Austin Healey - Sprite MK 1 - Frog-Eye - 1959
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Arjan Rietveld
Thirty years' experience with classic cars, specialising in Italian cars and Porsche.
Estimate € 25,000 - € 28,000
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Description from the seller
IN HIGHLIGHT:
• Iconic Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I "Frog Eye" with distinctive single-piece front hood
• ASI Gold Plate certification and homologation confirming originality and usage state
• Full restoration performed about six years ago
• Engine fully regenerated, new electrical system and revised braking system
• Complete set of protective accessories: soft top cover, windows, tonneau cover and original tool bag
HISTORY/OVERVIEW:
Presented in 1958 and born from the collaboration between the British Motor Corporation and the Donald Healey Motor Company, the Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I is universally known by the name "Frog Eye" (or "Bugeye" in the United States) due to the peculiar placement of the protruding headlights integrated into the large rear-hinged hood. Conceived as an essential sports car, nimble and with manageable running costs, it has become an icon of British car collecting. The proposed example underwent a full restoration about six years ago and was awarded the prestigious ASI Gold Plate recognition from the Automotoclub Storico Italiano for preserving correct constructive originality.
BODYWORK/PAINT:
The paintwork is generally in good condition, showing only a few minor surface imperfections on the front hood, as visible in the photographic documentation. The chrome and exterior styling details are well preserved. The car is supplied with a complete set of new covers, including the soft top cover, removable window panels, dedicated tonneau cover and original tool bag.
INTERIORS:
The cabin has been fully restored, featuring red vipla upholstery and trim in the characteristic red finish, presenting excellent conservational condition, free from tears or obvious defects.
MECHANICS:
The mechanical part is in full working order and does not require imminent restoration. The engine has been fully regenerated, the braking system has been revised, and a completely new electrical system has been installed. The mounted tires are new.
DOCUMENTS:
The car is accompanied by regular Italian registration documents ready for ownership transfer, along with official ASI homologation with Gold Plate certificate.
The car can be viewed and test-driven by appointment to be arranged through the Catawiki platform.
IN HIGHLIGHT:
• Iconic Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I "Frog Eye" with distinctive single-piece front hood
• ASI Gold Plate certification and homologation confirming originality and usage state
• Full restoration performed about six years ago
• Engine fully regenerated, new electrical system and revised braking system
• Complete set of protective accessories: soft top cover, windows, tonneau cover and original tool bag
HISTORY/OVERVIEW:
Presented in 1958 and born from the collaboration between the British Motor Corporation and the Donald Healey Motor Company, the Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I is universally known by the name "Frog Eye" (or "Bugeye" in the United States) due to the peculiar placement of the protruding headlights integrated into the large rear-hinged hood. Conceived as an essential sports car, nimble and with manageable running costs, it has become an icon of British car collecting. The proposed example underwent a full restoration about six years ago and was awarded the prestigious ASI Gold Plate recognition from the Automotoclub Storico Italiano for preserving correct constructive originality.
BODYWORK/PAINT:
The paintwork is generally in good condition, showing only a few minor surface imperfections on the front hood, as visible in the photographic documentation. The chrome and exterior styling details are well preserved. The car is supplied with a complete set of new covers, including the soft top cover, removable window panels, dedicated tonneau cover and original tool bag.
INTERIORS:
The cabin has been fully restored, featuring red vipla upholstery and trim in the characteristic red finish, presenting excellent conservational condition, free from tears or obvious defects.
MECHANICS:
The mechanical part is in full working order and does not require imminent restoration. The engine has been fully regenerated, the braking system has been revised, and a completely new electrical system has been installed. The mounted tires are new.
DOCUMENTS:
The car is accompanied by regular Italian registration documents ready for ownership transfer, along with official ASI homologation with Gold Plate certificate.
The car can be viewed and test-driven by appointment to be arranged through the Catawiki platform.
Details
Brand
Austin Healey
Model type
Sprite MK 1 - Frog-Eye
Year
1959
Located in
Italy
Mileage reading
8050 mi
Registration papers
with Italian registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Red
Horse power
44
Cubic capacity
948
Matching numbers
Yes
Matching colours
Yes
Service book/history
Yes
Valid MOT
Yes
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Condition (Exterior)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame and Underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Very Good: mechanically sound, may require minor service
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear
Vehicle registration
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
