Lot details Registration No: WSJ 172 Chassis No: T.B.A. Mot Expiry: Sept 2006
Intended as a spiritual successor to inexpensive pre-war sports cars such as the MG M-type or Austin 7 Nippy, the Austin-Healey Sprite was launched in May 1958. Fruit of the growing partnership between Donald Healey and Austin's Leonard Lord, its design costs were kept to minimum through some inspired BMC parts bin raiding. Built around a lightweight monocoque, it combined the Austin A35's independent front suspension, four-speed gearbox and quarter elliptic leaf-sprung back axle with the Morris Minor's rack and pinion steering. Powered by a twin-carburettor fed 948cc A-series four-cylinder engine developing some 43bhp and 52lbft of torque, it was capable of over 80mph. Credit for the Frogeye's wonderful styling lies with both Gerry Coker and Les Ireland. For while the former was responsible for the initial sketches (before he left the Healey Company in 1957), it was the latter who so characterfully integrated the fixed head lights (Coker's previous ideas for Porsche 928 style retractable units being rejected on financial grounds). Put on sale for just £669 including purchase tax, the Sprite actually undercut its Morris Minor De Luxe sibling. Rarely before or since has a sports car enjoyed such a large fun-to-price ratio.
Finished in Old English White with red leather upholstery, this particular example has apparently been upgraded at some stage with a larger 1098cc A-series unit (a popular performance modification in period). Reportedly the subject of a "full nut and bolt rebuild", it is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, electrical equipment, bodywork and paintwork. Though, he notes that the four-speed manual transmission emits a "slight whine on 1st gear". Riding on steel wheels shod with fresh tyres, it is hoped that the baby Healey will have been issued with a new MOT certificate by the time of sale (however, as with all vehicles in this auction prospective purchasers are asked to make their own paperwork checks via the Document Office). Offered for sale with history file, spare gearbox and historic class (free) road tax until August 2006 this appealing 'Frogeye' promises miles of smiles.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until September 2006.
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