Previously restored in period correct Old English White with red interior
Iconic & desirable “Frogeye” Mk1 variant
Largely original with period additions where suitable
4117 miles shown on the clock but this was most likely reset at the time of restoration
The Appeal
As many enthusiasts will already be familiar with, the Sprite is one of the most popular classic sports roadsters to date. The MK1 of course features the rather distinctively placed front headlights, which help this car earn its “Frogeye” nickname. Frogeye variants are often sought after for their charming, characterful appearance, as well as superb performance.
As is the case with many British sports cars, many have fallen to poor conditions and corrosion over the years, with only the most well-cared for standing strong today.
This particular example has been previously restored, treated with a fresh respray, and well maintained over the years, helping it stand head and shoulders above plenty of other cars in today’s market.
Plenty of invoices documenting two previous restorations
Heritage certificate
V5C document present
Quite impressively, this Frogeye shows just 6 former keepers on the V5C document, yet has no doubt been thoroughly enjoyed throughout its time on the road.
As mentioned above, this example has been treated with plenty of love and attention, with over £11,000 spent on restoration work over the years. Key work to note includes a new shell, engine rebuild, rust repair & bodywork, and more. The car appears to have been restored once, completed 1997 and then bare metal repainted again in 2020.
All invoices detailing work carried out as part of the restoration process, along with more recent maintenance can be found with the included paperwork.
Also included with the vehicle is the heritage certificate, V5C document, a collection of previous MOTs, a driver’s handbook, and even a copy of the original order document.
Refurbished Red vinyl seats with matching red carpets
Original 60's Les Leston style 3-spoke steering wheel
Tonneau cover and soft top included
The Sprite is a roadster designed with simple principles in mind. It was a car aimed at the everyday consumer, with attention aimed more towards providing a fun driving experience over needless luxuries. As a result, you’ll find the interior of the vehicle rather minimal and purpose-built, but certainly not without its charm.
In contrast to the Old English White paintwork, the car sports a red interior, including red vinyl seats, with white piping. As the car has seen so little use since being restored, the seats are in excellent shape, with seemingly no visible signs of wear. The car is also fitted with red carpeting throughout, a more luxurious upgrade from the original rubber floor mats, which has started to age nicely in line with the rest of the car, but remains in excellent condition.
Looking forward, the dashboard shows off mainly original instruments apart from the rev counter which is now a later item from an MG Midget. This works via electrical pulse and is generally regarded as more reliable than the original unit. The dashboard has been recovered in an attractive red "vynide" as per original and no unnecessary holes have been cut for additional switches / instruments which is so common in these cars. All instruments and controls are believed to be in full working order, and now only show minimal signs of use on contact points. The car also sports what appears to be a beautiful original Les Leston style steering wheel with the original Sprite horn-push in its centre, a rarity in itself!
Behind the seats, you’ll find ample storage space for the hood, car cover, red tonneau cover, tool kit, spare wheel and side curtains.
Recently resprayed Old English White paintwork (in 2020)
Original Metal bonnet
Excellent Chromework
The Frogeye Sprite truly is a charming little roadster, that never fails to make you grin each time you see that adorable little face.
This particular example does the name proudly, the body-shell now sporting a rather recent respray in Old English White which included the underside of the vehicle. As the vehicle has covered very few miles since its paintwork two years ago and the exterior shows only incredibly minor defects noticeable upon very close inspection. A glimpse into the wheel arches will likely reveal just how few miles the vehicle has covered since its new look. It also features its original steel bonnet; a rarity when so many are changed to Fibreglass due to rust issues.
This car has an original front bumper (one of the luxury options on a vehicle this basic in the 1960's) and overriders at the rear which appear re-chromed as they are excellent. The car also has a period looking locking fuel filler cap, a welcome upgrade from the previous item!
This little Sprite sits atop its correct steel wheels (which were unique to Mk1's and Mk2's) with Austin-Healey hub caps. All 4 wheels are in excellent condition, now sporting a matching set of rather fresh looking Arrow Speed tyres.
New wheel cylinders throughout and refurbished brakes
Often regarded as one of the most enjoyable roadsters ever produced, the Sprite boasts an excellent power-to-weight ratio and offers a very engaging driving experience. It should come as no surprise that these vehicles are still seen in motorsport to the day, with hill climbs being a particular favourite for the quirky roadster.
Buyers will be pleased to know that the legendary A-Series engine in this car fires up at a flick of its start button, settling down after choke to a steady idle; chugging away through its stainless steel exhaust. This is all thanks to an engine rebuild completed at the time of restoration and is documented in the paperwork supplied with the car.
The car stays cool with what appears to be a reconditioned radiator and the SU HS2 carburettors feature their original pancake air-filters. We are informed by the vendor that the gearbox is smooth with no noticeable unwanted noise and the clutch spot on. Although the vehicle hasn’t seen much use throughout its time with the current keeper, the car has continued to be cared for, receiving a new rear crank seal to cure a previous oil leak.
At the time of restoration, the braking system was also refurbished with new wheel cylinders all round and as a result the car stops up very nicely.
Now, this roadster performs with no known mechanical or electrical fault and is ready to be enjoyed out on the open road, where it will no doubt continue to live up to its legend as the sports car for all.
This Austin-Healey Sprite presents a superb opportunity to own the most desirable small British sportscar of all time. This “Frogeye” has been professionally restored, treated to new paintwork, a rebuilt engine, and plenty of care over the years. If you’re looking for a superb addition to a classic collection, or fancy a new weekend toy for the summer, look no further than this MK1 Sprite.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
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