Description
Genuine RHD ‘Frogeye’ Sprite from 1959. Fully restored in 1991 when it had new wings (front and rear); new floors (throughout) ; new inner and outer sills etc. It is as solid and rust free today as it was then due to being dry stored and cossetted by it’s previous owner of almost 30 years. I purchased it last year as a complete and running car which enabled me to be sure it had a good / strong engine, gearbox and brakes. It was stripped to a bare rolling shell to rectify some signs of ‘wear and tear’ and improve the panel gaps, ready for a respray in Old English White and subsequent re-assembly with red trim.
Unfortunately, I suffered some serious injuries in an accident last October and work on the car was halted, although some of the outer panels are now in colour coded primer. The injuries still prevent me from finishing the work so the ‘Frogeye’ is to be sold as a “part finished project” but complete with all the components removed (apart from the old black carpets) carefully boxed and labelled.
The car is largely to original specification with the exception of a modified 1275cc engine with Kent 266 cam; later ‘ribbed’ gearbox: ‘Moto- Lita’ wood-rim steering wheel; later (more comfortable) seats and period style seat belts. The brightwork is in good order and she also has an excellent front bumper and over riders. The engine was being stripped / rebuilt at the time of the accident and the crank has been reground to take new shells. The engine work will need finishing, although I can arrange for this to be done prior to sale for £500, including strip/ rebuild and ‘unleaded’ conversion of the cylinder head if required.
On the mechanical side, the steering rack has been stripped down; re-oiled; fitted with new track rod ends and correctly shimmed. The column stripped fully and correctly assembled with oiled bushes to make the steering very light again. The front suspension has been re-bushed and there is no play in the front hubs or stub axles. The rear hubs have been stripped down and fitted with new oil seals and gaskets. The diff has been drained and re-filled with fresh oil. All brakes stripped down, cleaned and rebuilt / correctly adjusted. The handbrake and linkages restored and adjusted. The brake/ clutch master cylinder has been stripped down and rebuilt with OE spec seals. Clutch slave cylinder re-sealed likewise.
Although the Frogeye needs further preparation and painting before re-assembly, most of the hard work has been done and the car has the potential to be worth £20K or more when finished, providing the new owner with a genuine investment. Delivery can be arranged to any UK mainland address.
