1960 Austin Healey Frogeye' Sprite - 21587244617

Highlights

Only 29,716 miles from new
Extensive history file from new
Featured in multiple MG Enthusiast magazines
Owned by former MG Car Club South East Centre President
Restored in 1990 by Cheldon Motor Services

The Appeal

Marketed as a budget-friendly sports car that "a chap could keep in his bike shed", the Austin Healey Sprite - affectionately dubbed the 'Frogeye' for obvious reasons - was designed by the renowned Donald Healey Motor Company. Don't be fooled by their diminutive size and cheery-looking appearance. These little Sprites meant business, proving exceedingly competitive in hill climb competition. With BMC's inimitable A Series engine under the bonnet, the Sprite could be considered the rear-wheel-drive cousin to Issigonis' Mini.

This 1960 Sprite has been cherished by enthusiasts, including a former MG Car Club South East Centre President, and has been featured in multiple MG Enthusiast magazines. It comes with an impressive history file, including MOTs dating back to 1974, suggesting that the mileage could very well be genuine. The car retains its original registration, steel bonnet, and even the tonneau cover it was fitted with 64 years ago!

Restored in 1990 by Cheldon Motor Services, this Sprite has been upgraded with wire wheels, a 948cc engine with 1.5-inch carbs and servo-assisted brakes. This is exactly the sort of tinkerijg that took place in period, so for those seeking a tastefully modified Sprite for historic hill climbs, sprints, or simply to enjoy on a warm summer's afternoon, this could well be the very car for you.

History and Paperwork

UK market RHD example
Only 2 former registered keepers on the V5C
MOTs dating back to 1974 (now exempt)
Accompanying British Motor Heritage Certificate - matching numbers original home market example
Despatched on 23rd August 1960 and delivered to Parkinson, Polson & Company Limited, Eastbourne, Sussex
Comes with original green "Buff" logbook
Restored in 1990 by Cheldon Motor Services, taking two and a half years to complete
Original Driver’s Handbook and Running/Maintenance Instructions
Original registration 'TNJ 868'

The Condition

A very bright example with glossy paint across all panels
Many Sprites have long lost their bumpers for the motorsport-style look - so it's refreshing to see one that hasn't
The steel bonnet has also been retained when many have long been swapped for glass fibre replacements
The bodywork presents very well with no notable defects apparent
Smart wire wheels
The brightwork presents very well and does not appear to be notably pitted
original Tonneau cover
Interior appears in very good overall condition
All factory-fitted equipment, including the heater, laminated windscreen, and rev counter, are retained
Moto Lita sports steering wheel

The Mechanics

948 cc A Series fitted
Four-speed manual gearbox
Upgraded with 1.5-inch carbs for autotests
Servo-assisted brakes
We're not informed of any known mechanical issues
The engine compartment looks well-kept

BEFORE YOU BUY

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