jay points out that the Sprite’s modest performance numbers don’t reflect how much fun it is to drive. It is the closest thing to driving a road-legal gokart. He describes the engine as “lusty”. Although the little AustinHealey isn’t fast enough to make it onto an interstate, the machine can handle a two-lane road.
Leno attempted to keep the Sprite as original and driveable as possible. Leno cleaned the body and repaired some dents, but he didn’t paint the exterior. He just cleaned off the vinyl seats in the cabin.
It was quite different with the engine. Leno’s crew rebuilt it because the cylinders didn’t have compression. They kept the original design and did not take the chance to tune the mill. Under the hood, there’s a new radiator and other parts.
Leno lifts the Sprite onto a lift at the end to show the underbody. Although there is some surface rust, it’s not too bad for a vehicle over 60 years old. Even the exhaust is original. This is an old British sports car that naturally leaks oil. However, it’s just part of the normal era.