1958 Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite Mark 1

Highlights

• Very early production example, manufactured in September 1958
• Interesting RAF provenance — originally delivered to the officers' mess at RAF Valley, Anglesey
• Extensively restored and given a bare metal respray
• Only two former registered keepers
• Accompanied by a British Heritage certificate and microfilm print of the original 1959 warranty document

The Appeal

The Mark 1 Austin-Healey Sprite, affectionately known as the 'Frogeye', is one of the most charming and recognisable British sports cars of the post-war era, thanks in no small part to its amiable 'smiley' design and lightweight, tight-handling chassis. Designed by the Douglas Healey Motor Company and built at the MG factory in Abingdon, it was conceived as an affordable, lightweight roadster that could be kept "in a chap's bike shed" - and it has since become one of the most sought-after small sports cars of its generation.
This particular example is a very early car, manufactured on 1 September 1958 and first registered on 2 April 1959. Its original delivery destination adds a wonderful layer of provenance, having been sent to the officers' mess at RAF Valley in Anglesey.
Having passed through just two former registered keepers before entering its current ownership in October 2015, it has been in the same hands for over a decade. During that time, it has undergone a comprehensive restoration, which still carries very well some time later. This is a simply superb example that's loaded with character, ticking plenty of boxes for the dedicated enthusiast.

Key Information

• Mileage: 1,398 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 948cc four-cylinder petrol, 4-speed manual
• Paperwork: British Heritage certificate, original delivery document from Jones Bros Ltd, microfilm print of original 1959 Warranty Document, insurance valuation report

The Detail

• Extensive restoration carried out by the current keeper from 2015
• Bodyshell stripped to bare metal with new floor panels, sills, and inner sills fitted
• Outer body panels received light restoration work
• Resprayed in Old English White over the original green
• Engine rebuilt shortly before the current keeper's purchase, then inspected with new gaskets and seals fitted
• Gearbox and rear axle inspected during the restoration
• Carburettors upgraded from twin 1⅛" to twin 1¼" SU units
• Original drum brakes and suspension overhauled and refitted
• Pedal box overhauled with new brake pipes and a brake servo fitted
• New wiring loom installed throughout
• Dashboard instruments checked, cleaned, and refitted
• Original seats and cloth-trimmed dashboard retained, requiring only a valet
• Carpets and interior trims replaced
• Original factory steering wheel refurbished and refitted
• Original steel wheels refurbished with new tyres and AH chrome hubcaps fitted
• Hood frame restored and hood cleaned and refitted
• New front and rear bumpers and bumper irons fitted
• Valued for insurance purposes at £20,000 by TS McIlroy Assessing

BEFORE YOU BUY

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