Beschreibung
FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION AT THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, DUXFORD, CAMBRIDGESHIRE
AUCTION DATE: 13TH MARCH 2024
Auction Estimate: No Reserve
Lot details
Registration No: LVW 655C
Chassis No: HAN8-50704
MOT: T. B. A
Presented in an attractive Green with contrasting Black interior
Restored in the '90s and subject to extensive works between 2019 and 2020 including minor engine overhaul
Extensive history file
Thanks to its prominent, bonnet-mounted headlights, the original Sprite quickly became known as the `Frogeye'. The little two-seater, designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company and built by BMC at the MG factory in Abingdon, was launched in Monte Carlo immediately prior to the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. Some 129, 000 Sprites were made between the 'Frogeye' of 1958 and 1971. The bodywork was completely revamped for the MkII introduced in 1961, which featured conventional wings, bonnet and headlights. The rear was also updated and given an opening boot lid.
The MkIII Sprite was built in the MG factory in Berkshire, urging MG to build a similar car, the Midget. Effectively a re-badged MkIII Sprite, with a different grille and minor body detailing. Enthusiasts called the collection of Sprites and Midgets, 'Spridgets'. The MkIII was another step up to keep up with the times, wind-up windows, exterior door handles, lockable doors and semi-elliptical rear leaf springs were introduced. Austin-Healey's main focus at the time was comfort with the MkIII, while offering good power through their A-Series in-line-4.
This particular Sprite, presented in an attractive shade of Green with contrasting Black interior was restored in the mid ‘90s by its then custodian. Benefiting from an unleaded conversion has received attention as and when required since, but notably much work was undertaken between 2019 and 2020. Over this period, the engine was removed, the valves and seats re-cut, valve guides replaced, cylinder head re-ground and exhaust seats replaced. The steering wheel was replaced with a Moto-Lita unit, electronic ignition was fitted, a replacement ignition coil, distributor cap and HT leads fitted, the engine was once again removed, a replacement crank shaft oil seal and timing cover gasket fitted, oil replaced and the engine refitted. A carburettor overhaul was undertaken, some areas of rust rectified and more. Now offered for sale for its new custodian, the car would perhaps benefit from some tuning and attention to the bonnet hinge.
Included with the vehicle is a comprehensive history file containing a large collection of previous invoices dating back as far as 1994, a large collection of MOT certificates dating back as far as 1996, documents relating to previous sales of the car, a collection of previous Valuation Certificates, some literature and the current V5C document which displays 12 former keepers.
