1961 Austin Healey Sprite MK1 |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1961 Austin Healey Sprite MK1

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Mileage32,765 miles on the clock.
TransmissionManual
Engine948
LocationOldham

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

AUCTION CLOSED

1961 Austin Healey Sprite MK1

Introduction

A rare example of an authentically original Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite MK1, with original engine and gearbox. First registered in 1961 and purchased in 2002 by the current owner. The car has been garaged in an integral garage at the owner’s home.

I came across this Frogeye whilst looking for an MGA and immediately fell in love with it. I purchased this instead and, along with my family, have had 23 years of pleasure from it. Whilst I have not done a lot of miles in it, I have enjoyed driving it locally in the good weather and runs out with a local car club. The car has been maintained by myself and a local garage, which includes a specialism in classic car maintenance. The highlight for me was when my daughter asked me to take her to church in it for her wedding. Now I am retired we spend more time away from home with our children and grandchildren and on our canal narrowboat. Reluctantly, I feel the car deserves a new owner who will use it more than I do.

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

Market Auction

Michael, the seller, has created this listing themselves using our free Market Auction tool. Unlike our Curated Auctions, we haven’t photographed the car or written the listing, however we have completed 3 important security checks for your peace of mind.

V5C Checked

Michael provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Michael provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

V5C Checked

Josh provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Josh provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

Exterior

The car is presented in Teal Blue with lovely chromework, Austin Healey badge, and chrome Sprite logo. It's a striking car with its iconic ‘Frogeye’ headlights.

Wheels and Tyres

Genuine AH chrome hub caps and good amount of tread on all tyres. Spare wheel and tyre are in the car.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in excellent condition with no damage and no visible rust.

Paint

The paintwork is in excellent condition with a high gloss finish. I believe that the original colour was Iris Blue but that the car was resprayed to Teal Blue - a popular Austin Healey colour in the 1970s.

The Teal Blue has an excellent finish and is an eye-catching colour, authentic to later Sprite models.

Glass and Trim

The chrome trim is in excellent condition.

The original toughened glass windscreen is also in good condition.

The white soft top appears to have replaced an original black soft top many years ago, and is authentic to the original Mark 1 specification.

There is also a black tonneau cover, purchased by myself.

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Interior

Original interior in good condition, the quirky ‘boot’ is accessed from behind the seats.

It houses the spare wheel, the soft top, the tonneau cover, and a very small amount of luggage!

Seats and Carpets

Dark blue seats with lighter blue trim and blue carpets. All in good condition apart from some slight age fading to the carpet on the tunnel.

Dashboard

Dark blue dashboard, original apart from the addition of a vacuum gauge: the thing to have in the 60s!

It's in good condition. The odometer shows 32,765 miles, which I believe is genuine given the MOT records from 1992 (see the History and Paperwork section).

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Original Steering Wheel and Gear Stick Knob with all numbers visible.

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Mechanics

This is an original car that has been cared for by its owners. It is great fun to drive and runs well.

The brakes and gear changes are good (commensurate with the car’s age) and the 948cc engine takes you back to an earlier era of British driving.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine and gearbox are original. There are minor engine and transmission oil leaks, commensurate with the age of the car. The oil pressure is good at 43psi at the engine running temperature of 175deg. Fahrenheit.

Gear changes are good for the age of the car. Double de-clutch when changing down and you’ll be fine.

Suspension and Brakes

In good order, fully checked by an MOT garage with a specialism in classic cars in 2023.

New brake cylinder and shoes fitted and rear brake bind rectified by them then. (See invoice and report in History and Paperwork section).

The Drive

Starts well, commensurate with the age of the car, and runs well. Great fun to drive and always attracts a lot of attention.

The drive experience is straightforward, with no driver aids, this is indeed a British Classic.

Electrics and Other

The minimal electrics are in good order.

Lights, indicators and heater are all working. Light wiring was secured by the garage in 2023.

The rev counter is not working because the current dynamo does not have a drive output.

The front wheel bearings were replaced following full garage inspection in 2023 and the cross member was repaired. Discussion with the garage determined that the amount of play in the rear wheel bearing and the condition of the rear axle straps were still acceptable for current use. (See invoice and report in History and Paperwork section).

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History and Paperwork

Built 24th October 1960 and despatched 25th February 1961 to Lankesters Ltd. Surbiton, Surrey. Registered 3rd March 1961 in Surbiton.

The car as provided with the following extras - rev counter, heater, toughened glass windscreen, and front bumper.

The car has had five previous owners that I know of, but there are no DVLA records before 1977. The 1992 MOT certificate shows a mileage of 27,228 and historical MOT certificates are held until 2012, when the car no longer required an MOT.
2023 invoice for full inspection and work undertaken (at 32,687 miles). See paperwork.
Sale includes Hood (white) and Tonneau Cover (black). String back gloves and cap for the authentic look!

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From Trade Classics:
This is a Market Auction listing, meaning we have not visited and photographed the car - instead the seller has supplied the images and written the description. However we’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID that matches the V5, and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPi that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

Viewings are welcomed, so please get in touch with us via the 'contact us' page - we just need to speak to you first on the phone, have you register on the site, and also send in valid photo ID before confirming a suitable time to visit.

Like all our auctions, if there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - the Buyer's Premium is not refundable in any instance, just like a traditional auction house.