1961 Austin-Healey Sprite MkI "Frogeye"
Highlights
- Excellent condition throughout
- Ready to drive and enjoy
- Restored to a high standard by a previous owner
The Appeal
The 1961 Austin-Healey Sprite, affectionately known as the "Frogeye" for its distinctive headlight design, is a car that captures the essence of British sports car heritage. This particular example, finished in a striking yellow, embodies the joy and freedom associated with classic open-top driving. Its compact size and nimble handling make it an absolute pleasure to drive, offering an engaging and direct driving experience that modern cars struggle to replicate.
The historical significance of the Austin-Healey brand and the Sprite model cannot be overstated. Launched in 1958, the Sprite was designed to be an affordable sports car, making sports car ownership accessible to a wider audience. It quickly became popular for its performance, reliability, and the fun driving experience it offered.
This sprite presents very well throughout, partly due to being a South African import, where the climate is kinder on cars and also due to having been restored to a high standard prior to import. This is a fine example that looks as good as it drives and would make a fantastic addition to any collection.
This sprite presents very well throughout, partly due to being a South African import, where the climate is kinder on cars and also due to having been restored to a high standard prior to import. This is a fine example that looks as good as it drives and would make a fantastic addition to any collection.
The History and Paperwork
- V5 Present and correct
- Imported from South Africa, UK registered in 2022
- Registered as a historic vehicle, tax and MOT exempt
- Invoices for replacement brake cylinders and brake service in 2022 and 2023
- Comes with all of the import documents
The vehicle has very recently upon a service, with the following items carried out, with supporting invoice in the image gallery:
- Full oil and brake fluid service.
- Carb service.
- New differential gasket.
- New half shaft gasket.
- New rear brake hoses.
- New R/H front brake cylinder.
- New rocker gasker cover.
- new track rod end and steering rack gaiter.
- New water pump
- New thermostat and thermostat housing
- Both rear shocks replaced.
The Condition
- Black dashboard in very good condition
- Gauges and surrounds present well and function correctly
- Black seats in very good condition, showing little sign of use
- Doors and carpeting in excellent condition
- Custom fitted bags for bolt on side windows
- Aluminium door caps in very good condition
- Steering wheel and controls all in very good condition
- Interior presents excellently throughout
- Yellow paintwork in very good condition, but some minor blistering on bonnet paint
- Distinctive Frogeye headlight design, iconic and superb in presentation
- Chrome hubcaps with Michelin tyres, all in excellent condition
- Brightwork presents well throughout
- Recent new hood, with slight discolouration on rear window from storage
- Tonneau cover in excellent condition
- Bolt on side windows in good condition
- One area would benefit from cosmetic attention on the bottom of the driver's side pillar
- Light lenses, trim, and badges all in good condition
- Minor trim area on the bonnet that could use perfectionist's touch
- Overall condition reflects a well-maintained and cherished classic
The Mechanics
- 948cc engine with 4-speed manual transmission
- Engine and engine bay present very well
- Visible mechanical components are appear to be in very good condition
- Underside in excellent condition
- Full recent service in February 2024
- Replacement brake cylinders in 2022 and 2023
- Starts easily and idles smoothly
- The owner reports that the car drives very well with no issues
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ 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.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1961
- Make Austin Healey
- Model Sprite
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 23,954 Miles
- Engine size 948
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Swindon
- Location Wiltshire
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
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