Lot : 09

Intended as a spiritual successor to inexpensive pre-war sports cars such as the MG M-type or Austin 7 Nippy, the Austin-Healey Sprite was launched in May 1958. Fruit of the growing partnership between Donald Healey and Austin's Leonard Lord, its design costs were kept to minimum through some inspired BMC parts bin raiding. Built around a lightweight monocoque, it combined the Austin A35's independent front suspension, four-speed gearbox and quarter elliptic leaf-sprung back axle with the Morris Minor's rack and pinion steering. Powered by a twin-carburettor fed 948cc A-series four-cylinder engine developing some 43bhp and 52lbft of torque, it was capable of over 80mph. Credit for the Frogeye's wonderful styling lies with both Gerry Coker and Les Ireland.

Progressively improved after entering the current ownership some twelve years ago thanks to a new hood, tonneau cover, rear shock absorbers, petrol tank, stainless steel exhaust, refurbished dynamo and rechromed brightwork, '416 NPG' was reportedly treated to an engine overhaul (unleaded cylinder head, larger 1.25in SU carburettors, sports camshaft) and replacement Hardy Engineering gearbox (complete with uprated ratios / improved synchromesh) in 2000. Said to have covered some 17,000 miles since then including three trouble-free trips to the Continent, it received a bodywork restoration at the hands of Frogeye specialists The Ennion Workshop during 2003. Totalling some £4,500 work included the fitting of a new steel bonnet, sills, clutch, carpet set and sundry powder coated components as well as a respray in the correct Cherry Red hue. Still retaining its original registration, chassis and engine numbers (or so an accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate would indicate), more recent fettling has seen the Sprite benefit from a replacement radiator, battery and front shock absorbers. In keeping with the car's subtly modified nature, its period-looking radio carries modern internals courtesy of Vintage Wireless. Riding on steel wheels, this well cared for Healey is offered for sale with an extensive history file, MOT certificates dating back to 1995, assorted Austin Healey books, servicing / usage log, historic class (free) road tax valid until December 31st 2007 and a fresh MOT certificate (though, the current one does not expire until September 2007).

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle comes with an MOT until June 2008.