Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 20th May from 12pm
Auction: Wed 21st May from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1959 Austin-Healey 'Frogeye' Sprite
Estimate
£14, 000 - £16, 000
Registration No: XGW 344
Chassis No: AN5/ 22883
MOT: Exempt
Built to RHD Personal Export specification and supplied new to Mrs Lilian Chamberlian of Weymouth, Dorset
Ordered with such niceties as a heater, rev counter and front bumper (as per its Heritage Certificate)
The subject of much past restoration work (some of which was photographically documented)
Appears to pleasingly retain its original engine which has been converted to run on unleaded petrol
Tonneau cover, hood and sidescreens
Intended as a spiritual successor to pre-WW2 sports cars such as the MG M-type or Austin 7 Nippy, the Austin-Healey Sprite was launched in May 1958. Fruit of the partnership between Donald Healey and Austin's Leonard Lord, its design costs were kept to a minimum through some inspired parts bin raiding. Built around a lightweight monocoque, it utilised the Austin A35's independent front suspension and four-speed gearbox. Powered by a twin-carburettor fed 948cc A-series four-cylinder engine developing some 43bhp/ 52lbft, it was capable of over 80mph. Put on sale for just £669 rarely before or since has a sports car enjoyed such a large fun-to-price ratio.
According to its accompanying Heritage Certificate and copy warranty slip, chassis AN5/ 22883 was supplied new by Tilleys Ltd of Weymouth to Mrs Lilian Chamberlian via the Personal Export Delivery Scheme. Finished in Iris Blue with Dark Blue upholstery and a Black hood, extras specified for the two-seater included a heater, rev counter and front bumper. The original buff logbook shows that the Frogeye was first registered to the Austin Motors Export Corporation on 28th September 1959 under the London-issued number plate ‘XGW 344’. Re-registered to Mrs Chamberlain at her Dorset address less than two weeks later, it is unknown whether the Sprite spent any time overseas. Painted Old English White for a time, the Frogeye was treated to an extensive (partially photographically documented) restoration some two decades ago that returned it to its initial colours. Converted to run on unleaded as part of its overhaul, the engine appears to be the original factory-fitted unit. Sporting a tonneau, hood and sidescreens plus a luggage rack, ‘XGW 344’ remains highly presentable to our eyes. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file – a delight.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
