Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite MkI

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Designed by Donald Healey in partnership with BMC, the MkI Sprite was launched in 1958 and proved such a hit that it spawned a whole new generation of factory-built, back-to-basics sportscars, killing off the budget home-build kits that had formerly turned redundant Austin 7 and Ford 10 chassis' into quasi-sportscars at a stroke.

Based around humble A35 underpinnings and powered by a twin-carb 948cc A-Series engine driving the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox, it was capable of over 80mph with lively road manners that won many fans. The body was a simple design with no external boot access, sliding windows and minimal decoration, hence the meagre £669 launch price.

The one-piece bonnet was originally designed to include pop-up headlamps, however the mechanisms proved too complex so the lamps were mounted in fixed pods instead, a quirky styling feature which just added to the car’s cute appeal and quickly lent it the ‘Frogeye’ nickname.

Updated in 1961 with a more orthodox front-end, the MkII replacement was also badged as an MG, the basic design of which soldiered on until the late '70s, finally ending with the demise of the rubber-bumper Midget 1500.

Presented in its original livery of Leaf Green with contrasting green interior, the excellent paintwork was refreshed to a high standard a few years ago and the largely original wears a delightful patina.

The indicated mileage is 55,000, a figure which is believed correct, although there is insufficient documentation to fully support this figure.

The accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms a Build Date of 23rd April 1959 and the sale and registration as 36 VMU by Tamplins of Twickenham in August of that year. The original RF60 (Buff) logbook is on file and that together with copies of later V5 documents would appear to confirm only 5 owners from new!

On entering the current ownership some 3 years ago, it was decide to upgrade the Frogeye to provide a more relaxed driving experience on today's busy roads. To that end, a 1,275 cc engine and gearbox from a later model was sourced and the engine was professionally rebuilt. At the same time a higher ratio differential was fitted (3.5:1) and a disc brake conversion was carried out to the front brakes and the rear brakes were upgraded with larger units from the 1275cc model. A Servo was also fitted to ensure that little effort was required to bring this little 'Wolf in Sheep's Clothing' to a prompt halt. Finally, a front anti roll bar was added - all this work being professionally carried out on a 'no expense spared' basis and only about 1000 miles has been covered since.

In addition to the aforementioned Heritage Certificate, the Frogeye comes with an original handbook, MOT's for the last 30 years and full weather equipment comprising: hood and hood Frame; tonneau and side screens - all in very good condition.

This lovely Frogeye is only being offered for sale due to the vendor's recent retirement and the purchase of a 'Big Healey'. The cost of the car and the conversion costs in 2016 far outstrip the very modest guide suggested today and its fortunate buyer will certainly benefit from all the hard work and expenditure which has combined to make this into a very special Sprite.