31st Jul, 2022 12:00
The Gold Cup Classic Car Auction
1960 Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite
Has been subject to a full nut-and-bolt rebuild
Registration - WAJ 378
Chassis No. - AN5/33819
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 2,965
The cheeky-looking Frogeye Sprite (or Bugeye as the American’s call it) is a firm favourite of collectors, and values have risen markedly over the years. The example on offer vacated the Abingdon works on February 29, 1960 destined for main dealer Tesseyman’s of Scarborough, who supplied the two-seater to its first owner, a Mr J A Crichton, the following month. According to the vendor, it then ‘gently rusted away’ until becoming the subject of a five-year long nut and bolt rebuild, during which it was taken back to bare metal, a number of new panels installed, and such items as the tyres, hood and tonneau all replaced. It was also treated to a number of desirable upgrades, including the replacement of the original 948cc A Series engine with a 1275cc MKIV Sprite version, aluminium radiator, rebuilt later-type Sprite gearbox, 3.9:1 differential, front disc brakes, wire wheels and electric cooling fan. As the car has only covered a mere 2,965 miles since the completion of the work, it is perhaps unsurprising that the vendor regards it as still being ‘as-new’, and therefore classes the powerplant, transmission, bodywork, blue paintwork and white-piped black interior trim as all being in ‘excellent’ order. He is now selling the Frogeye complete with receipts and photographs covering the restoration plus a Heritage Certificate.
Designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company and built by BMC, the MKI Sprite was launched in Monte Carlo over the weekend of the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. It was of integrated rather than full monocoque construction and the minimal specification excluded exterior door handles and boot lid. Some 49,000 Frogeyes were built between 1958 and 1961.
In summary:
- The subject of a five-year nut and bolt rebuild
- Just 2,965 miles travelled since the completion of the work
- Features a number of desirable upgrades including 1275cc engine
Detailed description coming soon.
'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 £19,125
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - WAJ 378
Chassis No. - AN5/33819
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 2,965
The cheeky-looking Frogeye Sprite (or Bugeye as the American’s call it) is a firm favourite of collectors, and values have risen markedly over the years. The example on offer vacated the Abingdon works on February 29, 1960 destined for main dealer Tesseyman’s of Scarborough, who supplied the two-seater to its first owner, a Mr J A Crichton, the following month. According to the vendor, it then ‘gently rusted away’ until becoming the subject of a five-year long nut and bolt rebuild, during which it was taken back to bare metal, a number of new panels installed, and such items as the tyres, hood and tonneau all replaced. It was also treated to a number of desirable upgrades, including the replacement of the original 948cc A Series engine with a 1275cc MKIV Sprite version, aluminium radiator, rebuilt later-type Sprite gearbox, 3.9:1 differential, front disc brakes, wire wheels and electric cooling fan. As the car has only covered a mere 2,965 miles since the completion of the work, it is perhaps unsurprising that the vendor regards it as still being ‘as-new’, and therefore classes the powerplant, transmission, bodywork, blue paintwork and white-piped black interior trim as all being in ‘excellent’ order. He is now selling the Frogeye complete with receipts and photographs covering the restoration plus a Heritage Certificate.
Designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company and built by BMC, the MKI Sprite was launched in Monte Carlo over the weekend of the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. It was of integrated rather than full monocoque construction and the minimal specification excluded exterior door handles and boot lid. Some 49,000 Frogeyes were built between 1958 and 1961.
In summary:
- The subject of a five-year nut and bolt rebuild
- Just 2,965 miles travelled since the completion of the work
- Features a number of desirable upgrades including 1275cc engine
Detailed description coming soon.
'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 Gold Cup Classic Car Auction, 31st Jul, 2022
This auction of classic cars, motorbikes, registrations & automobilia will take place on the final day of the prestigious Oulton Park Gold Cup weekend.
We are delighted to again be be running this live event at the Gold Cup.
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling on of the team on 01606 828124
Viewing Days:
Friday, 29th July 2022 9am - 7pm
Saturday, 30th July 2022 9am - 7pm
Sunday Morning, 31st July 2022 9am - 12pm
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
