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 generation of copycat sportscars from the likes of Triumph and MG.

Based around humble A35 underpinnings it combined the A35's independent front suspension, four-speed gearbox and quarter elliptic leaf-sprung back axle with the Morris Minor's direct rack-and-pinion steering. Powered by a twin-carb 948cc A-series four-cylinder engine developing some 43bhp and 52lb/ft of torque, it was capable of over 80mph.

The Sprite inspired huge public affection due to its lively road manners and cute 'Frogeye' styling by Gerry Coker and Les Ireland – a happy accident that only came about because the pop-up headlights that the car was designed for proved too costly to mass produce and were changed at the last minute to the fixed pods that so define the car today. Very basic in many ways (it had no exterior door handles and no opening boot lid), it cost just £669 at launch.

Dating from March 1960, this particular Frogeye is more fun than most as it was considerably uprated when it was restored about 10 years ago. Although there are no bills to detail the work carried out, the results are plain to see. A larger 1,275cc engine was fitted (reputedly rebuilt at the same time) which is fitted with an alloy rocker cover, 1 ¾” SU carb, performance air filter, high torque starter motor, alternator conversion and a tubular exhaust manifold.

The front brakes have been upgraded to discs with braided hoses, while AVO adjustable telescopic shock absorbers have been fitted all round along with a front anti-roll bar. To save weight the bonnet and boot panel are made from fibreglass. The seats have been retrimmed, a sports steering wheel fitted and the hood and tonneau cover were both renewed. A heater is also fitted which was an option in period.

Said to be a lively performer, it has only covered some 620 miles since the restoration was completed, the speedo being re-set to zero and an online MOT history check confirming the gradual accumulation of mileage since 2008. The current MOT runs to June 2020 with no advisories recorded, nor has it had any advisories in the last 10 years. It also retains its original Surrey-issued number, 3035 PE, which is transferable and no doubt has a value of its own.