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Oxford Diecast 76AHF004

Nevada Beige Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite - 1:76 scale

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)
Era 8 (1983 to 1994) British Rail Sectorisation

Manufacturer description

The Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I, affectionately known as the "Frogeye" or "Bugeye," is a small open-top sports car introduced in 1958 with production running until 1961. It was designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company and manufactured at the MG factory in Abingdon.The Sprite was conceived in the late 1950s to fill a gap in the market for affordable, fun-to-drive sports cars. Inspired by the pre-war Austin Seven, it was intended to be a low-cost model that could be easily maintained and enjoyed by enthusiasts of all ages.The car's design was heavily influenced by its cost-conscious objectives. It utilised readily available components from other British Motor Corporation vehicles, including the Austin A35 and Morris Minor. This approach helped to keep production costs down and allowed the Sprite to be priced competitively against other small sports cars of the time. It used the 948cc Austin A-series engine.The Sprite's most distinctive feature was its headlights, which were prominently mounted on top of the bonnet, inboard of the front wings. This design, initially intended to allow for retractable headlights, was simplified due to cost-cutting measures, giving the car its unique "frog-eyed" appearance. Beyond its headlights, the Sprite was characterized by its compact size, minimalist interior, and open-top design. It featured a semi-monocoque construction, with stressed body panels and no externally accessible trunk, contributing to its lightweight and nimble handling.

The arrival of the MKII in 1961 saw the headlights moved to a more conventional position within the front wings.

This 1:76 scale Oxford Austin Healey MK I model comes in Nevada Beige, is presented on a plinth with a clear case lid and Oxford Automobile wrap.

Catalogue listing

Oxford Diecast Nevada Beige Austin‑Healey Frogeye Sprite – 1:76 scale. Manufacturer part number 76AHF004. The model represents the British Railways Late Crest period.

The Austin‑Healey Sprite Mark I, commonly called the “Frogeye” or “Bugeye”, is a small open‑top sports car that was launched in 1958 and produced until 1961. Designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company and built at the MG factory in Abingdon, it was intended as an affordable, low‑cost sports car. The Sprite used components from other British Motor Corporation models, such as the Austin A35 and Morris Minor, and was powered by a 948 cc Austin A‑series engine. Its most distinctive feature is the pair of headlights mounted on the bonnet, giving the car its characteristic “frog‑eyed” appearance. The Mark II, introduced in 1961, moved the headlights to the front wings.

This Oxford Diecast model is presented in Nevada Beige, scaled at 1:76, and supplied on a plinth with a clear case lid. It includes an Oxford Automobile wrap for branding. The packaging is designed for display and protection of the detailed die‑cast vehicle.