Lot 115: 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 enduring classic but few would have envisaged the prices they achieve in the 21st century.This 1959 example is said to have been the subject of a nut & bolt restoration by its previous owner, which included uprating the 1275cc A Series engine, with many competition components and fitting a Peter May Engineering uprated gearbox. To compensate for the additional performance disc brakes a have been fitted all round and the car has also been completely rewired.Finished in black with red leather seats and sitting on wire wheels with eared spinners, this beautiful Frog-Eye is said top be a joy to drive and is guaranteed to our a smile on the face of the driver.