1958 Austin-Healey Frog-Eye Sprite

This car sold at auction for £10,600 (£10,000 hammer price + our 6% buyers premium) on the 19th August 2019.

Bidders – please read the How it Works page for more information on how to register and place a bid, and our Terms and Conditions of sale.

Recent Buyer Review – Eamonn McParland on 11th May “From my first general enquiry through to the purchase of my very own MGA, Adam and the team at Trade Classics were quite simply, awesome.  I fully recommend Trade Classics without hesitation nor reservation to everyone who is seeking a classic car.  A brilliant business model, supported by a really neat and usable website though ultimately managed by a great group of professional, sincere and trustworthy people”. Click here to see this and all reviews on Trustpilot.

This car belonged to Gareth’s wife’s uncle, for over 24 years. Sadly, he suffered a stroke, and so is unable to drive the car and has passed it on to Gareth and his wife.

In the 24 years of ownership, it was cared for as a pride and joy, and Gareth tells us that it was used quite regularly for trips on weekends etc.

As much as Gareth and his wife like the car, and it is growing on them each time they use it, they prefer a modern car and so with that they have put the car up for sale.

This car has been in the family for over 24 years, and presents in original ownership condition having not been restored.

Wheels & Tyres
Steel wheels with chrome centre-caps, and wrapped in 13″ tyres across the car. They present in good condition, the centre-caps appear to have been replaced at some-point or refurbished, as they look newer than the steel wheel that sits behind. Watch the video review to see the detail.

Bodywork
Bodywork on this car looks correct. There is surface rust along a lot of the edges, but the sellers tell us that there isn’t major rot issues on the car. Shut-lines are as you would expect on an unrestored car like this, some of the door shut-lines are tight as you’ll see reviewing the video.

Paint
Finished in an off-white colour like old english white, the car looks period correct. The paint is even in colour and finish across the car, and there are little nicks and scrapes on leading edges etc. Look at the comprehensive video and images to review.

Glass and Trim
Glass and trim look in line with the age and wear across the rest of the exterior on this car.

Finished in black, with green seats, a cute little cabin.

Seats and Carpets
Finished in green, the seats look in line with the age of the car. They are finished in leather or leatherette, and although have a couple of scrapes on them, present in good condition. The carpets are finished in black and look good also.

Dashboard
The black dash looks again in line with the age of the car, and has not been restored in recent times. All the dials are legible and the period feel for the cabin is part of the charm we think. Take a look at the content we have taken to show the condition.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick
Again, in line with the age and use of the car, there are signs of wear, some would say patina. View the images for the details.

Gareth took us on a spirited drive in the hot summer heat, the car sounded delightful and attracted lots of admiring gazes and waves.

Engine and Gearbox
It was a very hot day in the sun, but the car started from a local temperature of around 30 degrees with no issues. On the drive, Gareth went through all the 4 gears with no untoward noises etc. Watch the video to see and hear the car performing.

Suspension and Brakes
On the local roads, both windy country lanes and residential area, the car felt lovely as a passenger and no knock or rattles from the suspension. There was a bit of noise from the brakes, probably as it doesn’t get as much use as it used to. Watch the video review to see the car in action.

The Drive
A really nice little drive, you’ve got to love that classic open top experience on a hot summers day.

Electrics and Other
Everything should be working as it is supposed to according to Gareth. The only dial in the interior that didn’t work was the rev counter, all other dials were reporting back information to the driver.

The car has what appears to be it’s original service book, this will be included with the sale.

The mileage is showing just under 78,000 when we visited the car on 25.07.2019 for the consignment.

HPi Check Results
– The seller tells us the car is HPi clear and will be supported by our own HPi check.

The Frog-Eye Sprite has to be one of the happiest and cutest looking classic cars of all time. They have a smile on their face, and they rarely fail to deliver smiles on the faces of those admiring.

But don’t let those charming good looks fool you, it is after all an Austin-Healey, and what a lovely little sports car this one is. In the family ownership for some 24 years, it’s now time for a new owner to take this example over and enjoy and cherish it for years to come.