Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite

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 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.

First registered in August 1959, this particular Frogeye has clearly been restored at some point in the not-too-distant past and the vendor states that the engine has been rebuilt but there is no documentary evidence to support this. With a current MOT and said to drive very well, it looks good value at the guide price suggested today.