1961 Austin-Healey Sprite Reg: VCO87 Chassis No. TBC Engine No. TBC

1961 Austin-Healey SpriteReg: VCO87Chassis No. AN5/48796Engine No. 9C-U-H-48504 Started in 1952 as the Donald Healey Motor Company in Warwick the first cars were powered by the 2660cc Austin Atlantic engine and called the Healey Hundred in view of its anticipated top speed of 100 mph. The 2-seater sports car was spotted by the head of the newly formed BMC and a deal was struck in 1952 at the London Motor Show where the car would be made by Austin and was sold as the Austin-Healey 100. In 1958 a small sports car was introduced powered by a tuned version of the 948cc engine as used in the Austin A35. The headlamps projected from the low bonnet and gave the car its distinctive appearance and it earned the nickname of ‘The Frog-eye’. The car on offer is one of 48,999 built on this chassis, according to Midget and Sprite Car Club certificates in the file, between May 1958 to May 1961 making this car one built towards the end of production. VCO 87 was registered on 17th April 1961 and is offered as part of a deceased estate. The late owner embarked on a full restoration of the car doing some of the work himself and entrusting some to professionals. There is a large amount of paperwork in its extensive history file relating to all the works that were carried out. A glance at this paperwork shows that nothing was left to chance and practically everything was done.Presented in light green the bodywork is in excellent condition. The interior has been retrimmed in green leather and new carpets fitted. Although not shown in the photographs the car has the advantage of a new hood and side screens for those wet days we might have.Since the restoration the car has been used sparingly and been kept in ideal conditions in the garage. Having seen so little use in the last three years a purchaser would be advised to do a light recommissioning although the car has been started regularly, the battery kept on trickle charge and it has driven a short distance.The Car comes with a current V5, an extensive history file, some copies of the Sprite Club magazine, old MOT Certificates as well as 3 copies of The Sprite and Midget workshop manuals (one of them published by British Leyland) and a Guide to purchase and Restoration by Lindsay Porter.Estimate: £15,000 - 18,000To be auctioned along with a fantastic selection of other vehicles on March 5th at our Showell Farm site, SN15 2NU. Viewing is welcome prior to sale and all cars are sold as seen, condition reports can be requested on each lot by contacting us direct. Lots are not available to buy prior to auction. Fully illustrated catalogue is available on the Richard Edmonds Auction website. Bids can be made online, by telephone or live on site. All lots are subject to commission.Vehicles that are un-registered or on foreign plates may require Import Duty and Vat to be paid upon purchase via HMRC prior to registering with the DVLA for a UK plate, if you are not sure please ask. For classic cars over 30 years this equates to 5% Duty on the final value.