Lot 31: 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 fed 948cc A-series four-cylinder engine developing some 43bhp and 52lbft of torque, it was capable of over 80mph. Credit for the Frogeye's wonderful styling lies with both Gerry Coker and Les Ireland. For while the former was responsible for the initial sketches (before he left the Healey Company in 1957), it was the latter who so characterfully integrated the fixed head lights (Coker's previous ideas for Porsche 928 style retractable units being rejected on financial grounds). Put on sale for just £669 including purchase tax, the Sprite actually undercut its Morris Minor De Luxe sibling. Rarely before or since has a sports car enjoyed such a large fun-to-price ratio. Finished in red with red upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Reportedly treated to "a new interior, engine overhaul and the replacement of any deteriorated body panels" as part of "an extensive restoration carried out some 10-12 years ago", '336 UXJ' is further understood to have spent the past few years in dry storage. Recently recommissioned via a service and MOT test, the two-seater is said to "drive well with good power and quiet running gear". Showing some 7,000 miles to its odometer which may or may not represent the total covered since the late 1990s refurbishment, this charming "all metal paneled" sportscar is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until August 2010. And as with any 'Forgeye', it should prove a great way to win friends if not necessarily influence people.