Registration No: TSY 475
Chassis No: AN5/43188
MOT: Exempt

• Subject to a comprehensive restoration by the current owner
• Larger 1275cc MG Midget engine fitted
• Sympathetic upgrades for modern day use
• A large history file with photographic record of the restoration present

Thanks to its prominent, bonnet-mounted headlights, the original Austin-Healey Sprite quickly became known as the `Frogeye'. The little two-seater, designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company and built by BMC at the MG factory in Abingdon, was launched in Monte Carlo immediately prior to the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. The unique, one-piece bonnet covered a mildly tuned, twin carburettor, 43bhp 948cc version of the BMC `A' series engine already found in the Austin A35 and Morris Minor. The suspension featured coil springs and wishbones up front, quarter elliptic springs to the rear and lever arm dampers all round. Today, the Sprite is legendary as one of the best-handling Sports Cars of its time and regularly lives up to its reputation with many of them still finding use in competition events internationally.

According to the British Motor Heritage Industry Heritage Trust certificate on file, 'TSY 475' was first despatched by BMC on 15th July 1960 to Saunders Limited of Finchley, London and has previously worn the registration numbers ‘2 KKR’ and ‘2113 PO’. According to its V5C, the car has had seven former keepers since it was first registered in 1961 (we believe it may have been sold a year after build). The Frogeye has a large history file with numerous receipts from the restoration. The Austin-Healey was purchased by the vendor in 2004 in a poor state of repair at which point he commenced a comprehensive mechanical and bodywork overhaul which was completed in 2018 into the original colours of Old English White over Red vinyl interior, upgrading the car substantially in that time for modern road use. The car is fitted with a 1275cc engine from a later MG Midget, SU HS2 Carburettors, servo-assisted disc brakes and wire wheels.

Upon inspection, the car presents very well indeed - the Old English White paintwork is described as being in overall very good condition with only small signs of aging as the car has been used. The interior has been re-trimmed in the past with new seat covers, vinyl rear mat and new carpets which present very well. The car is still sporting the original Sprite steering wheel which is patinated but in good condition. In the engine bay, the 1275cc engine has been overhauled and repainted in MOWOG Green and started very well on the day, settling to a smooth idle. The vendor also confirms that the braking system has been completely overhauled with new lines and upgraded discs and servo stop the car well. The hood is a new Vinyl item from AH Spares which is in very good condition and the sidescreens are present and have been fitted with new rubbers, although the Perspex appears original and as a result is crazed and maybe due replacement. There is also an original and hard to find hardtop with the car which has been treated to new Gel Coat and presents very well and is fitted very easily to the car.

If you are looking for a show quality Frogeye that is very useable, this car would be up to the task entirely.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430