Lot 121: Austin Healey Frog Eye Sprite

In 1958 BMC launched a new and diminutive sports-car, which was based on the popular Austin A35. The new car was known as the Austin Healey Sprite and would be built at the MG factory in Abingdon. The Sprite introduced a whole new concept in sports-car ownership that would later be copied by Triumph and MG. The Sprite sported a twin carb 998cc, A Series A35 engine, driving the rear wheels via a four speed gearbox. The body was of a very simple design, which had no external boot access and minimal decoration. The one-piece bonnet was originally designed to include pop-up headlamps, however the mechanisms proved to complex and so the lamps were mounted in a fixed pod. This unusual styling feature actually added to the cars "cute" appeal and it quickly gained the nickname "Frogeye". The model was hugely popular in America, despite its diminutive dimensions but was know as the "Bug Eye" in the USA. Offered here is a 1960 example, which has been with the same owner since 1969 and would appear to have had just one dealer owner and one private owner before. It is complete with its original Green Log Book, which shows that it was registered on the 6th May 1960 but the first registration stamp is dated 25th October 1967, which is when it was assigned to Ken Lee (Motors) Ltd. of Cromwell Garage, Elland Road, Brighouse, Yorkshire, its first private owner who sold it to Mr. John. A. McPherson of Clifton, Brighouse who sold it to the current registered keeper in 1969 but was not registered to him until may 1971, as his first ever car. During the 39 years of ownership, the car has spent a great deal of time in storage and is believed to have covered only 59,000 miles. It has recently been refurbished with new carpets, new hood, new seat covers, new trim and a full repaint in Old English White and is described as being in excellent condition. It will have a new MoT when offered on the 9th December. BR> During its time in storage, the registration lapsed and the original number had to be reapplied for. With help from the owners club this was achieved and the car is now registered on the original number. This is a really nice example of a Frog Eye, with an all steel body, which has been with the same owner for 39 years and has not been over restored. The car starts on the button and is complete with side screens, the green log book, V5, letter from the Austin Healey Club and a few MoT's. Photographs to follow.