Lot 59: Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite

Intended as a spiritual successor to inexpensive pre-war sports cars such as the MG M-type or Austin 7 Nippy, the Austin-Healey Sprite was launched in May 1958. Fruit of the growing partnership between Donald Healey and Austin's Leonard Lord, its design costs were kept to minimum through some inspired BMC parts-bin raiding. Built around a lightweight monocoque, it combined the Austin A35's independent front suspension, four-speed gearbox and quarter-elliptic leaf-sprung back axle with the Morris Minor's rack-and-pinion steering. Powered by a twin-carburettor 948cc A-series four-cylinder engine developing 43bhp and 52lb ft, it was capable of over 80mph. Credit for the Frogeye's wonderful styling lies with both Gerry Coker and Les Ireland: while Coker, who had designed the 'Big Healey' in 1954, was responsible for the initial sketches before he left the Donald Healey Motor Company in 1957, it was Ireland who so characterfully integrated the fixed headlights that provided the car's friendly 'face' and inspired its nickname. On sale for just �669 including purchase tax, the Sprite even managed to undercut its Morris Minor De Luxe sibling. Rarely before or since has a sports car enjoyed such a large fun-to-price ratio, and the 'Frogeye' has been putting smiles on faces for more than 50 years. First registered on June 14th 1958, this early Sprite is reputedly the 1363rd made, and is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. He further states that the car has been restored with "new floors, sills, rear wings, boot floor and fuel tank, plus new hood and seats retrimmed in leather", and adds that it has "new wiring". Riding on Minilite-style alloys, this appealing 'Frogeye' is offered for sale with a Heritage Certificate and fresh MOT certificate. However, at the time of cataloging the DVLA had not issued a V5C Registration Document for the original number '160 CHY' and may yet choose to grant the Austin-Healey an age-related one.