1959 Austin-Healey 'Frogeye' Sprite

Registration No: 657 XUR
Chassis No: AN59836
MOT: Exempt

• Finished in the original shade of Iris Blue with a Black interior
• Previously a part of a private collection
• Recent recommissioning works and fitted with a steel bonnet

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.

Formerly part of a private collection, this Frogeye was acquired by the vendor in 2011 and has been the subject of recent recommissioning work. These included a repaint in the original shade of Iris Blue, servicing of the engine with a new oil filter and gaskets, refurbishing of the braking system (with an upgrade to disc brakes) including the fitment of new front calipers and pads, overhaul of the master cylinder and new wheel cylinders fitted to the rear brakes. The interior is said to be in ‘great’ condition with new carpets and refurbished seats. The sidescreens have new Perspex and rubber seals and a tonneau and hood are present although we understand the soft-top hood should probably be replaced. Boasting a steel bonnet, this delightful Frogeye also benefits from the fitment of four recent tyres and comes with a Heritage Certificate and photographic evidence of previous restoration work. With its cheeky looks and fun performance ‘657 XUR’ is an ideal candidate for some upcoming summer fun.

For more information, please contact:
John Markey
john.markey@handh.co.uk
01428 607899