1960 Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite MkI
Full body-off restoration to show condition

Registration No: 681 RBM
Chassis No: AN537420
MOT: Exempt

• Fully restored to show condition
• Sensible upgrades incorporated
• Offered with Heritage Certificate
• Possibly one of the best Frogeyes extant

Intended as a spiritual successor to inexpensive pre-war sports cars such as the MG M-type or Austin 7 Nippy, the Austin-Healey Sprite was launched in May 1958. Fruit of the growing partnership between Donald Healey and Austin's Leonard Lord, its design costs were kept to a minimum through some inspired BMC parts bin raiding. Built around a lightweight monocoque, it combined the Austin A35's independent front suspension and four-speed gearbox. Powered by a twin-carburettor fed 948cc A-series four-cylinder engine developing some 43bhp and 52lbft of torque, it was capable of over 80mph. Credit for the Frogeye's wonderful styling lies with both Gerry Coker and Les Ireland. Put on sale for just £669 including purchase tax rarely before or since has a sports car enjoyed such a large fun-to-price ratio.

This 1960 Mk1 Sprite, finished in Iris Blue with correct contrasting Blue interior was professionally restored to between 2019-2021 to the immaculate condition it is in today. The restoration included a complete body strip with panel work including four new wings, complete floors including the boot, the heel board, all inner wheel arches, the inner & outer sills, door skins and A-pillars. All panels were provided by Frogeye Spares. The paintwork was completed by a leading local company to an immaculate standard. Furthermore, the Frogeye underwent a complete mechanical rebuild with a replacement wiring harness. The interior was retrimmed to factory original colours including Pale Blue piping to the seats and a matching new Blue hood and tonneau cover was also supplied. Period correct upgrades were made using front brake discs and an anti-roll bar from a Mk2 MG Midget, while an enlarged 1098cc engine with a two inch main bearing crankshaft and an unleaded cylinder head conversion was also fitted. Lastly, newly painted wire wheels and chrome spinners were fitted to top it all off. According to the vendor the Sprite drives as well as it looks and we think it should appeal to anyone who appreciates these lovely and fun British sportscars. Offered with a history file, a Heritage Certificate and a current V5C. For those enthusiasts looking for quite possibly the best Frogeye Sprite out there; congratulations, you just found it!

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
julian.pinkster@handh.co.uk
07889 223 904