1960 Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite Mk1

Description

• Unsold at Auction April 2024
• Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to arrange a viewing
• 1098 cc
• UK RHD all steel Mk1
• Restored prior to our vendor’s ownership
• Odometer shows 40,000 miles

To see additional images of this Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite, check out our image gallery HERE

This delightful, cheeky-faced sports car offers more smiles-per-mile than you could ever imagine. Frugal, fast and fun, the Frogeye proves you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a car to have a lot of pleasure from it. This diminutive bundle of happiness is capable of providing far more enjoyment than many classics several times the size, and price. Everyone should have a turn in one.

History overview

• First registered 6 September 1960
• With our vendor since 2017
• Full body/interior refurbishment prior to his purchase – with photographic record
• This Frogeye has had minimal mileage in his ownership – only being used on dry summers days/special occasions
• Stored in a garage for the rest of the year

Mechanicals

• 1098cc A-series engine
• Four speed manual gearbox
• Fitted with a single carburettor – but the twin carbs are available
• Quarter elliptic rear springs and lever arm dampers
• Upper radius arm eliminates axle tramp
• Steel wheels with AH branded chrome hubcaps
• Brakes uprated from drums to discs to cope with modern traffic needs

The tried and tested formula gives ultra sharp handling.

Engines don’t come much simpler or more reliable than this. With twin SU carbs fitted, it was good for around 45bhp. On the road, that raw data counts for nowt. The minimalist Frogeye weighs just c.600kg and combined with a low frontal area, it gives this little sports car a performance that will take you by surprise.

Slip it into 1st gear and drop the clutch and she’s away! Before you know it, the little A-Series will be shouting at you to grab 2nd gear. As you drive up through the short-shift gearbox, glance down at the speedo and you’ll be hitting 50-55mph in no time and smiling all the way.

Swing up that lovely steel bonnet and you’ll see that everything nestling neatly in the engine bay looks spot-on. The care and attention to detail is clear for all to see.

Outside

The images do speak for themselves, but nonetheless, we’ll cover a few bits.

You can see from the images, the ‘bumpers’, bright work, are in good condition along with the alloy frames.

• Full weather kit
• Hood and frame
• Tonneau cover
• Side screens

The Frogeye was unique in the fact it was one of the first sports cars to have a monocoque construction.

Interior

The inside is minimalist to say the least. The clean uncluttered interior is much better for it.

• Light blue carpet
• Dark blue trim
• Black bucket seats
• Wood rimmed steering wheel
• Large speedo and rev counter flanked by two ancillary gauges
• Inertia reel harness seat belts for added safety

Carpets, with sound-deadening felt, seats, etc, all look like they were done during that refurb. To our mind, they look just right now. Not overdone so as to look out of place, but still in fine condition.

Our view

There aren’t many classic cars than can match the simplicity and purity of a Frogeye.

Weighing little more than half a ton, the classic Frogeye is amazingly agile. Steering is light and sharp; the brakes are positive and effective. The gearchange is precise and the Frogeye is a fun car to fly around in, whilst still returning almost 40mpg.

This is one of the nicest looking Austin Healey Frogeye Sprites we’ve seen in a long time. With all the hard work done, the new owner can just jump in and enjoy.

It’s a safe place to put your money, too. They never seem to go out of fashion.

In the last few years, Frogeyes have been soaring in value. They have stabilised now. Not that this one is going to set you back a fortune, it has a very sensible reserve.

Our vendor is moving on from this charming Frogeye. He told us, “I’ve had my fun, I’ll give someone else a turn now”.

Is it your turn?

Vehicle Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So, we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at team@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to get back to you, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

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