1960 | Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I

We are pleased to offer this superbly well presented Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite onto the market. First registered new in Worcestershire as 942 DUY, the Frogeye was first owned by a Doctor who enjoyed five years of ownership before selling the car to a friend. 942 DUY sold to its third owner in 1978 who owned the car for 39 years. During his long term ownership, the Healey was subject of a 1990s restoration that included new panels to include inner wheel arches, outer rear wings, new lower bonnet valance and front wheel arches. The car was mechanically restored to include gearbox rebuild, new fuel tank and pipes, king pins and bushes, new wishbones, exhaust system and carb overhaul.

The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust accompanying the car confirms 942 DUY was built on the 1st November 1960 and dispatched to the Donald Healey Motor Company on the 7th of March equipped with a tonneau cover, rev counter, toughened glass windscreen and a heater unit from factory. Our home market UK car was supplied new in Iris Blue with Blue trim and paperwork with the car suggests the recorded mileage of 57000 is highly likely to be genuine. Over the past 18 years the Frogeye has been a fair weather car covering just 2000 miles and comes to us in lovely condition throughout. Recently an aluminium radiator has been fitted and in 2023 work included a new dynamo and regulator, adjustable seat runners fitted to the drivers seat, upgraded roller bearings fitted to the front hubs, a new set of Pirelli tyres and a major service.

942 DUY presents incredibly well with excellent straight bodywork and a lovely older paint finish. The upholstery and weather equipment is all of a very good standard, the engine bay incredibly clean and the underbody is equally impressive. On the road the car drives beautifully, the engine sounds fantastic holding impressive oil pressure, its super fit and healthy and the gearbox is lovely to use with smooth changes. The car handles perfectly, brakes are sharp and the Frogeye offers great fun. Ideal of open top summer motoring and lovely to have the provenance of a UK Home Market car with long term ownership records.