WORLD BEST

Car price tracker

Track car prices and stay informed on market trends with our comprehensive car pricing tool. See historical prices and compare models to make an informed decision on your next vehicle purchase. Find the best deal on your dream car today!
< Go back
Austin Healey

Austin Healey - Sprite (1959)

Austin Healey Sprite, 1959 – a name that instantly evokes the golden era of British sports cars. The 1959 Austin Healey Sprite, originally priced in the UK at just over £200, has become a benchmark for collectors worldwide. If you’re wondering **“what is a 1959 Austin Healey Sprite worth”** today, the answer lies in a mix of rarity, condition, and market appetite. Below is a detailed look at the classic model, its specifications, depreciation trajectory, and how it stacks up against its rivals. --- ### Key Specifications (Austin Healey Sprite 1959)

  • Engine: 761 cc Twin‑Cam, 40–44 hp at 6250 rpm
  • Transmission: 4‑speed manual, half‑synchromesh on the third gear
  • Fuel Type: Petrol (high octane preferred)
  • Vehicle Layout: Front‑engine, Rear‑wheel drive
  • Drive Type: 4‑wheel antilock discs (original equipped with drum brakes, modern builds often retain discs)
  • Dimensions (Original): Length ≈ 3.25 m (12 ft 8 in), Width ≈ 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in), Height ≈ 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
  • Weight: Roughly 970 kg (2139 lb) – one of the lightest British roadsters
  • Suspension: Independent front and rear wishbones, coil‑over springs
  • Gearbox Ratio: 4.12:1 – designed for low‑speed manoeuvrability and spirited cornering
  • Brakes: Drum (front and rear on the stock model); many restorations now carry front discs for improved stopping power
  • Interior: Minimalist, single‑seat layout, steel belts replaced by Chilean‑rigid‑web belts in many modern builds
These details highlight why the Sprite remains an icon: a lightweight body, mid‑engine twin‑cam, and a chassis that now, even after six decades, delivers engaging driving dynamics. --- ### Depreciation Insight Classic cars don’t follow the typical new‑car depreciation curve; their value can fluctuate based on desirability, mileage, and provenance. Historically, **Austin Healey Sprite depreciation** has been less steep per year than luxury modern cars but can be more volatile than high‑end vintage marques. * Typically, a *used Austin Healey Sprite price* will **lose about 15 – 20 % of its value within the first year** after a major restoration or administrative change (for instance, when a body is re‑registered in the U.S.). * Over a five‑year span, the combined depreciation may hover around **35 – 45 %**, largely dependent on the vehicle’s condition (track‑ready, concours, or road‑use). * In a well‑curated collectors market, a 1959 Sprite in **original condition** may actually **increase in value** when the supply of such cars dries up, but this is only true for the highest quality examples. The key takeaway is that potential buyers should assess the **used Austin Healey Sprite price** by factoring in restoration status, mileage, and historical certification rather than just the raw year or engine size. --- ### Market Context & Comparison When comparing a 1959 Sprite to its contemporaries, the **Austin Healey Sprite price** has a clear niche: * **MG Midget** – typically paired on the market at a similar price level, but the Midget offers a 659 cc engine with a smoother rev‑range; its larger foot‑print makes it suitable for those who prefer a slightly more comfortable ride. * **Mini (75 cc)** – Many buyers might lean toward the Mini due to its iconic status, but it provides 47 hp and a higher curb weight (780 kg), which shifts handling dynamics. * **Porsche 356** – Far above the price bracket for a Sprite but offers a 1.6 L engine and four seats; it appeals to those who want


Last 20 car trackeds

Last tracked date Status Price Price rank Link
3 years ago used £18,950.00 Unlock all links
4 years ago used £18,950.00 Unlock all links
4 years ago used £19,950.00 Unlock all links
4 years ago used £15,000.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
5 years ago used £20,500.00 Unlock all links
Note that old links may not work