Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 29th July from 12pm
Auction: Wed 30st July from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1960 Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite
No Reserve
Registration No: SRC 480
Chassis No: AN5/ 30885
MOT: Exempt
A genuine, period 'Sebring Sprite' converted by Sprinzel in period
Featured in 'Spritely Years' by John Sprinzel & Tom Coulthard
Offered in need of restoration, but complete with a plethora of spares
Eligible for several historic racing events including the Goodwood Weslake Cup
Thanks to its prominent, bonnet-mounted headlights, the original Sprite quickly became known as the 'Frogeye' - a moniker that has stuck to this day. 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. The unique, one-piece bonnet covered a mildly tuned, 43bhp 948cc version of the BMC 'A' series engine already found in the Austin A35 and Morris Minor. The suspension was coil spring and wishbone at the front and quarter elliptic springs at the rear, with lever arm dampers all round. The construction was 'integrated' rather than a full monocoque and featured forward projecting chassis legs of the type used in the E-Type Jaguar. The minimal specification excluded exterior door handles and boot lid. Some 49, 000 Frogeyes were built between 1958 and 1961. The Sprite was quickly adopted for competition by both privateers and the Works - the latter's first major success being the win of John Sprinzel and Willy Cave on the 1958 Alpine Rally. The model is still proving handy in rallies, races, sprints, hillclimbs and autotests to this day and the most desirable competition variants are the genuine 'Sebring' Sprites built in period by the likes of the Donald Healey Motor Works, Speedwell, Lenham and the Sprinzel works.
More information to follow.
** 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).
