1st Oct, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1959 Austin - Healey Sprite
Repatriated from the USA in 1991 and converted to RHD configuration
Registration - RSK 173
Chassis No. - ANSL2789
M.O.T. - April 2024
Odometer - Odometer reads 4,500 (Speedo has been changed)
This tidy-looking Frogeye is finished in Old English White and trimmed in black vinyl. It has had four keepers since being imported from the USA in 1991, the most recent of whom, a member of the Midget & Sprite Club, has retained the car since 2014. He informs that it is still powered by its original 948cc A Series engine, but that the speedometer was renewed in 2012, the bodywork restored in 2014 and, over time, the brightwork and steering wheel refurbished and the seats recovered. He presently regards the powerplant, four-speed manual gearbox, two-seater bodywork, paintwork and upholstery to all be in ‘excellent’ order. The little Sprite is now offered complete with soft top, tonneau in excellent condition, standard hard top and sports hard top, both in need of renovation. Further desirable extras to accompany the car include Philips radio/cassette, aftermarket voltmeter, a stack of invoices and selection of old MOTs, plus a current certificate valid into April next year.
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 tidy-looking example imported from the USA in 1991
- Has remained within the same ownership since 2014
- Comes complete with MOT valid into April next year
'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 £10,688
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - RSK 173
Chassis No. - ANSL2789
M.O.T. - April 2024
Odometer - Odometer reads 4,500 (Speedo has been changed)
This tidy-looking Frogeye is finished in Old English White and trimmed in black vinyl. It has had four keepers since being imported from the USA in 1991, the most recent of whom, a member of the Midget & Sprite Club, has retained the car since 2014. He informs that it is still powered by its original 948cc A Series engine, but that the speedometer was renewed in 2012, the bodywork restored in 2014 and, over time, the brightwork and steering wheel refurbished and the seats recovered. He presently regards the powerplant, four-speed manual gearbox, two-seater bodywork, paintwork and upholstery to all be in ‘excellent’ order. The little Sprite is now offered complete with soft top, tonneau in excellent condition, standard hard top and sports hard top, both in need of renovation. Further desirable extras to accompany the car include Philips radio/cassette, aftermarket voltmeter, a stack of invoices and selection of old MOTs, plus a current certificate valid into April next year.
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 tidy-looking example imported from the USA in 1991
- Has remained within the same ownership since 2014
- Comes complete with MOT valid into April next year
'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 October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 1st Oct, 2023
Our October auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes.
Viewing Days:
Saturday 30th September, 1pm - 7pm
Sunday 1st October, 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
