First Classic - Austin Healey Sprite, FrogEye

[anonymous-user]

With an empty space in the garage I was wondering whether a Frog Eye Sprite would be the best way to enter Classic Car ownership.

from my limited research, they seem to be small, lightweight, cheap and easy to work on, with a multitude of upgrades available ...

Any feedback on what I should be looking for other than rust !

Thanks.

[gnc]

i had one in the seventies. bit expensive now, why not go for a later spridget, bit more comfortable and slightly faster. but a lot cheaper. basicaly the same car but updated ( slightly )

[anonymous-user]

Being based in Germany, NL isn't to far;

http://www.erclassics.com/Triumph-Spitfire-classic...

http://www.erclassics.com/Austin-Healey-Sprite-cla...

http://www.erclassics.com/Triumph-Spitfire-classic...

http://www.erclassics.com/Austin-Healey-Frogeye-cl...

http://www.erclassics.com/Austin-Healey-Frogeye-cl...


https://www.classicdriver.com/en/comparison/nodes/...

Any comments?

I do not mind some basic work, appreciate they rust etc, just want something small, cheap and light to learn some basic DIY on.

[anonymous-user]

gnc said:

i had one in the seventies. bit expensive now, why not go for a later spridget, bit more comfortable and slightly faster. but a lot cheaper. basicaly the same car but updated ( slightly )

They are OK, but I really like the Mark I looks.

You do seem t pay 50% of the price for a MKIV, interesting as it would be a first outing into classics!

Edited by Trexthedinosaur on Monday 21st March 14:07

[medieval]

It's exactly how I started on my life of constant spending out on old cars.


Second thoughts , I wouldn't bother

[LordBretSinclair]

Trexthedinosaur said:

They are OK, but I really like the Mark I looks.

You do seem t pay 50% of the price for a MKIV, interesting as it would be a first outing into classics!

Edited by Trexthedinosaur on Monday 21st March 14:07

Buy a cheap MkIV and have frogeye looks

http://sebringsprite.webs.com/tifosiranafrogeye.ht...

[wibble cb]

had mine for 13 years(ish) now, its my 2nd.... still love it to bits



it turns heads, is not very fast on the highway, at least in standard form, but around the city, its peppy and lively, it more than holds its own.

[anonymous-user]

http://www.erclassics.com/Triumph-Spitfire-classic...

http://www.erclassics.com/Austin-Healey-Sprite-cla...


Enquired about these two

[Rapid rental]

I guess you are after left hand drive only?

[Flying Phil]

As has been said, you pay far more for a Mk1, and you can put rear wings and a Mk 1 bonnet on later cars if originality is not essential. But spare parts are easily available for all types and ownership is not too expensive if the car is not a rot box......I've had my all steel Mk 1 since 1969

[anonymous-user]

Hello, yes LHD really, quite a few available although RHD would not be a problem of the price and condition was right.

That's amazing Phil, you are the only owner since 1969!

[Flying Phil]

Trexthedinosaur said:

Hello, yes LHD really, quite a few available although RHD would not be a problem of the price and condition was right.

That's amazing Phil, you are the only owner since 1969!

Yes time flies! I also bought another bent frogeye for spares in 1973 - but I rebuilt it and drag raced it


then rebuilt it as a Competition Altered

then rebuilt it to go back on the road - with the V8 Rover engine.....


Yes Frogeyes are addictive...........

[lowdrag]

You remind me of the AH Fright. I've often wanted to build one. But I just love your drag car. I wonder how many people here have owned a car 46 years?

[Hugh Jarse]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe94HcpHyGU&no...

[Hugh Jarse]

ive got a frog, but equally the later sprites offer better value and are more beautiful, if less charismatic. Look at this minter for £7k..
http://www.angliacarauctions.co.uk/en/classic-auct...

[jith]

I can get in the bloody things; but need a help out. They are soooo tiny!!

J

[Yertis]

jith said:

I can get in the bloody things; but need a help out. They are soooo tiny!!

J

They are indeed. I tried one but at 6'1" it was just too much of a squeeze. So I bought a GT6 that I could stretch out in.

[lowdrag]

You should try an XKSS, both of you; especially with the hood up. Limbo dancing practice is in order. You actually go in head first across to the other side, curl you legs up and insinuate yourself in. Then reverse the procedure to get out. By comparison a Spridget (and I do like that one for sale tomorrow) is a doddle purely because the XKSS cill is so ruddy high.

[wibble cb]

Yertis said:

jith said:

I can get in the bloody things; but need a help out. They are soooo tiny!!

J

They are indeed. I tried one but at 6'1" it was just too much of a squeeze. So I bought a GT6 that I could stretch out in.

I am 6' 5'', I fit in mine....

[lowdrag]

I did register to bid for the AH Sprite, and was hopeful given the estimate. But £11,000 was too rich for my blood.