1961 Austin-Healey 'Frogeye' Sprite

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: AN548304

- A 'home market' car that was restored using a corrosion-free (ex-USA) bodyshell

- Coventry Climax-inspired 998cc engine, c.155bhp/ton and uprated brakes/suspension

- Subject of a 5-page article in MG Enthusiast magazine (April 2012)

Vendor Condition Ratings:

Bodywork: 'Very Good'
Engine: 'Very Good'
Electrical Equipment: 'Very Good'
Paintwork: 'Very Good'
Gearbox: 'Very Good'
Interior Trim: 'Very Good'

Further Info:

A RHD `home market' car that was extensively restored and upgraded by engineer Clark Dawson using a corrosion-free bodyshell (ex-USA), `700 DRM' is something of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Coventry-Climax-inspired, its jewel-like powerplant develops circa 100bhp @ 7,500rpm thanks to an enlarged Rootes B1 alloy block (998cc), big valve Imp cylinder head, R17 camshaft, balanced flywheel/clutch, PowerMax pistons and twin Weber 40DCOE carburettors etc. A sympathetic installation that retains the original engine mountings and BMC gearbox, it nevertheless endows the Little Healey with approximately 155bhp/ton and improved weight distribution. Tamed via uprated disc/drum brakes and revised suspension, `700 DRM' was the subject of a five-page article in MG Enthusiast magazine (April 2012) and is quite possibly the nicest 'Frogeye' we have encountered.

PLEASE NOTE: The vendor purchased this vehicle from our 17th April 2013 auction with the intention of exporting it to Switzerland. However, after notifying the DVLA of its export the vehicle remained in storage in the UK.

During that time, the vendor had applied to the DVLA to 're-register' the vehicle on a UK V5/C. Unfortunately, this proved unsuccessful and was possibly due to the vehicle being recorded with the DVLA as Red whereas it is currently Green. Correspondence regarding this application is available in the vehicles history file.

We have spoken to the DVLA who informed us that they have no record of the registration number '700 DRM' on their system, although it is recorded on HPI as per a check we carried out on 26th July 2016, so the successful purchaser will need to apply for a V5/C registration document.