Highlights

Upgraded with a Rover K Series twin-cam 16v engine and five-speed Ford Sierra manual gearbox
Equipped with front-wheel disc brakes
Presented in very good usable condition
All major original parts are available (and included if desired) to return it to its original A Series powertrain
Accompanied by a detailed photographic record of the restoration work

The Appeal

Owners have been striving to eek further performance out of their Frogeye Sprites since the model was first introduced in 1958. Designed by the great Donald Healey, these diminutive cars were competitive hill climb entrants from the outset and were marketed as affordable sports cars that “a chap could keep in his bike shed”.

In the spirit of those early tinkerers, this 1961 example has been significantly upgraded with the fitment of a 1.6-litre, fuel-injected, 16v twin-cam Rover K Series engine which provides more than twice the power of the original A-Series lump. It’s more long-legged too, thanks to a five-speed manual gearbox, and stopping is taken care of via front disc brakes. Unsurprisingly, this Frogeye is seriously quick, and the vendor informs us that it handles brilliantly too.

As for the rest of the car, it benefits from an older restoration from around 2006 and is used regularly although has only covered a few hundred miles since completion. We’re advised that the tyres are nearly new.

The vendor comments, “it’s a car that always raises a smile with both the public and the driver”.

The History and Paperwork

The vendor offers to provide the car with a valid MOT
1961 British registered car chassis n. ANS41250
It was purchased for restoration by the previous owner in Hull in 1988
The vendor purchased the car in 2006
It is registered with the DVLA as an historic vehicle
V5C present
It has had an MOT since restoration with no advisories
Accompanied by a photo album which illustrates the extent of the work

The Condition

The previous owner restored the body and undercoated it
The rear wheel arches were restored, in a certain light you can reportedly just see marks in the rear wing indicating this
In the eighteen years since the restoration, no rust has appeared and no work has been needed
Minilite-style alloy wheels
Bumpers front and rear newly rechromed
Nicely painted in yellow cellulose, in good condition and very presentable
No known corrosion on either the body or underside
The wiring is simple and new
A lightweight fibreglass bonnet is available at a reasonable additional cost if desired - it’s solid and serviceable but would benefit from tidying up
It has a black interior in smart condition with seat belts fitted
A removable roll bar is included which was fitted for use at the Harewood hill climb but only used on three occasions
It has side screens included and in good condition, a tonneau cover and hood irons (there is no serviceable hood but these are readily available spares)
The vendor comments that spare parts in general are readily available
The petrol gauge isn’t working due to a negative earth but using the vendor’s dip tube is simple and more accurate

The Mechanics

1.6-litre four-cylinder DOHC 16v engine with fuel injection
Five-speed manual gearbox
We’re informed that most of the original mechanicals are included should the next owner wish to return the car to its original specifications - these will require restoration: Engine with twin carbs, starter, dynamo and distributor, gearbox, radiator and driveshaft and a box of associated parts
Fitting the uprated mechanicals reportedly required little modification to the car and the vendor left its own engine and gearbox unrestored
We’re informed that the car is great to drive with strong acceleration ideal for modern traffic
It has standard shoe brakes on the rear and disc brakes on the front which provide extra confidence when driving with the improved engine

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

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✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]