1959 Austin-Healey 'Frogeye' Sprite

Registration No: VAX 912
Chassis No: AN517186
MOT: Exempt

• Subject to an extensive restoration from 2001 to 2005
• Fitted with a 1275cc engine and full weather equipment
• Photographs of the restoration and V5C document
• Long-term previous ownership
• Subject to mechanical fettling in current ownership

Thanks to its prominent, bonnet-mounted headlights, the original 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, 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.

Presenting in the iconic Old English White with a desirable Red interior, this pretty ‘Frogeye’ Sprite (aka the ‘Bugeye’ in the USA) was a UK-supplied car with the date of first registration being 23rd May, 1959. Previously being in long-term ownership between 2001 and 2021, the then custodian of this revered little British sportscar restored the Sprite between 2001 and 2005. The extensive restoration was photographed, showing work was carried out to the bodywork, paint and mechanicals, with the current owner carrying out some mechanical fettling. Just c.500 miles have been completed since the restoration.

During the restoration process the ‘Frogeye’ was fitted with a 1275cc engine from a Sprite donor car, with the owner retaining the VIN plate and a copy of the donor car’s log book before it was scrapped which accompany the car. That engine is understood to have been previously reconditioned which when checked, by the vendor’s mechanic, was found to have good compression.

Over the last few years ‘VAX 912’ has benefitted from a service and some expenditure that has included; an electric fuel pump, R9 fuel hoses, battery, regulator, speedo cable and some fettling to carburettor. The ‘Frogeye’ is offered with its ‘as new’ full weather equipment, spare wheel, a collection of invoices and restoration photographs, the engine donor’s VIN plate and copy log book, parts and workshop manual plus V5C document and is also fitted with front disc brakes.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760