Description
We are pleased to present this outstanding rebuilt Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite MKI to the market. This wonderful example has only covered 16, 000 miles over the past five decades and arrives in impressive condition. LFF 600 has a superb comprehensive history file that tells a story of a car that has been deeply loved since its manufacture in 1960. This Sprite, while covering very low mileage has enjoyed tours to Le Mans annually in the late 2000s camping among supercars in the centre of the track.
The Frogeye was registered new on the 20th of May 1960 and was under the ownership of a Gentleman based in Hampshire for 35 years. Upon its first registration, the Sprite had the registration mark of VWV 974, as the first owner was considering parting with the Sprite, it was then registered as LFF 600 and a year later the car was sold in 1995. The next long-term owner purchased the vehicle in 1998 where he set about a thorough restoration with the vision of a perfect car with absolutely no corners cut during the restoration process. On completion of the restoration its owner enjoyed long tours with the car while keeping the mileage low and ensuring its maintenance was carried out with a no expense spared approach. The following owner kept the car for six years attending shows and completing a classic car hill climb at the ‘Spirit of the 60s' event at Dyrham Park in 2011. In 2014, the Sprite went into the hands of another enthusiast who carried out some extensive mechanical maintenance and modifications to include new wire wheels and disc brakes. Following this last 8 years of careful ownership and maintenance, LFF 600 found itself among a small British sportscar collection based in Yorkshire accompanied by 2 other Frogeye Sprites. Of the 3 Frogeyes, this particular one was his favourite that he kept at his home address for more regular use going on weekend trips in.
To take this wonderful Austin Healey out on the road is a true joy, a perfect open top car that is tremendous fun. It has a ported cylinder head making for very brisk acceleration compared to a standard 948cc Sprite. The engine is very fit and pulls remarkably well as you would expect having covered less than 7000 miles since its full rebuild. The gearbox is very correct and has strong synchromesh. The braking and steering are very responsive allowing for a brilliant sporting feel. The strong mechanical nature of this car is testament to the quality of the maintenance that has been carried out and documented in the extensive history file of invoices.
LFF 600 is a very well presented, mechanically brilliant, very correct car and a true collector's piece given the low mileage covered.
