1958 Austin-Healey Sprite Roadster

• Landmark British sports car
• In storage for 40 years
• Extensive mechanical restoration in 2023 (bills available)
• Original interior

Having forged strong links with BMC in the process of developing the successful Austin-Healey 100, Donald Healey turned his attention to designing a smaller version intended to make sports car motoring affordable to a wider sector of the market. Raiding the BMC parts bin for suitable components, Healey used the Austin A35's 948cc A-Series engine, gearbox, front suspension, and rear axle, though he chose to up-rate the rest of the running gear by using Morris Minor rack-and-pinion steering and an MG master cylinder for the hydraulic brakes (the A35's rears were mechanical). Equipped with twin SU carburettors, the engine produced 43bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of around 86mph.

Although its power train and running gear were entirely conventional, as well as thoroughly tried and tested, Healey's new baby was notable for its state-of-the-art unitary construction body/chassis. Christened 'Sprite', the new sports car entered production at MG's Abingdon factory in March 1958 featuring a distinctive forward-hinging bonnet/wings topped by two fixed 'Frog Eye' headlamps, thus ensuring instant recognition and the now-familiar nickname. Despite a Spartan equipment level - even the front bumper was listed as an extra! - the 'Frog Eye' sold well, which was not really surprising as there was nothing competing with it either on price or performance.

An early example of the much loved 'Frog Eye' Sprite that brought affordable sports car motoring to so many enthusiasts, this car had been in storage for 40 years before an extensive mechanical restoration was undertaken in 2023. Works carried out included rebuilds of the engine and gearbox, while parts renewed included the complete braking system, clutch, wiring loom, radiator, wiper motor, 72 Ah battery and dynamo. In addition, the car has new tyres and a stainless-steel exhaust system. The interior upholstery remains original.

'288 LTW' was supplied new via Car Mart Ltd in Colchester. There is a 1974 MoT on file issued by Savoy & Tucker in Essex, and a V5 in the name of a Mrs Brooks of Westcliff-on-Sea. The file also contains the original old-style logbook; a BMIHT certificate; bills relating to the car's restoration; and a current V5C document. Included in the sale is a jack, spare wheel, original handbook, and an original BMC workshop manual. This charming British sports car is ready for its new custodian – bring on the British summer.