Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite

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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.

As the accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this Frogeye was built in late November 1959 and was sold new via Henry Garner Ltd of Birmingham to first owner Mr L Wood the following month. Old English White with a red interior, the specification included a heater, rev counter, windscreen washer, front bumper, laminated windscreen, tonneau cover and a locking fuel cap.

The car comes with a good history file which documents the subsequent owners, the vendor acquiring it in 2004 from a gentleman who had owned it for 12 years. Bills and photographs show that the car had a bare metal respray in 1990 plus much other work. Shortly after the vendor acquired the car he fitted it with a reconditioned Goldseal 1,275cc engine and gearbox at which point the odometer was showing 43,703 miles – a total which has now only risen by a further 2,300 miles.

Other work in the current ownership has included a conversion to front disc brakes, new wiring loom, new petrol tank and fuel pipes, new headlights, new carpets and a new set of painted wire wheels including the spare. There are also various bills for routine servicing, a green log book from 1973 and 11 old MOT certificates back to 1999 at which point the car was showing 43,491 miles. A boot-mounted luggage rack has also been fitted at some point.

In good order throughout and said to drive well, it comes with a hood, sidescreens and tonneau cover. The original engine, front brake drums and set of five steel wheels with tyres are also included in the sale if desired. Altogether a well-maintained and usefully uprated Sprite with just two owners in the last 24 years which now just needs a caring new owner who can give it the more regular exercise it deserves.