1961 AUSTIN-HEALEY SPRITE MK I

KEY FACTS

• A smart example of the iconic classic British sports car, presented in the ever-popular hue of Old English White.
• Under the bonnet is a 1098cc A-series inline-four, which replaces the original 948cc engine and drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
• The odometer displays 8,838 miles, however this is not warranted.
• First registered in May 1961, this Mk1 Sprite was sold new by dealer T.H. Nicholl’s of Penryn, Cornwall, and was acquired by the seller four years ago.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Finished in the classic colour combination of Old English White over a red interior, this Frogeye Sprite still retains its original steel front clamshell, which was often replaced on other cars with a fibreglass panel in period as a weight-saving measure.
• The car comes with clip-on windows and weather gear, and is equipped with a rev counter, cabin heater, locking petrol cap and tonneau cover.
• Aside from its larger, more powerful replacement engine, other modifications include the car’s electric fuel pump, Moto-Lita steering wheel and 13-inch Minilite-style alloy wheels.
• This Sprite will be accompanied by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate detailing its original specification and build date, as well as MOT test certificates from 2009 onwards and maintenance history from 2017 on.

CONDITION

• The seller notes that the car suffered a very minor bump when it was reversed into a high kerb, which has since been sanded and touched in with matching Old English White paint, and is only visible when crouching behind the vehicle. It remains HPI clear.
• The paintwork is in good overall condition, with a few minor blemishes around the car, including stone chips below the windscreen and cracks on the front clamshell’s seams, as well as some light surface corrosion on the wheel arches and the bottoms of the sills.
• Inside, the cabin has been re-trimmed in red vinyl and is very smart indeed, with no substantial wear to speak of and a charming light ‘patina’ on some of the trims.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
• While it is exempt due to its age, the car’s last MOT test was carried out on 22 June 2018 at an indicated 6,389 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with advisories for a slight leak from the rear exhaust silencer and wear in the offside rear brake linkage.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This Sprite’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in July 2021 at an indicated 8,852 miles by classic British car specialist Beech Hill Garage, who changed the engine oil and filter, as well as cleaning the fuel system and replacing the carburettor’s needle valve and seat.
• Prior to this, Beech Hill Garage serviced the car in 2020 and 2018, carrying out the same work as above.
• During the seller’s ownership the ignition coil has also been replaced, the brakes have been inspected and the indicator switch has been changed.

SUMMARY

Compact, easy to maintain, and undeniably charming, the Mk1 Austin-Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite is a rewarding classic roadster. Presented in good, honest condition and fitted with a more powerful 1098cc engine, this example would benefit from some smartening up of the exterior paintwork, but is ready to be enjoyed making brisk progress along its next owner’s favourite B-roads.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.