Lot 102: 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite

The Austin Healey Sprite was exactly the right car for its time. When it arrived in the spring of 1958 the economy had grown sufficiently for there to be a large number of buyers who yearned for the spiritual heir to the MG Midgets of the 1930s. The Sprite was the car. It had style, it was a proper driver's car, it had a respected badge and it was thoroughly practical with proven rurming gear. Above all else, it was fun. Its cheeky looks made people smile and it is one of the rare cars which not only won respect, but affection. It even had a nickname, the 'Frogeye', and very few cars in history can claim a nickname. The Sprite not only had immense kerbside presence, it won its first race (the prestigious Leinster Trophy) and was raced by the likes of Stirling Moss and Bruce McLaren. In 1961 Walt Hangsen won the Sebring Four Hour Race in a Sprite, beating the more powerful Fiat-Abarths. Presented here in blue with a red interior this pretty little car was restored by it's former owner a retired engineer in the late 1990's. Having been recently serviced the car was fitted with a new clutch. In addition the engine cylinder head has been skimmed and new valve guides, and valve seats fitted. Described as being in very good overall condition the car is supplied with a new MoT.