Highlights
- High end comprehensive restoration completed in 2021
- Only 1,400 miles driven since completion
- Classically finished in BRG and in superb condition
- 1,098cc 'Oselli' fast road spec engine
- Repainted, retrimmed and includes new roof & hard top
The Appeal
The nickname of Austin Healey’s characterful original Sprite’s is so appropriate that it is better known than the car’s official name. And if your car is known as a ‘Frogeye’ what better colour for it than British Racing Green?
This pretty 1960 Mk1 Sprite is one of the nicest we’ve seen in a long while. If you have already glimpsed the photos then you’ll know that it has been extensively restored - the vendor describes it as ‘nut and bolt’ - and is in remarkable order. What is less obvious is that the work was completed four years ago - that it remains in such good order is a testament to the current keeper who acquired it soon after it was finished.
The work covered bodywork, respray and a full retrim, all closely replicating factory specification. There is forward-hinged fibreglass bonnet to reduce weight - and maintenance - and the car also has a new hood and a white ‘Works’ style hard top. Beneath that amphibian-themed bonnet lies a ‘fast road spec’ Oselli 1,098cc engine.
The car has only covered 1,400 miles since the restoration was completed. It arrives with the buyer in great shape and ready to thoroughly enjoy.
The vendor says:
This ‘Frogeye’ is a rare opportunity to buy some British Racing Car History at this price. Properly looked after it will last another 60 plus years I’m sure.
“It drives better than new and never fails to put a smile on your face.”
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st October 1960
- RHD home market car according to BMIHT certificate
- DVLA records four registered keepers
- The total number of keepers may be higher due to DVLA record keeping
- Current keeper since April 2021
- Vendor acquired the car shortly after the restoration was completed
- Comprehensive service history available
- Vendor describes the history as ‘detailed nut and bolt records’
- Only 1,400 miles driven since purchase
- We are told that the total mileage is 41,173 miles as shown
- Properly maintained, it is expected to last another 60 plus years according to seller
- BMIHT certificate as shown in photos
- Originally beige and previously red
- Colour changed to BRG in 2009
- Stored in a weatherproof garage and never driven in the rain since purchase
- Various old MOTs as shown
- V5C confirming vehicle is registered as a Historic Vehicle
The Condition
- Appropriate BRG paintwork in very good ordering following 2021 restoration
- Few indications of age or use across paintwork
- Fitted with forward-hinged fibreglass bonnet
- Bodywork presents well with good panel fit and no reported corrosion
- Underside also in very good order with evidence of extensive renovation
- Chromework is bright, complete and well kept with no obvious tarnish
- Sits on steel wheels with painted silver rims and chrome hub caps in good order
- Matching Semperit tyres fitted all round showing decent tread and sidewall condition
- Supplied with new roof, tonneau and sidescreens and white ‘Works’ style hard top
- The vendor informs us that everything is in good working order
- Smart interior with new carpets, seats, inertia reel seat belts, and a Moto Lita wood rim steering wheel
- Few indications of age or use to interior
The Mechanics
- Fitted with a 1098 'Oselli' fast road spec engine in 2021
- Only 1,400 miles covered since competition
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Twin SU carburettors with K&N filters
- Numerous new and reconditioned parts installed
- The vendor states it drives better than new
- No reported running or driving issues
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