Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite

History

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 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.

First registered in August 1958, this 1958 Frogeye was treated to a total chassis-up rebuild in 1988 and much work since. Within the last two years it has had a £3,500 engine rebuild which included: +60 thou rebore with new pistons; lead-free petrol valve conversion; new timing chain and gears; new cam followers; new oil pump and canister conversion; crank regrind; new shells and thrusts; new dynamo and regulator box to resolve charging problems; new engine mountings and a complete new clutch assembly. A new exchange gearbox was also fitted two years ago.

The car still needs to do another 150 miles before it is fully run-in. It will then require an oil filter change, a torque up of the cylinder head and a carb timing re-tune to qualify for its continued 12 months warranty. With an MOT until July 2008 and taxed until next June (free, of course), it is said to drive beautifully.

Throw in a nice transferable number plate (AV 5591, worth a few bob to an Aston Villa fan) and an invitation to appear at the Sprite's 50th anniversary celebrations at Gaydon next year, this adds up to a most appealing little prospect.