Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite MKI

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

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 imitators from rivals like 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.

Supplied new in June 1959, this super little Leaf Green Frogeye has been owned by one couple since February 1960, changing from husband to wife in 1978. Enjoyed regularly until ill-health began to limit its use over the last 10 years, it has always been well-maintained, often by the owners themselves.

Appearing highly original throughout with a lovely patina, the car wears it age uncommonly well and we do hope that the new owner will resist any temptation to ‘improve’ it! It is hoped the history file will be more complete by the time of the sale, but at the point of cataloguing it included the current V5C, old style V5, sundry bills, handbook and its original buff logbook.

Still on its original London-issued WXX 631 number plate and wearing slightly later centre knock wire wheels (originals included), this virtually ‘one-owner’ Frogeye it will bring cheer to the streetscape wherever it goes.