1959 Austin Healey

Transmission Details: 5 Speed Manual

Welcome to the Ayrburn Classic Live Auction 2026. These vehicles will be auctioned live at the iconic Ayrburn Estate, Arrowtown, on Saturday 21 February 2026 at 5:00pm. For questions, bidding registration (in person, online, or phone), pre-purchase inspections or additional history, photos and videos please contact us here or visit the Sunday Drive website auctions page. Full vehicle description available on the Sunday Drive website.

Reserve price is significantly lower than the listed price Price guide $65,000 - $85,000

A delightfully charming Mk1 Austin-Healey Sprite that perfectly balances period character with modern usability, and quite possibly one of the best-presented examples in New Zealand.

Originally registered in New Plymouth on 23 June 1959 (registration AY8225), this Sprite has undergone an extensive rotisserie restoration, with photographic documentation supplied on a memory stick. While presenting visually as a standard 1959 Frogeye Sprite, it benefits from a series of carefully considered performance and drivability upgrades.

The body was stripped to bare metal and hand-filed by a renowned Jaguar specialist, with bodywork receipts alone totalling $22,500, excluding paint. The result is exceptional panel fit and finish, with crisp gaps and an immaculate overall presentation. The interior has been fully refurbished, featuring high-quality carpets, seats, dashboard and door cards, all sympathetic to the cars era.

Mechanically, the Sprite has been significantly upgraded. A Mk4 1275 engine has been installed and bored to 1380cc, with all work completed by respected specialist Lynn Rogers. A high-torque Calver camshaft, rebuilt twin carburettors, oil cooler, electric fan, electronic ignition and alternator conversion have been fitted. Power is delivered through a Rivergate five-speed gearbox conversion, dramatically improving usability and cruising comfort.

Handling and braking have been transformed with a front disc brake and upright conversion, telescopic rear suspension and professional four-wheel alignment. All under-bonnet modifications have been tastefully detailed to suit the 1950s aesthetic, and all mechanical and suspension upgrades are fully certified. Tonneau cockpit cover, soft top roof and frame, side windows all included.

Quite simply, this is one of the cutest and best-executed Mk1 Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprites available, offering standout presentation, thoughtful upgrades and enormous driving enjoym