1961 Austin-Healey Sprite MkI has been locked up since 1986

This 1961 Austin-Healey Sprite MkI has been locked up since 1986, when its owner became distracted by other motor sport adventures. Andy Elcombe bought the car in 1981, with a different GRP bonnet on it, and used it for sprints, hill climbs, club racing and even some car trials.

The once-lively Frogeye that now needs a jump

‘It’s got a 1098cc engine and a Weber 40DCOE carburettor, plus front disc brakes,’ says Andy. ‘I had a lot of fun with it and replaced the bonnet with a GRP Frogeye bonnet after a crunch, and it got used on the road and in all sorts of events until I started racing a Triumph 2000. It was running fine when I put it away, but then it gathered dust and more stuff was dumped on it.’

Andy moved house a few times and was no longer so near to the lock-up. After competing on track in Mazda MX-5s and on rallies such as Le Jog, he has finally found time for a clear-out. The Sprite’s clutch has frozen to the flywheel and some rot has developed in the driver’s A-pillar, and after 37 years, he’s decided it’s time for it to find new home. Enquiries to classic.cars@bauermedia.co.uk will be forwarded.

Spritely little Frogeye is pining to have fun again 1098 apparently ‘ran when parked