1965 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I FIA
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***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Very rare Ashley hardtop
- Excellent British Racing Green paintwork
- Various mechanical upgrades for competitive use
The Appeal
This Austin-Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite is a charming little classic British sports car, which has received some upgrades for competitive use. It is accompanied by original historic FIA identity papers and looks like it would be huge fun to use in a variety of events.
The very rare Ashley hardtop is an attractive addition, giving the car sleek lines, and it is finished in British Racing Green, along with the rest of the car. This paint is in great condition and looks very smart.
Engine tuning, brake upgrades and other tweaks mean that this Austin-Healey should perform admirably. And being such a lightweight car, it doesn't take much to make it drive extremely well.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 7th February 1965
- Contrôle Technique expires on 21st September 2024
- Chassis number 51402
- Recent invoices totalling €2,800 spent brakes, electrics and paintwork
- FIA identity papers
- Three previous owners
The Interior
- Competition specification interior
- Four-point harnesses
- Dashboard controls labelled
The interior of this Sprite has been prepared for competition use, with unnecessary items such as carpets and door cards being removed and a few necessary extras added, including four-point seat belts, a fire extinguisher and a roll bar. The dashboard switches and gauges have been labelled in French and we’re told that the tachometer no longer works, since electronic ignition has been fitted.
Improved weather protection and streamlining is provided by the Ashley fibreglass detachable roof. This appears to be in good condition, fitting well and with no obvious signs of cracking or damage.
The seats are well presented, with smart red vinyl covers. They can be easily removed, and the floors beneath them look good. There is some checker plate in the footwells and on the sills, which adds to the car’s simple, rugged, competitive look. The navigator is also provided with a footrest.
The Exterior
- British Racing Green paintwork in excellent condition
- Clean and tidy underneath
- MiniLite style alloy wheels
The ‘Frogeye’ Sprite takes its name from the jauntily positioned headlamps on the bonnet. Along with the happy looking radiator grille, you can’t help but smile when you see a Sprite.
This car has benefitted from recent British Racing Green paintwork, which remains in excellent condition and suits it very well. Other than an imperfection on the fibre bonnet, there are very few marks or blemishes we could see and the paint retains a deep shine. The Ashley hardtop gives it a sporting ‘fastback’ look and provides some streamlining.
The rear overriders have been removed and the rest of the exterior trim looks to be well preserved, with the lamp lenses clear and bright and clean lines being preserved by the lack of external door handles.
MiniLite alloy wheels are fitted and well presented, with no obvious signs of damage, and the tyres are said to retain good tread. Underneath, the car looks to be in good order, with no damage or corrosion reported.
The Mechanics
- Rebored to 999cc four-cylinder A Series engine producing 100bhp
- Weber Carburettor
- Third gear hangs a little
- Limited-slip differential
- Recent work to the brakes, ignition, and fluids changed
Under the bonnet sits an eager little four-cylinder A Series engine, as used in small classic British cars for many decades. It is said to run very well, having been tuned and serviced. The vendor tells us that all fluids were replaced in 2022. Other work recently carried out includes fitting electronic ignition and a hydraulic handbrake and brake bias adjuster.
The engine bay is clean and tidy, and features such modern niceties as twin brake master cylinders, a brake servo and and oil catch can. With the bonnet lifted, there is plenty of space to access the engine and swing a spanner, making maintenance simple. This Sprite has also benefited from an upgraded clutch and rebuilt gearbox (straight-cut).
Summary
A great car for competitive use, or simply enjoying its improved performance.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
For more details, email [email protected]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1965
- Make Austin Healey
- Model Sprite MK1 FIA
- Colour Green
- Odometer 10,999 Miles
- Engine size 998
Auction Details
Message C&C Auction Team
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Jetterswiller
- Country France
The Gallery
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