Details
1959 AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE MK I TWO SEATER SPORTS
Registration No. XYF 81
Chassis No. AN 52899
Engine No. 10MA-0-L63957
Engine: four-cylinder in-line, cast iron block and head, overhead pushrod valves, 1098cc, bore and stroke 64.6mm x 83.7mm, compression ratio 8.9:1, 56bhp at 5500rpm, twin SU H1 carburettors, coil ignition, 12 volt electrics. Transmission: single dry plate clutch, four speed synchromesh gearbox, hypoid rear axle. Suspension: front, independent upper and lower wishbones with coil springs, rear, trailing links with quarter elliptic leaf springs, Girling lever arm type shock absorbers, rack and pinion steering. Brakes: four wheel Lockheed hydraulic drums with two leading shoes on front, handbrake on rear wheels only. Right hand drive.
Everyone thought the Frogeye was about the ugliest car they had ever seen. Then BMC came out with the Sprite Mk II and the Frogeye became a legend. People always talked about creating a low-priced, fun car; a car that the average peron could afford and one that made a person smile as they drove it down the street. It took BMC and Donald Healey to do it.
The mechanical units mainly came directly from the Austin A35, although certain parts, such as the rear drum brakes came from the Morris Minor. The engine was originally a Morris Minor 948cc (although this one has been bored out to 1098cc). It was the same engine to eventually find its way into the Mini and a whole range of specials.
The most suprising thing about the body of the car, was not so much its construction as the amount of room in the interior. This example is finished in red with black leatherette seats. It has a black hood and sliding Plexiglass side windows. It has the correct hubs with AH monogram.
XYF 81 was purchased by its present owner in 1987. The engine had just been overhauled, the body welded and resprayed. It has had very little use over the past five years and is presently in very good condition.
NO RESERVE
Registration No. XYF 81
Chassis No. AN 52899
Engine No. 10MA-0-L63957
Engine: four-cylinder in-line, cast iron block and head, overhead pushrod valves, 1098cc, bore and stroke 64.6mm x 83.7mm, compression ratio 8.9:1, 56bhp at 5500rpm, twin SU H1 carburettors, coil ignition, 12 volt electrics. Transmission: single dry plate clutch, four speed synchromesh gearbox, hypoid rear axle. Suspension: front, independent upper and lower wishbones with coil springs, rear, trailing links with quarter elliptic leaf springs, Girling lever arm type shock absorbers, rack and pinion steering. Brakes: four wheel Lockheed hydraulic drums with two leading shoes on front, handbrake on rear wheels only. Right hand drive.
Everyone thought the Frogeye was about the ugliest car they had ever seen. Then BMC came out with the Sprite Mk II and the Frogeye became a legend. People always talked about creating a low-priced, fun car; a car that the average peron could afford and one that made a person smile as they drove it down the street. It took BMC and Donald Healey to do it.
The mechanical units mainly came directly from the Austin A35, although certain parts, such as the rear drum brakes came from the Morris Minor. The engine was originally a Morris Minor 948cc (although this one has been bored out to 1098cc). It was the same engine to eventually find its way into the Mini and a whole range of specials.
The most suprising thing about the body of the car, was not so much its construction as the amount of room in the interior. This example is finished in red with black leatherette seats. It has a black hood and sliding Plexiglass side windows. It has the correct hubs with AH monogram.
XYF 81 was purchased by its present owner in 1987. The engine had just been overhauled, the body welded and resprayed. It has had very little use over the past five years and is presently in very good condition.
NO RESERVE