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Austin Healey parts spares and accessories are available for Austin Healey 100, 100-6, 3000, Sprite, Bugeye (Frogeye) and other Healey models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

Austin-Healey Sprite - Fake Frogeye

I have just obtained a frogeye kit car by Banham and wondered what to do about clubs and shows when it is built. I rather think that I may be shunned by Sprite and Mini owners alike as although it is Mini based it is nothing like one, nor is it a true Frogeye !!
What to do ???
P Worthington

Did you buy it for yourself to enjoy? If so, I wouldn't worry about other people's opinions and I'd drive it. And I don't think any but the biggest snobs would shun you since it's not a common car. I think that there would be some positive interest.

Martin
Martin

Good thinking, I will do my best to make it fly , that way the machine will create its own audiance, it will be a mystery machine with many quirks and oddities.
I like to entertain enthusiasts with unusual bits and bobs that have no obvious purpose, like pipes that disappear into the bodywork and odd valve and vents etc..
It will be a work of art and I'm now quite looking forward to it, but first I have a track day Mini to complete and sell....I need the money !! and I have to have a garage clearout to make some space..

P Worthington

I've got a Frogeye and I'd be honored if you decided to you to drive it down to London when It's finished so we can all have a look.
Most of our cars are far from original anyway and at the end of the day most of us are just happy to see a nice bit of automotive machinery.
Good luck with the build
Gary L

Thanks Gary,
The Banham kit of the Frogeye is very good as it is the same size and shape as the oringinal, even keeping the same wheelbase. It has a small boot lid at the extreme rear of the car which I may fill to keep it as it should be. I am looking forward to building this car as I have a garage full of useless bits off old cars which will serve to make the sprite at least look like an old one.
It should look fantastic from a distance but I know that close up will always be a kit car, but what the hell, I'll never have a real one so lets do it. Here goes a long winter project which should be ready next spring.

P Worthington

These people have taken over the production now that Banham have gone under http://www.rallysportreplicas.co.uk/frogeye/aboutfrogeye.htm
and according to their site, they do a bootless rear for the "Frog" which is what they're now calling the kit.
I have not seen the Banham kit in the flesh, only photos, but the main critisism that I've heard from Spridget owners who have seen it is that the mini wheels make the car look wrong, being too small. I don't know if that's something you could address.
Anyway, good luck with it.
Gary L

Thanks Gary, didn't know that Banham had finished, perhaps that is why they are not answering my e mails.
I need a screen and surround plus grill but musn't grumble, I got the whole kit for 560 quid and the body is all there and mint.
The wheels do, I must admit , look a little small on the Banham photo's but I put that down to the suspension ride height being set too high . I will try 13" Revolutions when it is done but will probably plumb for steel wheels with a high profile tyre whichever looks best.
Close up the kit looks plastic as the wing bead is moulded in but maybe after paint who knows ?
Thanks for your interest

P Worthington

Most Sprite owners that I know are always interested in a variation of a Sprite. So take it your nearest Club and see what reaction you get. I am sure once they see it you be welcomed.
D S Low

This thread was discussed between 21/04/2005 and 23/06/2005

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