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