Austin Healy "Frog Eye" 1958 Model
Austin Healy "Frog Eye" 1958 Model
Price: SOLD
Few cars look quite as happy as the Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite, and thanks to its hugely lovable nature – owning one has been known to give any owner an equally large grin.
The fertile minds of Donald Healey and his son, Geoffrey, get the credit for the Sprite's creation. Healey, had already filled the niche for a sports car priced below the Jaguar XK120 by collaborating with Austin on the Austin-Healey 100, was asked by BMC chairman Leonard Lord to design an affordable, small-engine sports car. To keep the car affordable, Healey would wheel his shopping trolley up and down BMC's parts bins, picking whatever best suited the project.
The Sprite was announced to the press in Monte Carlo by the British Motor Corporation on May 20, 1958, two days after the Monaco Grand Prix. The Sprite quickly became affectionately known as "frogeye" in the UK and "bugeye" in the USA, due to the headlights mounted on the top of the bonnet. The car designers initially intended that the headlights could be "closed" when not in use, like the Porsche 928’s, but due to the cost reduction made by BMC the system was excluded from the final project, the headlights being simply fixed, giving the car what would become its most distinctive feature.
The Sprite would become the first mass-produced sports car in England to feature unit-body construction. Building a rigid, open body with no frame required the use of more than 200 individual pressings, all welded together. The bonnet was a single piece, hinged at the back, which gave excellent access to the engine. There was no boot lid cut into the back of the car; this not only saved money but added strength too.
They were only manufactured for three years from 1958 to 1961.
This extremely beautiful unrestored original Frog Eye presents itself in the most desirable shade of the eight colors that were available in Old English White (which remained throughout the full duration of production) along with Iris Blue.
Everything speaks originality about this example from the SU Carburetors, four speed gearbox that is still perfectly synchronized, original vinyl seats, plastic side skirts, vinyl soft top and not to forget all the original chrome trimmings.
The car is totally rust free and all the body gaps are in perfect alignment.
The car is sold with the original steering wheel, owner’s manuals and books, original Jack and Tools and a Certificate of Authenticity.
Model:1958
Transmission type: 4 Speed Manual
Vehicle colour:Old English White
Mileage:N/A
Interior colour: Black Vinyl
Number of doors:Two
Convertible:Yes
Driver side: Right Hand Side
Fuel:Petrol
Motor size (CC):948cc
Owner's Manual:Yes
Service History: Yes
Price :SOLD