1960 Austin Healey Mk.1 Sprite (Frogeye)
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Highlights
- Loveable classic
- New wiring loom
- Front brakes were recently upgraded
- MOT and Tax exempt
- Interior overhaul
The Appeal
If there is one car that everyone looks and smiles at it is the Mk.1 Sprite. Affectionately known as the Frogeye sprite this example will be the pride of your collection. It is in lovely running condition, but you may wish to undertake some slight recommissioning work to bring it up to a Concours condition.
The current owner has owned the car for an extended period and has been able to undertake some work of their own to make sure this car is presented in lovely condition for you.
The History and Paperwork
- Rolling off the production line at the start of the swinging sixties, this Sprite must have seen some things
- With a few owners, it is a little difficult to piece together everything that has happened to this little Sprite
- We do know that in November 2013 the current owner acquires the car
- Since then they have always kept it in the garage and have completed a few pieces of work to the car
- These include a new wiring loom, upgraded LED interior lights, a new solid state regulator, and an upgrade to front disc brakes
- The interior has also had new carpets, upholstery, and vinyl panels
- A great thing to point out is that, even though it is exempt, the current owner has always put it through an MOT during their ownership
- There is a sizeable amount of modern paperwork that includes the V5, MOT certificates, what looks like a heritage certificate, and a few invoices
- This is a good running and driving example and with a little love you could bring it up to Concours condition
- It is now your chance to add to the ever evolving history of this great little British classic
The Interior
- The interior was retrimmed
- Complements the exterior well
- Experience classic top down motoring
Although the Mk.1 is a little pocket sized classic, the interior feels a lot bigger than you’d expect. Especially when you take the roof down and open up the cabin to the outside world.
The current owner has done a little work inside this Healey, these areas focus on the seats, carpets, and door cards. Thanks to this work these areas are now presented in lovely condition indeed. The red seats are void of any nasty rips or tears from the years of motoring that this Healey has experienced. This condition is then mirrored by the carpets and door cards. You will be able to slide into this interior and feel nice and comfortable.
The interior of this Healey is filled with wonderful classical features, these include the nice and clear Smiths dials, toggle switches, and the small steering wheel. Focusing in on the dials for a second we have been told that the rev counter is not currently linked to the dynamo, but if it was it should work. There is also an ammeter in the dash, but this is currently not wired in.
If you wish to use this car during the summer with the top down/off then you will be happy to hear that a full tonneau cover will come with the car. When fitted it covers all of the interior from either the brilliant British weather or from prying eyes. This just opens up the chances to use this wonderful little classic.
When you get into the interior of this Sprite the whole car shrinks around you making it feel like a tailor made sports car. Looking out over the bonnet at the iconic twin headlights that give the sprite its Frogeye moniker you know that you have gotten into a special car.
You may wish to give the interior a little bit of a tidy up to meet your specific standards, but there shouldn’t be any large recommissioning work that needs to be undertaken within the interior of this Sprite.
The Exterior
- Finished in a striking red
- The removable top is in great condition
- Iconic face
A classic must look the part, and the Frogeye Sprite might just be the happiest looking classic car on the planet. Its twin headlights and grill make for a face that every always smiles at when they see it.
The exterior of this sprite could do with a little bit of work, but on the whole, it appears to be a nice, genuine example of a classic that everyone loves. The current owner has highlighted a few areas that they think could do with some attention. These include a few cracks to the paintwork around the headlights and doors, but there do not appear to be any obvious patches of paint bubbling that would indicate rust in these areas. As these aren’t pressing matters you may wish to address them over the winter before the summer show season starts next year.
You may wish to see a few areas of corrosion that can be found on the steel bonnet and the front end of the chassis. Although there are a few areas that aren’t like they were when it left the factory in 1960, the rest of the exterior is rather presentable. You can expect this from a car that has been enjoyed properly by all of its previous owners.
When you get this back to your collection it will sit in pride of place, and you will always love to look at it.
The Mechanics
- New wiring loom fitted
- Runs and drives lovely
- Always MOT’d
Now we are getting to the business end of this listing we can now focus on the beating heart of this Sprite. This is of course the ever versatile 948cc A-Series engine that you find in so many British cars of this period.
The A-Series may not be a fire breathing V12, but they are easy to live with and tune should you wish. The 948cc engine fitted to this runs beautifully, starting easily and idling nicely. The current owner has mentioned that you may get some smoke from the engine if it is revved hard for a long period, hopefully, this isn’t too much of a problem.
An important upgrade that has been fitted to this Sprite are the disc brakes on the front axle. This help stop the Sprite a lot quicker than the original drums would have, this just adds to the usability of this classic on modern roads.
You will be able to get in and take this car on some wonderful, and memorable trips during your ownership so don’t miss out on the chance to acquire this example.
Summary
The Frogeye Sprite is one of those cars that everyone loves and wants to know more about, wherever you go with this classic there is a chance that everyone will look at it and smile.
It is ready to go now, but with a little bit of work completed to this example over the autumn and winter months, you will have a great car that is ready to show off wherever you go.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1960
- Make Austin Healey
- Model Mk.1 Sprite
- Colour Red
- Odometer 103,834 Miles
- Engine size 948
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Reading
- Location Berkshire
- Country United Kingdom
28
bids
- Ce•••• £10,500 18/09/22
- br•••• £10,250 18/09/22
- Ce•••• £10,000 18/09/22
- br•••• £9,800 18/09/22
- Ce•••• £9,600 18/09/22
- br•••• £9,400 18/09/22
- Ce•••• £9,200 18/09/22
- br•••• £9,000 18/09/22
- Ce•••• £8,800 18/09/22
- br•••• £8,700 18/09/22
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