Description

1959 Austin-Healey Sprite MkI

All-steel Frogeye with 1,275cc upgrade and front discs; wires; original engine and wheels included

Despatched from the factory on 3rd December 1959 to Henry Garner Ltd in Birmingham, this RHD Home Market Sprite was finished in OEW with red upholstery and delivered to its first owner, a Mr Wood of Oldswinford.

It was registered 477 OAJ which remains on the car but is non-transferable and it came with a rev counter, front bumper and tonneau cover.

A previous owner commissioned Anders Clausager - Archivist at the BMIHT to undertake a full history check which lists its full owner profile as well as other details to 1992. The accompanying buff logbook concurs with this research.

Two huge files of information include numerous photos, some showing a bare metal respray sometime in the late '80s early '90s by the look of the cars in the background.

Bills abound and there is masses of detail showing work which has been carried out over the years.

It was sold by ourselves in 2016, since when the vendor has used the car and enjoyed driving it very much, but now feels ready for an upgrade to something with longer legs better suited to long distance touring.

It has had a number of upgrades added over the years, including a more 'sprightly' (see what we did there!) 1,275cc engine, a disc brake conversion and silver painted wire wheels. These are generally seen as improvements, but for the originality buff, the 948cc engine which was swapped out and the set of steel wheels with hubcaps is included in the sale.

There are a few minor blemishes to the paintwork as shown on the photos, apart from which it looks and sounds like a very usable car, ready to go.

On offer at what seems a very reasonable catalogue estimate for a well-sorted Frogeye, we strongly suggest a closer inspection.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com