Highlights
- Immaculate restored condition
- Steel bonnet
- Chrome wire wheels
- Freshly imported from rust-free dry climate
THE APPEAL
The Austin-Healey Sprite was developed as a ‘Baby Healey’ to appeal to younger motorists who couldn’t afford a Big Healey but wanted to buy into the brand’s performance appeal.
The ‘Frogeye’ entered production in 1958 and was of interesting unibody construction - one of the first monocoque structures from a British manufacturer, with the car built up around a central tub.
It used a 948cc version of the legendary Austin ‘A-Series’ engine, with twin SU carbs, rack-and-pinion steering and a four-speed manual transmission.
The distinctive ‘Frogeye’ look, meanwhile, was unintentional. Healey’s body designer, Gerry Coker, originally designed it with retracting headlights that would fold flat when not in use, but these became a victim of British Motor Corporation cost-cutting.
Nevertheless, the Sprite was warmly received – its entertaining handling, willing performance and undeniable cuteness making it as popular today as it was back then. This one has just arrived in the UK from South Africa, where it has been extensively restored. It’s in stunning condition and comes with a genuine steel bonnet.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Freshly imported from South Africa, where it was restored
- Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
- The seller has completed all of the import and duty paperwork relative to the car so there are no additional taxes to pay, while the DVLA NOVA notification and original South African registration document are included.
- Vendor is also happy to help the buyer register the car in the UK if that’s where it remains after it is sold - the process is very simple and costs less than £100 to complete.
THE INTERIOR
- Retrimmed in beige leather
- Matching leather-trimmed dash and centre console
- Three-spoke Mota-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Four-dial dash with rev counter
- Pull-starter
- Great overall condition
- Full tonneau cover with zip-up middle
- Clip-on side screens, but no hood
- Period-correct rubber floor covering with painted gear lever surround
THE EXTERIOR
- Tartan Red
- Excellent restored condition
- Superb paint finish – one tiny chip to one door
- Steel bonnet
- Excellent underneath and seemingly original – imported from dry rust-free climate
- Minimal exterior trim with smart rear quarter bumpers
- Chrome- finished wire wheels with new Firestone radial tyres all-round
THE MECHANICS
- 948cc BMC A-Series engine
- Twin 1/8” SU carburettors
- Four-speed manual
- Drives superbly, with slick gearchanges and superb steering
- Steady water temperature and good oil pressure
- New bushes and front shock absorbers
SUMMARY
The Frogeye Sprite is one of the all-time British classics, and what we have here is a truly lovely example in superb overall condition. It looks amazing in bright red and is wonderfully presented, wanting for nothing. It’s mechanically spot on, free of any real blemishes and smartly restored.
A fantastic, show-ready and gorgeously pretty example of the seminal Frogeye Sprite, right-hand-drive and ready to register, ideal for touring or the upcoming summer show season.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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