Lot 018: Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite

Designed by Donald Healey in partnership with BMC, the MkI Sprite was launched in 1958 and proved such a hit that it spawned a whole new generation of copycat sportscars from the likes of Triumph and MG. Based around humble A35 underpinnings, it inspired huge public affection due to its lively road manners and cute 'Frogeye' styling  a happy accident that only came about because the pop-up headlights that the car was designed for proved too costly to mass produce and were changed at the last minute to the fixed pods that so define the car today. First registered in December 1959, this particular car was supplied new by AF Hancock Ltd of Hathersage, Sheffield. In the late 1990s the car was treated to a full photographic restoration including a respray in the original Iris Blue. The gearbox was rebuilt in 2000 and in 2002 the engine was fully rebuilt by Rob Walker with a gas-flowed Stage Two head, uprated SU carbs, Lumenition electronic ignition and an aluminium radiator. It has covered less than 4,000 dry miles since. A new hood, sidescreens and tonneau cover have also been fitted and the car also has an original factory hard top in contrasting dark blue. Other optional factory-fitted extras include a heater, rev counter, front bumper and toughened windscreen. Testifying to the quality of the restoration, on completion this car was displayed on the Austin-Healey Owners Club stand at the NEC Classic Car Show three years running. Said to be in excellent condition throughout, the car comes with a Heritage Certificate, a large file of bills and photos documenting the restoration and has an MOT until June 2010.