Lot 114: Austin Healey Frog-Eye Sprite

The diminutive Austin Healey Frog Eye Sprite (Bug Eye in the USA) was first seen in 1958 but only survived until 1961 after almost 39,000 had been built. There is no MG badged version and the model has had a cult following ever since BMC dropped it in favour of the Spridget in 1962. The one piece front end and those quirky headlights ensured that the Frog Eye would become an affordable classic but few would have envisaged the prices they achieve in the 21st century.This 1959 example (possibly 1960) is said to have been the subject of over £9, 000 worth of restoration and has covered only 5,300 miles since.Finished in the definitive combination of old English white with red interior, the car is equipped with the 948cc, engine, which is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. It has been returned to the original dynamo set up and has escaped the dreaded luggage rack mounting and the resultant drilled holes and rust.Sympathetically restored without modification, the car is said to be one of the best examples available.