Just Arrived at The Forge — A Truly Exceptional Frogeye Sprite

We’re delighted to welcome this outstanding ‘Frogeye’ Sprite to The Forge.

Originally restored in the UK between 2015 and 2016, following its arrival from the United States, this is a car that demonstrates just how well a truly first-class restoration can stand the test of time. Having covered just 1,500 miles since its rebuild, it remains in exceptional condition today and presents beautifully throughout.

The restoration was clearly carried out with no expense spared, with the quality of the work evident in every area of the car. The bodyshell is beautifully straight, with excellent panel fit and superb structural integrity, while the underside has been finished to the same exacting standard as the exterior. The paintwork remains excellent, the chrome is beautifully preserved and the Minilite-style wheels complement the car perfectly.

The mechanical specification was also thoughtfully upgraded during the restoration. A fully rebuilt 1275cc engine provides lively and responsive performance, while front disc brakes give considerably improved stopping power. The gearbox was rebuilt and the brakes, suspension and steering were all renewed. The starter motor, dynamo, electrical system and exhaust have also received attention.

Inside, the car is equally impressive. The upholstery remains beautifully presented, while the hood and frame are like new. The car is supplied with a full set of sidescreens, and the spare-wheel compartment has been professionally trimmed and houses a selection of tools and essential equipment.

What makes this car particularly compelling is the way it has retained the quality and presentation of its restoration over the years. Rather than being a freshly completed project, it has had time to prove itself, yet the exceptionally low mileage since the rebuild means it still presents to a standard rarely seen today.

The car is accompanied by a comprehensive photographic record of the 2015–2016 restoration, a substantial file of invoices, a Heritage Certificate and historical paperwork from its time in the United States, providing excellent documentation of both its history and the work undertaken.

On the road, it is every bit as impressive as it is to look at. The rebuilt 1275cc engine feels strong, lively and responsive, while the upgraded braking system and renewed suspension, steering and gearbox make this a particularly enjoyable and usable Frogeye.

Examples restored to this standard are exceptionally rare. Achieving such a high-quality bodyshell, panel fit, underside and engine bay requires an enormous amount of painstaking work — and seeing one that has remained so beautifully preserved almost a decade later is especially rewarding.

A truly special Frogeye Sprite, restored to an exceptional standard in 2015–2016, thoughtfully upgraded, beautifully preserved and with just 1,500 miles covered since its rebuild.