Descripción
Austin Healey Frogeye – Nut & Bolt Rebuild
The “Frogeye” Sprite was announced to the press at the Monaco GP in May 1958. Manufactured at the MG Factory it was the first volume production car in the world to use unitary construction and the result was a superb car with engaging performance and go-kart handling for the princely sum of £699.
At Milestones we see hundreds of classics and occasionally a car comes onto our radar that takes careful negotiation and time for an owner to trust us with his pride and joy – this is one of those cars. Owned for over 30 years and with a fascinating history we think the little "Frogeye" has been well worth the wait.
In the 1960’s the highly respected engineer Jim Rose worked with Alan Mann Racing preparing a variety of cars including the iconic, front wheel lifting, red and gold Lotus Cortina Mk1’s raced by the team.
By the early 1970’s Jim had decided to leave Alan Mann along with Jim Morgan and Rod Manester to form JoMoRo. The guys put their extensive motorsport expertise towards manufacturing a racing car for children based on a 2/ 3 sized replica F1 car for 5-to-10-year old’s and capable of speeds up to 45mph – what could possibly go wrong?
Unfortunately, the fuel crisis plus a factory fire put pay to the team’s ambitions and Jim went his own way setting up a race preparation and restoration business. Enter our AH Frogeye Sprite.
In 1991 the current owner, a close associate of Jim Rose, was looking for a fun sports car and spotted the restoration going through Jim’s workshop and a deal was done.
Summary of Work - Restoration:
· Car completed dis-assembled
· Paint stripped revealing a super sound shell
· No welding required and painted in company trademark silver
· Engine reconditioned
· Gearbox replaced (correct smooth case)
· Hood & Interior renewed
· Disc brakes and wire wheels fitted
Summary of Recent Work
· Front callipers & pads
· Master cylinder
· Rear wheel bearings/ brake shoes
· Ignition system
· Battery
Today the Sprite is one of the sharpest/ best driving Frogeyes that you could wish to own – the 30-year restoration has mellowed perfectly (still body colour underneath) and she drives bang-on.
Jamie took her out for a 3-mile test drive and came back an hour later with the biggest grin and trying to justify reasons to keep the car for himself. She is that good!
The history file (the engineer/ owner has always serviced the car himself) contains MOT’s back to 1972, DVLA letter from 1978, invoices and the V5 shows just one previous owner.
Only being sold because of lack of use cars of this quality and providence rarely come to market – they simply pass to the next custodian by word of mouth
We recommend early viewing in order to fully appreciate this sunning little car.
