Description

1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite

Runs and drives but will need some re-commissioning

One of the most charismatic British sportscars of all time, the Austin-Healey Sprite was first unveiled at the Monaco Grand Prix in May 1958, a venue carefully chosen to highlight the spritely nature of the aptly named car.

With direct rack-and-pinion steering and powered by a twin-carb 948cc A-Series engine developing some 43bhp, it was capable of over 80mph and inspired huge public affection thanks to its lively road manners and cute ‘Frogeye’ styling by Gerry Coker and Les Ireland. Very basic in many ways (it had no exterior door handles and no opening boot), it cost just £669 at launch, but a lot of fun.

First registered in October 1959, this little frogeye has not been used out on the road for some time. Although a presentable example, it is offered here as very much a running project. Our vendor has not owned the car long and reports that with the help of a fresh jerry can of fuel, the engine does start and run. Due to the car being stood for a while, he was keen not to use the fuel from the tank, thinking it probably needs to be properly drained before being used.

The V5C states 11 previous keepers and although it does not legally need an MOT, there are no recorded tests online so it is sure to need one or two things done to be safely used on the road.

Popular little British sportscars these, so it is well worth coming to have a look and getting your hands on a project for Christmas, in readiness for Springtime motoring.

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