1st Oct, 2023 12:00

The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction

 
  Lot 68
 

1960 Austin Healey Sprite
Repatriated from the USA and fitted with uprated 1275cc engine

Registration - 815 YUK

Chassis No. - AN5-L/39237

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 6,763

This bonnie specimen was imported from America and first UK registered in March 2012, since when it has had just the one registered owner - ie the late father of the vendor, who we gather lavished a considerable level of time and money on the car. It apparently started life in yellow, but is now resplendent in dark blue, that’s matched to blue interior trim, an (as yet unused) red hood, and silver-painted wire wheels. The vendor informs us that the Frogeye was campaigned in speed hillclimbs while in the US, hence the conversion to knock-off wheels and what is thought to be a 1275 rather than the original 948cc A Series engine. He confirms that while in his father’s tenure the car was always garaged and well maintained, and he currently regards the powerplant, four-speed manual transmission, bodywork, paintwork and upholstery as all being in ‘good’ order. He volunteers that the twin SU carburettors would now benefit form a tune-up, but otherwise reckons the Sprite is good to go, and is selling it complete with a brand new battery, tonneau cover, Moto-Lita woodrim steering wheel and history file.

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:

  • One caring UK owner since being imported from the USA in 2012
  • Features wire wheels and Moto-Lita woodrim steering wheel
  • Equipped with an as yet unused red hood and new battery

 

'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 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + 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.

 

Estimated at £8,000 - £10,000

 

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

View all lots in this sale

 

Please click on the image below to discuss finance options with the Apollo Capital team led by Andy King and David Moss, experts in luxury, supercar & hypercar finance for more than 25 years. Before you bid, you must make sure you have the funds ready or have approved finance in principal with Apollo.

 

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

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