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.

First registered in April 1961, this particular Frogeye has had just four owners from new according to the V5C and has been in the hands of one family for the last 25 years, the vendor acquiring it in 2004 from his nephew who had owned it since 1990. Many old MOTs going back to 1971 show that the car has only covered some 11,400 miles during the last 44 years (with 11,536 miles recorded on the 1971 MOT and just under 22,900 showing today).

In 2003 the car was treated to an engine rebuild by Bromsgrove MG at around 16,400 miles when a new clutch kit was also fitted. Various other bills detail regular maintenance over the years including a full respray in 2005 and the car has been kept garaged and used in fine weather only. It was long ago fitted with a good quality lightweight GRP bonnet which, as any owner will tell you, markedly improves the handling of the Frogeye which was originally fitted with a very heavy steel bonnet. Not to mention the fact that the GRP replacement will never go rusty!

A full set of weather gear is also included, comprising hood, side screens and tonneau cover, all in serviceable condition. Said to drive very well, the car is MOTd until July 2016 with no advisories recorded. Supplied with a modern V5C, it also comes with a green log book from 1971 at which time the car was in the Hampshire and Sussex areas, while the original VF number plate would indicate that it was first registered in Norfolk. A useful workshop manual and spare parts book are also included.

Great fun to drive, easy to maintain and bursting with character, these cute-looking Frogeyes have won a loyal fan base over the years and prices have risen steadily of late with top examples now fetching double the modest guide price suggested here. In fine mechanical fettle and seemingly with very few owners, this much-cherished example has a lot going for it and is sure to give a great deal of pleasure to its fortunate new custodian.