So, convinced by the marketing campaign, our little car was brought by a customer in the USA. In this section we piece together what the car was like when it left the UK. As part of the research carried out into its origins, we contacted the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, in Geydon, UK. Here we were able to find out quite a lot about the original car and its first “costume.” First important fact, it was built on 19th August 1960, and dispatched 24th August 1960.
Other important findings were that we could confirm all of the identification numbers on the car. Car/Chassis number. Engine Number, Body Number and Key Number. Along with various other interesting tidbits from a “Certified Copy Of A Factory Record” (Heritage Certificate).
Reassuringly, the Make and Model was confirmed as Austin-Healey Sprite Mark 1.
- Specification LHD, North American Export
- Colour.
- Exterior: Old White
- Trim: Cherry Red
- Hood: Black
- Destination: Los Angeles
- Factory Fitted Equipment.
- Heater
- Rev Counter
- Windscreen Washers
- Front Bumpers
- Red and White Flashers
A further artefact that remains is the original California licence plate. Look carefully and you can see the 1965 tax label.
For the next 33 years, we know nothing about the car, except that it was changed into its second costume, rhubarb and custard and was left unused for some considerable time in a farmers shed. Petros answered the call to save Frogeye, and bought the car in 1998.
Whilst preserving the car, Petros also photographically recorded the process, and created a website. Not quite as easy twenty years ago compared to the relatively simple process today. His original website was the inspiration for this updated version, with a few additional chapters.
Frogeye 