Description
This UK delivered, all steel Frogeye Sprite looks stunning in Healey Leaf Green and comes with all the best upgrades, making it a great driving car which easily keeps up with modern traffic. The Sprite has a comprehensive history including the original buff registration book, first tax disc and BMIHT certificate. Garage invoices and MOT's dating back to the last century confirm the indicated mileage of 57, 600. It retains its original 1959 Middlesex number plate and its factory colour scheme.
36 VMU was delivered to Mrs Elspeth Gibbs on 31st August 1959 by BMC dealers Tamplins of Twickenham. The Sprite then spent the next 57 years in rural southern England before being purchased in 2016 by a Mr Webb. He commissioned an extensive restoration including numerous mechanical upgrades, a full bodywork strip and refurbish and a bare metal repaint in the original Leaf Green. The restoration brief was to create a Mk 1 Sprite suitable for the driving environment of the 21st Century with upgraded performance, safety and reliability while retaining that original Frogeye appearance and charm.
A Mark 4 Sprite was purchased as a donor vehicle and its 1275 engine removed, completely rebuilt and refitted to the Frogeye. The donor car's ribbed case gearbox and longer ratio differential were also refreshed and transplanted, The full list of mechanical upgrades fitted at restoration were :-
Rebuilt 1275cc A Series engine with fast road camshaft
Twin 1. 5 inch H4 SU carburettors
Larger gas flowed inlet manifold
"Maniflow" long centre pipe exhaust manifold with SS exhaust
Rebuilt ribbed case gearbox
3. 9/ 1 ratio differential
Front disc brake conversion with servo
Separate brake and clutch master cylinder reservoirs
Electric fuel pump conversion
Re-cored, uprated radiator with plastic multiblade fan
Mr Webb enjoyed his newly restored Sprite for 3 years before trading it against a big Healey at Chiltern Sports and Prestige near Aylesbury from where I purchased the car in 2019. For the past 7 years I have loved driving the Frogeye on the quiet roads of the North of Scotland.
During my ownership I have carried out all the routine servicing myself as documented in the history file in addition to continuing the theme of mechanical upgrades. These include fitting a 123 electronic distributor and high flow K&N air filters to the twin SU's. Finally, the recognised weak point of the Sprite's drivetrain, namely the carbon clutch release bearing, has been addressed by updating to a modern roller bearing in 2024. At the same time a new Borg & Beck clutch and a modified rear crankcase oil seal were fitted.
The interior is largely original but benefits from the addition of green static seatbelts and tailored carpets. The car retains its original and very desirable "speedboat" steering wheel. There is a full set of weather equipment including tonneau, side screens and an excellent hood all of which can be stored on board in custom made leatherette bags from "Bugeye Guys" in the USA. One of the advantages of buying a car restored 10 years ago is that any issues with bodywork will have appeared by now but, as can be seen in the pictures, the car still presents beautifully. Although exempt, the car has a fresh MOT, valid until March 2027.
This Mk 1 Sprite looks virtually standard but, thanks to the upgrades listed above, it is a joy to drive and brisk progress is guaranteed. So, if you're looking for a "spritely" Frogeye to show, drive and tour then this could be the car for you. Prior to purchasing this Sprite I drove 8 other Frogeyes over 2 days and 36 VMU was outstanding in comparison. Its performance, handling, ride and overall condition were different class and I bought it without hesitation. However, after 7 years of Frogeye fun it's time to move on to a new project and this lovely car is available for a new owner to cherish and enjoy. Guaranteed to put a broad grin on the driver's face and attract admiring glances, the Sprite is on the button and ready for the spring and summer seasons.
