Highlights

Voluntarily submitted for MOT testing: valid until May 2025
Comprehensively restored in 2004 and used sparingly ever since
Garaged and stored in a ‘Carcoon’
Maintained regularly by a classic car specialist
Accompanied by a large history file

The Appeal

We always consider the Austin Healey Sprite a rear-wheel-drive sibling to the Mini. Similarly diminutive and powered by the same BMC A-Series engine, the Sprite and the Mini have a great deal in common, chief among which is that they both offer as much fun as you can possibly have on four wheels.

Initially offered as a replacement for MG’s much-loved T Series sports cars, the Sprite was designed by Donald Healey and marketed as an affordable roadster "a chap could keep in his bike shed." The little car proved immensely successful, especially among amateur hill climb and sprint race competitors. To this day, the Sprite remains a fixture of autotest events.

Here, we have a beautifully restored 1960 example of the much-loved Frogeye Sprite. Since its comprehensive restoration in 2004, it has been stored carefully, used sparingly, and maintained regularly. It has even been submitted for MOT testing, which resulted in a good pass.

The vendor tells us that they had intended to use for classic car rental, but decided to close the business, rendering the Healey surplus to requirements.

If you’re looking for a well-sorted example of this iconic British sports car, you need look no further than this lovely 1960 ‘Frogeye’ Sprite.

The History and Paperwork

UK home market RHD MkI ‘Frogeye’ model
32,558 miles indicated
Subject to full restoration in 2004
Acquired by the vendor from a classic car mechanic who was maintaining and restoring for himself but then emigrated
Inspected by an Austin and MGB specialist prior to purchase
Accompanied by a substantial history file including certificates, photographs, MOTs, and invoices stretching back many decades
Currently garaged and car-cooned and taken out every few weeks for maintenance with a classic car mechanic
MOT until 20th May 2024

The Condition

Finished in a high-gloss red to a very good standard, retaining an almost mirror-like appearance
The bodywork appears in very sound order with no obvious indications of accident damage or corrosion
All looks exceedigly clean under the wheel arches
Folding soft top and side screens present and in good visual order
OEM painted steel wheels complete with the correct ‘AH’ embossed hubcaps
The chromework continues to gleam and does not appear pitted
Smart badging and trim throughout
The car retains its front bumper - often removed on this model
Beautifully presented cabin with barely any wear apparent
Period Motorola stereo with a single speaker
There's a hidden bluetooth connector with two small speakers for playing music/podcasts via smart phone connection
Period-correct tow-spoke sterling wheel in good cognition for its age
Impeccable black vinyl upholstery with contrasting white piping
Very smart black carpeting throughout

The Mechanics

948cc A-Series inline-four
Twin SU carburettors
Four-speed manual gearbox
Impeccable engine bay
MOT passed with just two minor advisories
The vendor informs us that the car is regularly serviced, runs beautifully and drives very well indeed

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..

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