Winning bid
£13,750

1959 Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite Mk1

Vendor supplied images

Highlights

  • Comprehensive older restoration in great order 
  • Only 6,011 miles since restoration 
  • Original Leaf Green paintwork and green interior
  • Only four registered keepers 
  • Original 948cc engine 
  • Pretty and unmodified car 

The Appeal

Few cars hold a place in the hearts of many quite like the original Sprite. Small, nimble and reliable, it was many spirited drivers’ first introduction to sporting motoring. And any car better known by an affectionate nickname is always worth investigating. 
Original, unmodified Sprites are beloved by enthusiasts because they transport them back to those carefree days. This lovely ‘green on green’ Sprite is in superb condition. It was restored some years ago, but has covered only 6,000 miles since with few keepers who have clearly preserved it. 
Equipped with its origins 948cc engine and retaining its factory steel bumper, this Sprite is reported to run and drive very well. As fun as it is rewarding to drive, this is a treat for the buyer. 

History and Paperwork

  • First registered 5th June 1959 
  • V5 shows 3 former registered UK keepers
  • Purchased by the seller intending to keep but circumstances have changed
  • Good history file with invoices from late 80s to the mid-90s when car was restored
  • HPI checks shows the car was previously blue and re-registerd green in October 1994 
  • Heritage Certificate shows the car was original Leaf Green with a green interior, as now
  • Original UK ‘home market’ RHD car 
  • Some invoices from 2016 in French indicating car’s varied history 
  • Handbook and Heritage Certificate present
  • Acquired in 2023 in the UK and now registered with its original number plate
  • Vendor believes that mileage shown is since restoration
  • Factory standard car including steel bonnet 

The Condition

  • Restored to a high standard in 80s and 90s with little use since
  • Pretty green paintwork with white vinyl roof and trims 
  • Bodywork and underside in very good condition with no damage or dents
  • All steel body including the bonnet
  • Interior refinished in green vinyl as it was when it left the factory
  • Seat covers in very good condition with no rips or tears
  • Green carpets edged in green vinyl in very good condition
  • Dashboard and steering wheel are original with little signs of wear
  • Inertia reel seat belts fitted to both seats
  • White hood, side-screens, and tonneau in very good condition with no rips or damage
  • Very good paintwork with very good coverage across the whole car, only a few blemishes
  • Almost as it left the Austin-Healey works in 1959 with the same paint and interior colour
  • Now has white hood, side-screens, and tonneau instead of the original black
  • Comprehensively restored in the 1990s and still in very good condition
  • Steel wheels with tidy rims and hub caps 

The Mechanics


  • Original 948cc engine
  • 4spd manual gearbox 
  • Reported to be mechanically in very good condition with excellent oil pressure
  • Starts easily and runs well with smooth gear changes
  • Non-standard servo-assisted brakes with improved stopping power of factory cars
  • Good suspension with no knocks or clunks when on the move
  • Vendor reports that it drives well and always gets a smile from onlookers
 


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 
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Auction Details

  • Year1959
  • MakeAustin-Healey
  • ModelSprite
  • ColourGreen
  • Odometer6,515 Miles
  • Engine size948cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownLevedale Stafford
  • CountyStaffordshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

20 Bids

Huw Jon••••
Bid
£13,750
12/09/24
Michael••••
Bid
£13,500
12/09/24
Huw Jon••••
Bid
£13,000
12/09/24
EagleBl••••
Bid
£12,750
12/09/24
Huw Jon••••
Bid
£12,500
12/09/24
EagleBl••••
Bid
£12,250
12/09/24
Huw Jon••••
Bid
£12,000
12/09/24
Michael••••
Bid
£11,500
12/09/24
Huw Jon••••
Bid
£11,250
12/09/24
Michael••••
Bid
£11,000
12/09/24

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