Introduction
Paul Wright
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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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.
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Also have the head gasket been replaced at any time + major work carried out on engine/gearbox & clutch
Hi, head gasket has not been replaced to my knowledge but before stripping down for renovation, I had the engine checked and it has good compression and oil pressure. I was advised that the engine did not need a rebuild. The same answer for the engine/gearbox and clutch. Thanks Paul
Hi just reading the comment from Martin regarding the car appears to sit high, what was your answer to this
Hi, I have had new front springs and bushes and also modern tyres have been fitted so this maybe the reason but the car sits level and does not look out of place. I would like you to look at the car to appreciate what work has gone into the restoration.
Thanks Paul
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
Hi Martin, On buying the car in 2019, before I decided to renovate I had a qualified mechanic to check the vehicle. I was told that the engine had good compression and oil pressure. I decided not to fix what wasn’t broken. It has had a full overall of the brakes, new cylinder, shoes, hubs, pipes etc. The rear axle has had the oil removed and replaced with new, the gear box has had the same. The engine has had plugs, points, cap, oil plus filter etc. All new fuel pipes and an electric fuel pump. An inline fuel filter has also been fitted. On the mechanical side, all new bolts, bushes, front springs, ball joints and all new modern tyres have been fitted for a safety aspect. This may make the car look a little higher but it sits perfectly straight and does not look out of place. Whatever I have felt needed replacing was renewed. I have got over £5,000 in receipts in parts alone which will come with the car. I hope that this will answer your questions. I would like you to view the car in full to appreciate what has gone into the restoration. Many thanks Paul
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
Hi Paul
Where is the car to view
Kind regards
Inney24
Hi,
Mechanically, the brakes were completely overhauled, any bushes and joints needed were replaced (I have numerous receipts showing what parts have been replaced)
Underbody completely dry and no oil leaks that I have noticed. You are very welcome to view the car to verify this yourself.
Engine has also been serviced with new oil and filters etc.
The car is based in Dronfield at my address.
Thanks
Paul
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.
Vehicle Location
Dronfield
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