Expert Buyer A-H ‘Frogeye’ Sprite

Sparse availability and strong prices can make Frogeye ownership a challenge. Arm yourself with the basics to be in with a fighting chance

The Sprite was the perfect sporting roadster for the petrolhead on a budget, especially if they happened to be under 5ft 9in tall. Many people with fond memories of young Sprites now prefer the extra comfort of a big ’Healey, which has helped to polarise values. A concours Frogeye could be about a third of the value of a 100 in similar condition. But they’re far from unloved, especially by the 1000-strong Midget and Sprite Club. It may have lost some of its affordability, but its thrilling performance is every bit as accessible today.

The Sprite MkI (1958-’61) received a 948cc A-series that produced a busy 43bhp in standard tune – not that very many stayed standard. With the MkII came the bodyshell that it would share with the more prolific MG Midget, but it’s the lighter Frogeye’s quirky looks that have made it the longterm favourite, especially when endowed with some later go-faster BMC components.

There are plenty of dedicated Austin-Healey specialists in the UK, though many specialise in the big ’Healeys and don’t always have Sprites for sale. These days, very few decent project cars turn up in this country, most having been restored years ago. Many were originally built for customers in the US, where the MkIs are known as ‘Bugeyes’ (only one in four was built for the UK market). Those most deserving of rescue have already been repatriated, but a few bargain basement Sprites are still looking for a home in the USA. In fact, most of the under-£15k cars currently in the classifieds are overseas, so buy with care.

Frogeyes make a cheerful addition to any auction catalogue, and plenty appear in the private classifieds, too. Given the Sprite’s everyman aspirations, DIY repairs and upgrades have always been the name of the game, so careful inspection of any welding is a must – especially if you’re buying from an unknown private seller.