Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite

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.

Eminently tunable, the Sprite was developed into a formidable competition car and won many trophies in the hands of both works drivers and privateers. Some 49,987 examples were sold before it was replaced by the somewhat less characterful MkII in 1961.

According to its accompanying Heritage Certificate, this particular Frogeye was built in October 1960 and was first registered to the Austin Motor Company of Longbridge in March of the following year. They kept the car for some months during which time it was used for development work including fitting a new AN6-type engine which was then tested on long continental runs. After the tests the car was sold via Car Mart Ltd of London in July 1961. Not much is known of its subsequent history, but an old green log book shows that it was in Fladbury, Worcestershire, by 1969.

Photos on file show that the car was treated to a total chassis and body restoration between 2000 and 2006. In early 2008 it was fitted with a fully rebuilt and uprated Mini 1275 S engine. This included new Hepolite Powermax flat top pistons; polished crank and con rods; Kent cam and followers; Stage 2 12G 940 Cooper spec cylinder head; double valve springs; duplex timing gears; Aldon distributor; 1.5:1 roller rockers and a dynamically balanced flywheel and clutch.

A reconditioned ribbed 1275 gearbox was also fitted along with uprated suspension, front disc brakes, wire wheels and a low ratio diff for more relaxed cruising. A new hood and full tonneau cover has also been fitted along with a works-type hardtop. The car has only covered some 750 miles since the engine rebuild and, as you might expect, it is said to drive very well indeed.

It comes with an original owner’s handbook plus various bills and photographs relating to the restoration and is MOTd until June 2012. Altogether a fine example with considerably uprated performance in all departments which should be a hoot to drive.