Registration - JSL 457

Chassis No. - AN527803

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 16,775

‘JLS 457’ looks every bit the archetypal small and nippy 1950’s British sports car in its Old English White livery with crimson hood and interior. ‘JLS 457’ has benefitted from a full, body off, seemingly diligent restoration as well as recent expenditure in the region of £10,000. Despite ‘JLS 457’s’ 65 years it has passed through the hands of just eight keepers to date. The current owner acquired ‘JLS 457’ in October 2019 and records show that only around 1,000 miles have been covered in the last 10 years. With a new double duck hood (and the original), a zipped tonneau cover and full MOT exemption and zero rated road tax, ‘JLS 457’ is a highly useable example of the fabled “Frogeye” Sprite.

The Austin Healey Sprite was designed as a low cost, entry level sports car costing just £669 and marketed as a car "a chap could keep in his bike shed.” Its stock has risen considerably in the intervening years with it becoming a much loved staple of the classic car scene. ‘JLS 457’ represents the fully restored end of the spectrum. With a documented previous body-off restoration ‘JLS 457’ seems to present beautifully throughout. Every type of prevailing weather seems catered for with a new crimson hood, the original black PVC item and a crimson, zipped tonneau cover. The interior seems delightfully original with just a modicum of use-related patina in evidence. The box pleated bucket seats exhibit just a few age-appropriate creases and a little wear to the matching piping.

The current owner reports significant recent expenditure, around £10,000, so the mechanical condition of ‘JLS 457’ is thought to be very sound. Power is provided by the perennial 948cc A-series engine used across so many BMC vehicles. In the Sprite it benefits from twin 11⁄8 inch SU carburettors and would have originally been good for around 43 bhp. In a car weighing around just 670 kgs, this makes for some surprisingly competitive road dynamics, some may call it “sprightly.” Complete with a generous and informative paperwork archive.

In summary:

· A charming Sprite benefitting from a full, body-off restoration

· Offering a high level of all important originality

· Registered as an Historic Vehicle, so MOT exempt and zero rated for road tax