17th Mar, 2024 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle March 2024 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1959 Austin Healey Sprite
Same owner for the last 17 years accompanied with large history file and Heritage Certificate
Registration - MFO 957
Chassis No. - AN522208
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 39,029
This charming, sporty little car has been in the same ownership for the past 17 years, and its three previous owners were all members of one family. This ‘frogeye’ has been cherished throughout its life, serviced annually and comes with Heritage Certificate and a file of MOTs and invoices documenting the work carried out over the years. ‘MFO 957’ has enjoyed a total body rebuild and, originally Irish blue, it was resprayed in smart British Racing Green which contrasts nicely with the cream leather upholstery and fascia. The original 948cc engine has been upgraded to a 1098cc BMC A series unit, which has been completely rebuilt, and new brake discs and upgraded rear brakes have also been fitted. This little Sprite sits on sporting wire wheels, shod in Uniroyal Rain Expert tyres and comes complete with hard top in British Racing Green with a stylish cream stripe. The current owner describes the electrics and four-speed manual transmission as ‘excellent’. With its smart chrome luggage rack on the back, ‘MFO 957’ is ready and waiting to take its new owner off on adventures.
Thanks to its prominent, bonnet-mounted headlights, the original Sprite quickly became known as the ‘Frogeye’ - a moniker that has stuck to this day. The little two-seater, designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company and built by BMC at the MG factory in Abingdon, was launched in Monte Carlo immediately prior to the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. The unique, one-piece bonnet covered a mildly tuned, 43bhp 948cc version of the BMC A series engine already found in the Austin A35 and Morris Minor. The suspension was by coil springs and wishbones at the front and quarter elliptic springs at the rear, with lever arm dampers all round. The construction was ‘integrated’ rather than a full monocoque and featured forward projecting chassis legs of the type used in the E-Type Jaguar. The minimal specification excluded exterior door handles and boot lid. Some 49,000 Frogeyes were built between 1958 and 1961.
In summary:
- A four-owner example, benefiting from a total body rebuild and upgraded 1098cc engine
- Offered with a large history file and Heritage Certificate
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £12,150
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - MFO 957
Chassis No. - AN522208
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 39,029
This charming, sporty little car has been in the same ownership for the past 17 years, and its three previous owners were all members of one family. This ‘frogeye’ has been cherished throughout its life, serviced annually and comes with Heritage Certificate and a file of MOTs and invoices documenting the work carried out over the years. ‘MFO 957’ has enjoyed a total body rebuild and, originally Irish blue, it was resprayed in smart British Racing Green which contrasts nicely with the cream leather upholstery and fascia. The original 948cc engine has been upgraded to a 1098cc BMC A series unit, which has been completely rebuilt, and new brake discs and upgraded rear brakes have also been fitted. This little Sprite sits on sporting wire wheels, shod in Uniroyal Rain Expert tyres and comes complete with hard top in British Racing Green with a stylish cream stripe. The current owner describes the electrics and four-speed manual transmission as ‘excellent’. With its smart chrome luggage rack on the back, ‘MFO 957’ is ready and waiting to take its new owner off on adventures.
Thanks to its prominent, bonnet-mounted headlights, the original Sprite quickly became known as the ‘Frogeye’ - a moniker that has stuck to this day. The little two-seater, designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company and built by BMC at the MG factory in Abingdon, was launched in Monte Carlo immediately prior to the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. The unique, one-piece bonnet covered a mildly tuned, 43bhp 948cc version of the BMC A series engine already found in the Austin A35 and Morris Minor. The suspension was by coil springs and wishbones at the front and quarter elliptic springs at the rear, with lever arm dampers all round. The construction was ‘integrated’ rather than a full monocoque and featured forward projecting chassis legs of the type used in the E-Type Jaguar. The minimal specification excluded exterior door handles and boot lid. Some 49,000 Frogeyes were built between 1958 and 1961.
In summary:
- A four-owner example, benefiting from a total body rebuild and upgraded 1098cc engine
- Offered with a large history file and Heritage Certificate
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle March 2024 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 17th Mar, 2024
Our March auction of classic and performance cars
Viewing Days:
Saturday 16th March,12 noon - 6pm
Sunday 17th March, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
