Highlights
- Voluntarily submitted for MOT testing: valid until May 2025
- Comprehensively restored in 2004 and used sparingly ever since
- Garaged and stored in a ‘Carcoon’
- Maintained regularly by a classic car specialist
- Accompanied by a large history file
The Appeal
We always consider the Austin Healey Sprite a rear-wheel-drive sibling to the Mini. Similarly diminutive and powered by the same BMC A-Series engine, the Sprite and the Mini have a great deal in common, chief among which is that they both offer as much fun as you can possibly have on four wheels.
Initially offered as a replacement for MG’s much-loved T Series sports cars, the Sprite was designed by Donald Healey and marketed as an affordable roadster "a chap could keep in his bike shed." The little car proved immensely successful, especially among amateur hill climb and sprint race competitors. To this day, the Sprite remains a fixture of autotest events.
Here, we have a beautifully restored 1960 example of the much-loved Frogeye Sprite. Since its comprehensive restoration in 2004, it has been stored carefully, used sparingly, and maintained regularly. It has even been submitted for MOT testing, which resulted in a good pass.
The vendor tells us that they had intended to use for classic car rental, but decided to close the business, rendering the Healey surplus to requirements.
If you’re looking for a well-sorted example of this iconic British sports car, you need look no further than this lovely 1960 ‘Frogeye’ Sprite.
The History and Paperwork
- UK home market RHD MkI ‘Frogeye’ model
- 32,558 miles indicated
- Subject to full restoration in 2004
- Acquired by the vendor from a classic car mechanic who was maintaining and restoring for himself but then emigrated
- Inspected by an Austin and MGB specialist prior to purchase
- Accompanied by a substantial history file including certificates, photographs, MOTs, and invoices stretching back many decades
- Currently garaged and car-cooned and taken out every few weeks for maintenance with a classic car mechanic
- MOT until 19th May 2025
- V5C in owners name
The Condition
- Finished in a high-gloss red to a very good standard, retaining an almost mirror-like appearance
- The bodywork appears in very sound order with no obvious indications of accident damage or corrosion
- All looks exceedingly clean under the wheel arches
- Folding soft top and side screens present and in good visual order
- No hard top
- OEM painted steel wheels complete with the correct ‘AH’ embossed hubcaps
- The chromework continues to gleam and does not appear pitted
- Smart badging and trim throughout
- The car retains its front bumper - often removed on this model
- Beautifully presented cabin with barely any wear apparent
- Period Motorola stereo with a single speaker
- There's a hidden bluetooth connector with two small speakers for playing music/podcasts via smart phone connection
- Period-correct tow-spoke sterling wheel in good cognition for its age
- Impeccable black vinyl upholstery with contrasting white piping
- Very smart black carpeting throughout
The Mechanics
- 948cc A-Series inline-four
- Twin SU carburettors
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Impeccable engine bay
- MOT passed with just two minor advisories
- The vendor informs us that the car is regularly serviced, runs beautifully and drives very well indeed
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..
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✓ 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.
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