- Auctions
- The Classic Sale at Silverstone Festival 2025
- 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
Lot Number: 607
1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
The Oxford Dictionary's definition of 'Spritely' is 'Like a Sprite, lively, nimble, full of energy', a description that neatly fits the smart little white 'Frogeye' on offer here.
- ESTIMATE: £10,000 - £12,000
+ buyer's premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT)
You can choose to bid in the room, by phone, online or via commission.
LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Sunday 24th August, 2025 at 11.00am BST at The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN
-
BODY COLOUR
Old English White -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
708 BUP -
ODOMETER READING
65155 Miles
SUMMARY
The Oxford Dictionary's definition of 'Spritely' is 'Like a Sprite, lively, nimble, full of energy', a description that neatly fits the smart little white 'Frogeye' on offer here.
DESCRIPTION
- Between 1998 and 2001, this 1959 Sprite Mk1 was subject to major mechanical work which included a rebuilt cylinder head with unleaded conversion, a re-bored block with new pistons, main and big end bearings, new oil pump, timing chain and clutch
- Additional work included all new coolant hoses, new fuel pipes, new thermostat and housing, new brake cylinders, brake shoes, brake hoses, brake drums, master cylinder, radiator, water pump, half-shaft hub oil seals and 'o' rings, rear axle oil seal and the suspension was treated to new bushes and wishbones
- In early 2014, having had no paintwork or bodywork for almost 15 years, the car was stripped down and treated to a full professional re-paint in Old English White at a cost in the region of £5,000
- The rear wings were treated to new lower sections with corrosion cut out and replaced with new metal. The original steel bonnet had corrosion removed and was prepared for re-painting and the shell was stripped right down with all lights, badges and trims removed
- The interior has a lovely aged feel to it with red carpets, smart original/correct-style seats in red leather, a tidy dashboard with the usual array of scattered switches and a wood-rimmed steering wheel
- The full weather equipment is in very good order, the silver wire wheels are in good condition and on the whole, the car presents very well
- 708 BUP is not a show car, but a very honest, smartly presented, usable example that is ideal for regular use and lots of fun on country roads
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 607
- Make
- AUSTIN-HEALEY
- Model
- FROGEYE SPRITE
- Registration Number
- 708 BUP
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
- Chassis Number
- ANS7857
- Engine Number
- 9C-U-4912
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- Old English White
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Rob Hubbard
- Managing Director & Principal Auctioneer
- 07775 511825
- rob@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Rob.
Email RobTelephone Rob
WhatsApp Rob
SCORE:
108 / 135
Exterior
Bodywork:
Glass:
Paint:
Chrome:
Trim:
Remarks
Having had no paintwork or bodywork for almost fifteen years, the car was stripped down and treated to a full professional re-paint costing in the region of ’ú5,000. The rear wings were treated to new lower sections with corrosion cut out and replaced with new metal. The original steel bonnet had corrosion removed and was prepared for re-painting. The shell was stripped right down with all lights, badges and trims removed and as a result the car now has a wonderful, deep glass finish with a lovely shine to it. The engine bay was cleaned up, the inner wings stripped back and painted and the suspension was cleaned and the wheels re-painted.
Interior
Door-Cards:
Carpets:
Seating:
Headlining:
Dashboard:
Boot:
Remarks
The interior has a lovely aged feel to it with good carpets and smart original/correct style seats. The dashboard has had some additional gauges fitted over the years and a battery isolator switch is also present on the dashboard. The full weather equipment is in very good order and the car presents very well on the whole
Engine
Components:
Appearance:
Starting:
Running:
Remarks
Between 1998 and 2001 the Austin Healey Sprite had a substantial amount of mechanical work carried out. The cylinder head was rebuilt and converted to unleaded and the block re-bored and new pistons, main and big end bearings fitted. A new oil pump, timing chain and clutch were fitted and the work carried out by a Northern England main dealer service department. The Sprite was also treated to new all new coolant hoses, new fuel pipes, new thermostat and housing, new brake cylinders, brake shoes, brake hoses, brake drums and master cylinder. The car was also treated to a new radiator, new water pump, new halfshaft hub oil seals and ËÇÿo' rings, new rear axle oil seal and the suspension treated to new bushes and wishbones
Transmission
Gears:
Clutch:
Drive-Shaft:
Running Gear
Axles:
Chassis:
Suspension:
Bearings:
Brakes:
Wheels & Tyres:
Electrics
Minor:
Major:
Vehicle History
Remarks
The Frogeye starts instantly, the engine feels very strong with excellent high oil pressure and the four speed standard gearbox is smooth and changes nicely. The car handles very well and is great fun on the road. 78 BUP is not a show car, but a very honest, smartly presented usable example that is ideal for regular use and lots of fun on the country lanes.
About the Seller Rating
A lot's rating is compiled based on information provided by the seller of the lot. We strongly recommend viewing a lot prior to bidding as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by the seller. We will not entertain any disputes over seller rating details.
Poor Numerous faults / Extensive damage / Many missing parts / Project or donor car
Fair Basic condition / Requires attention mechanically & cosmetically / Some damage / Some missing parts
Good Everyday useable classic car / Driven & enjoyed / Commensurate with age & mileage / Drives and looks as it should / Some vehicle history
Very good Almost pristine / Mechanically & cosmetically sound / Driven only occasionally / Extensive vehicle history
Excellent Pristine / Original / Documented nut & bolt ground-up restoration / Stored professionally / Trailered only / Complete vehicle history
Please note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 25th August. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.
Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT. Storage is £10 plus VAT per day for the first seven days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.
For larger vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 for a quote.
If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before 9am on 25th August, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.
Did you know that you may be able to finance your upcoming auction purchase? Our exclusive finance partner Apollo Capital are able to organise fast pre-approval for car funding on the latest interest rates and terms, minimum £50k lend.
An agreement in principle could see you arrange a finance package so the funds are ready to be paid out when you’ve bought your dream auction purchase. Please speak to their experts for a quote on 01423 590242 or visit apollocapitalgroup.co.uk/iconicauctioneers/.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
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