- Auctions
- The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show Sale 2023
- 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II 'Tifosi' Frogeye
1967 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II 'Tifosi' Frogeye
Lot Number: 125
1967 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II 'Tifosi' Frogeye
A second-generation Healey Sprite, totally refreshed, re-engineered and re-clothed in smart 'Tifosi' Frogeye bodywork by Halls Garages of Bourne.
- Sold for: £11,813
LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Saturday 25th March, 2023 at 11.00am GMT at NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
-
BODY COLOUR
BMW Ice Blue -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
OPJ 584E -
ODOMETER READING
3707 Miles
SUMMARY
A second-generation Healey Sprite, totally refreshed, re-engineered and re-clothed in smart 'Tifosi' Frogeye bodywork by Halls Garages of Bourne.
DESCRIPTION
- Based on a 1967 Austin-Healey Mk II Sprite, this smart 'Frogeye' sprite recreation was built using bodywork supplied by marque specialists, Halls Garage of Bourne, Lincs. It remains registered as a 1967 Austin-Healey on the V5C
- The odometer indicates 3,707 miles (presumably from the rebuild) and it's been enjoyed by three former registered keepers
- A three-year restoration commenced in 2008 when the Sprite was stripped to a bare shell before being rebuilt as a Tifosi with great attention to detail utilising Mk1 dashboard and doors, prior to being finished in Cherry Red
- In 2015, the car was rebuilt again to its current condition and finished in BMW Ice Blue with a rare ‘Dan Dare’-style hardtop in Gloss Black and new wire wheels in Satin Black with chrome two-eared spinners to complete the look
- It's fitted with a more powerful 1275cc engine rebuilt with an MG Metro cam, big-valve head, 3-branch exhaust manifold and a big-bore RC40-style single silencer. The gearbox is a five-speed Toyota T30 gearbox with a standard 4.2/1 final drive
- Other upgrades include disc brakes, updated front and rear anti roll bars and 10mm lowered springs to improve handling and create a fantastic stance
- There is a lot more information in the 'Condition Report'
- Everyone loves a 'Frogeye' and this well engineered and nicely presented 'homage' seems very sensibly guided
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 125
- Make
- AUSTIN-HEALEY
- Model
- SPRITE MK II
- Registration Number
- OPJ 584E
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
- Chassis Number
- HAN864666
- Engine Number
- 53369
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- BMW Ice Blue
GALLERY
CONSIGNOR
Richard Greenhalgh
- Car Specialist
- 07948 152921
- richard@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Richard.
CONTACTSCORE:
108 / 135
Exterior
Bodywork:
Glass:
Paint:
Chrome:
Trim:
Remarks
Great condition, very nice paintwork. Generally it looks extremely bright and clean. It does have some age related marks the worst on the bonnet which will easily repair it does not detract from the overall look of the motor car. The wheels are in great condition.
Interior
Door-Cards:
Carpets:
Seating:
Headlining:
Dashboard:
Boot:
Remarks
The interior is well above average, it is clean and functional. The carpets are really clean no marks to be concerned about. The seats have some wear, it’s where the top sides rub if the seats are pushed all the way back for tall drivers.
Engine
Components:
Appearance:
Starting:
Running:
Remarks
The larger 1275cc engine is in great condition having had a fairly recent rebuild it pulls strong, under no stress due to the lightness of the car and the added fifth gear, it’s quiet and does not burn any oil. Is it pleasant and presentable too.
Transmission
Gears:
Clutch:
Drive-Shaft:
Remarks
The Five Speed Toyota t30 works perfectly there are no signs of wear, the box is nice and dry. There are no whirring noises or rattles, all gear changes are smooth.
Running Gear
Axles:
Chassis:
Suspension:
Bearings:
Brakes:
Wheels & Tyres:
Remarks
Everything works very well indeed, there are absolutely no knocks, bangs, rattles or even squeaks. Gear changes are fluid, handling is excellent, brakes are sharp positive and even.
Electrics
Minor:
Major:
Remarks
The electrics are very basic, the wiring is neat and tidy everything works as it should with the exception of an electronic speedometer required for the Toyota gearbox easily sourced, also the horn requires a new push button.
Vehicle History
Remarks
‘A cheeky little number’ An adorable true British sports car tastefully engineered to replicate an original frogeye yet the design brief to be stronger, lighter, more powerful, more reliable and better equipped for modern motoring and of course increased fun ! In summary all of the above has been achieved its simply stunning to look at, fantastic stance, agile, sporty, reliable an absolute delight to own and drive! Instantly puts a smile on your face when you open the garage of take it for that brisk run out ! The motor car has had very few owners just three previous keepers. There is a comprehensive history file that shows a lot of the various work and parts purchased over the last twenty years and more. It is clear that the car has certainly been cared for.
Restoration Notes
Completely restored in 2008 it took three years to complete. The car was stripped to a bare shell before being rebuilt the result a fabulous Tifosi Frogeye every attention to detail used to replicate a MK1 frogeye, MK1 dashboard, MK1 doors At this time it was repainted in Good Old fashioned Cherry Red. In 2015 the car was subjected to another build which is how the motor car is today, it was repainted at this point in period blue which is BMW Ice Blue, a very rare ‘Dan Dare’ style hardtop finished in Gloss Black was added and then to finish the look New Wire Wheels in satin Black with Bright Chrome two eared spinners to complete the look. Also disc brakes and updated front and rear anti roll bars, evenly lowered by 10mm to improve handling and create a fantastic stance. Recent new boots all round Uniroyal Rain Master tyres grips well hugs the road really good. A more powerful 1275cc engine rebuilt which has an MG Metro Cam, big valve head, a 3 branch exhaust manifold and a big bore RC40 style single silencer that produces a really sweet resonating burble, a Five Speed Toyota t30 gearbox fitted, ‘lovely ratios’ and finally a standard 4.2/1 differential
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
TBC
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