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 turned redundent Austin 7 and Ford 10 chassis' in to quasi sports cars at a stroke.

Based around humble A35 underpinnings, it inspired huge public affection due to its lively road manners and cute 'Frogeye' styling – 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.

Updated in 1961 with a more orthodox front-end, this 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.

This project was unearthed a few years ago from a lock-up garage in Lydney, although sadly nothing is known of its previous history. The vendor had always intended to get stuck into its restoration, but never quite got round to it and has decided that someone else should take on the task.

It is remarkably complete and original, although the ‘Super’ badging on the tail looks more Ford Anglia than Austin-Healey. The bonnet is steel and easily restorable. The under-bonnet area remains largely original and the interior retains its correct seats and hard-to-find instruments. It even has its hood, frame and sidescreens and comes with a current V5 document.

It will certainly take more than a few weekends' hard work to put this nice straight project car back on the road, but for many, that journey will be as much fun as driving the finished product. As a basis for a comprehensive restoration, there can be few better places to start.