Highlights
- Only two registered keepers from new, the first for some 66 years
- Matching numbers, confirmed by BMIHT certificate
- Extensive mechanical restoration undertaken in 2023
- Original 1958 buff card logbook and comprehensive history file
- Original interior upholstery retained throughout
The Appeal
The Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite is one of the most cherished British sports cars of the post-war era. Launched in 1958, its front-hinged bonnet and distinctive headlamp pods gave it an irresistible character, while its nimble handling and accessible price brought sportscar motoring to a whole new audience. Early examples such as this one, first registered in October 1958, hold particular appeal among enthusiasts.
This car's provenance is quite something. Supplied new through Car Mart Ltd in Colchester to Mrs Brooks of Westcliff-on-Sea, it remained in her keeping for approximately 66 years before passing to its second registered keeper. Having spent around 40 years in storage, it was treated to an extensive mechanical restoration in 2023, encompassing rebuilds of the engine and gearbox, a new braking system, new clutch, new wiring loom, and much more besides. Crucially, it retains its matching factory numbers as confirmed by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, and its original interior upholstery. The vendor believes that the car has had just three to four registered keepers in total.
The hood is noted as being in somewhat tired condition, but the car is otherwise presented as mechanically refreshed and ready to enjoy. Accompanied by its original 1958 buff logbook, driver's handbook, BMC workshop manual, and bills relating to the restoration, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a two-registered-keeper Frogeye Sprite with a documented history stretching back to the day it left the showroom.
The hood is noted as being in somewhat tired condition, but the car is otherwise presented as mechanically refreshed and ready to enjoy. Accompanied by its original 1958 buff logbook, driver's handbook, BMC workshop manual, and bills relating to the restoration, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a two-registered-keeper Frogeye Sprite with a documented history stretching back to the day it left the showroom.
Key Information
- Mileage: 2,930 miles (indicated, unwarranted)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT and road tax exempt
- Technical specs: 948cc four-cylinder petrol, twin carburettors, four-speed manual gearbox
- Paperwork: original 1958 buff logbook, V5 certificate, BMIHT certificate, original driver's handbook, original BMC workshop manual, 1974 MOT certificate, and restoration invoices
The Detail
- Extensive mechanical restoration completed in 2023 following approximately 40 years in storage
- 948cc engine rebuilt with new pistons, rings, big end shells, valves, and springs
- Rear crankshaft oil seal upgrade kit fitted
- Gearbox restored with new main bearings and oil seals
- New braking system fitted, retaining original drums
- New master brake cylinder and clutch cylinder
- New clutch and clutch plate
- Radiator professionally rebuilt with a new core
- New kingpins
- New wiring loom installed; all electrics reported to be in working order
- Wiper motor and dynamo rebuilt
- New 72 Ah battery fitted
- New rear axle pinion and hub bearings, oil seals, and spring U-bolts
- New tyres
- Stainless steel exhaust system
- Side windows fitted with new rubbers and Perspex
- Original heater present (a factory extra when new)
- Interior upholstery is original, displaying patina consistent with age
- Hood noted as being in worn condition
- Lead-free fuel catalyst fitted in the petrol tank; requires unleaded petrol
- Supplied with original jack and spare wheel
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