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1958 Austin-Healey Frog-Eye Sprite (Mk1)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£15,000

  • Mileage~78,267
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine0.9L
  • LocationDronfield

SOLD

1958 Austin-Healey Frog-Eye Sprite (Mk1)

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Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Best of British motoring in the iconic Frog-Eye Sprite.

An astute piece of engineering and marketing by racing driver Donald Healey, the Austin-Healey Sprite was a true thoroughbred in the Healey stable. Healey had been watching the low-cost market of cheap (and not always cheerful) kit cars and recognised the potential for an affordable, easy-to-maintain open-top roadster with a strong monocoque body and race-type suspension. Released in 1958, the Sprite became a formidable performer on track and rally stages, and was equally adored on both sides of the Atlantic. Healey’s connection with Austin meant the car was mechanically proven and offered plenty of scope for tuning. However, it was the distinctive styling—earning it the nickname 'Frog-Eye Sprite'—that remains so memorable. It proved to be a tremendous success thanks to this charismatic appearance and its lean, no-frills philosophy, dispensing with luxuries such as door handles, winding windows, and a boot lid. None of this mattered, of course, because on the road, the Austin-Healey Sprite is simply a joy to drive.

This car comes to market from ~6 year ownership, and has been beautifully restored by the vendor just ~18 months ago. The car has been in long term ownership prior to that, with just 4 former keepers registered, and our vendor actually first seeing and working on the car ~30 years ago. Presented in an ever popular "Old English White" over red interior, the body restoration is to a very high standard as you'll see in the detail below.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Paul the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I love working on classics—they’re just much more fun than a modern car!

Paul has had this car for ~6 years, but first set eyes on the car at work ~30 years ago when the car came in for some paint. When he saw the car come up for sale locally, he purchased it in 2019 and ran the car as it came over the summer period. When Winter arrived, Paul decided he would attend to a bit of paint... that soon turned into stripping it down and a full body restoration. Working on it in his own time at his bodyshop meant it sometimes sat untouched during busier periods. Finally, ~18 months ago, the restoration was completed, and the Sprite was ready for the road.

Now retired, Paul has worked in body and paint for some ~48 years, the bodyshop is closed and storage no longer available so the car comes for sale. Paul will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Paul
Vehicle Owner

Paul saved £2,700* when they
sold their Austin Healey with us.

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Exterior

The headlights have become some of the most recognisable in the world of British classics.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with silver-painted steel wheels, these are complemented by chrome hubcaps with a mirror-like finish. The tyres are a matching set in near-new condition, having covered only a handful of miles since being fitted.

Please see the image gallery for detailed shots.

image

Bodywork

As a professional in the trade, Paul took his time restoring this car for personal use, and it shows in the results. The body was fully stripped back to bare metal, repaired where necessary, and prepared—arguably to a higher standard than when it first left the factory in 1958. The panel fit is excellent, with the doors shutting with the kind of reassuring solidity usually reserved for German cars.

High-resolution images and videos have been provided, so please review all media to assess the car’s condition thoroughly.

image

Paint

Finished in "Old English White", the paintwork is in excellent condition, with no damage to note. Since completion, the car has only been used twice—once for a trip to the supermarket and once for a local show.

Images are taken from multiple angles to show off the car as if you were viewing it in person. Please take the time to assess the high-resolution photos and videos to judge the condition of the paint for yourself.

image

Glass and Trim

The windscreen is in good condition. As the original, it may show the odd age-related mark, but nothing excessive.

Both the front and rear lights are in good order with no damage. The soft top is thought to have been replaced several years ago; it shows some patina but no major damage.

image

Interior

This is minimalist motoring—no distractions, just pure driving fun.

Seats and Carpets

The seats have been retrimmed in red vinyl, perfectly complementing the exterior. They are in excellent condition, as are the newly fitted carpets.

image

Dashboard

The simple dashboard is trimmed in matching red vinyl and is in good order. All instruments are functioning correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of ~78,267 miles.

image

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original steering wheel shows some patina but remains very usable. The four-speed gearstick has light wear, though the gear markings remain legible.

Please refer to the interior gallery for more images.

image

Mechanics

The 948cc engine offers a quintessential British driving experience, and just enough power for the diminutive roadster.

Engine and Gearbox

The original engine starts up superbly, settling into a smooth idle and running without issue. The engine bay is smartly presented, just like the exterior of the car.

The four-speed gearbox may take a couple of miles to get used to, but once familiar, it's very enjoyable to use. Watch the video if you want to see and hear the car in action.

image

Suspension and Brakes

All suspension components have been fully refurbished. The car feels tight on the road, with no knocks or bangs from any corner.

The brakes have also been completely overhauled and operate excellently, bringing the Sprite to a confident stop.

image

The Drive

Driving a Frog-eye Sprite is pure, unfiltered fun. Light, nimble, and full of character, it offers a direct connection to the road with eager performance from its 948cc engine.

With no frills or driver aids, this is classic British motoring at its most joyful!

image

Electrics and Other

Electrics are minimal, as you'd expect. The original switchgear shows some patina but is working correctly, and no known faults to Paul's knowledge.

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~6 year ownership, this UK RHD has had a full body restoration and presented beautifully as a result, 4 former keepers and a full set of invoices present for the body restoration.

There are also several invoices for parts Paul purchased during the rebuild, along with a workshop manual, a folder of restoration photographs, and a super-rare original sales brochure.

A little British gem with a complete body restoration and mechanical overhaul, this Sprite is ready to be enjoyed.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car is not stolen, written off, or subject to any outstanding finance. Please note: this check does not verify mileage.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time—we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win—just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
22.07.2016 MOT 77,919
12.08.2015 MOT 77,872
18.07.2014 MOT 77,827
17.07.2013 MOT 77,794
03.07.2012 MOT 77,738
27.05.2011 MOT 77,675
13.06.2008 MOT 77,648
Key Details
  • Model"Frog-Eye" Sprite (Mk1)
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date06.12.1958
  • CC948
  • Mileage~78,267
  • ColourOld English White
  • Interior ColourRed
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #ANS6051
  • Engine #6051
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers4
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~6 years
  • Key FeatureExcellent restoration
  • Auction ID2757







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
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10 Comments
Inney24
Inney24
1 month ago

Also have the head gasket been replaced at any time + major work carried out on engine/gearbox & clutch

Inney24
Inney24
1 month ago

Hi just reading the comment from Martin regarding the car appears to sit high, what was your answer to this

GMartin
GMartin
1 month ago

Hi,
Sorry if I missed this in the write up, but what work has been done on the engine, gearbox and drive train?
Also, the car looks to sit a little high.
Many thanks,
Martin

Inney24
Inney24
1 month ago

Hi Paul
Can you tell me what was done in the mechanical overhaul
Also is there any oil leaks and is the underside completely dry.
Kind regards.
Inney24

Inney24
Inney24
1 month ago

Hi Paul
Where is the car to view
Kind regards
Inney24

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
  Inney24
1 month ago

Hi,

We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to hello@tradeclassics.com first, we just need to do a few checks first.

Thanks,
Colin.

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Vehicle Location

Dronfield

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