Frogeye (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Frogeye Car Co. was established in the mid-1980s in Ryde, Isle of Wight, and operated until approximately 1996. The company specialized in producing replicas of the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk1, a classic British sports car known for its distinctive design.

The development of the Frogeye replica garnered the attention and endorsement of Geoffrey and Donald Healey, the original creators of the Sprite. However, due to existing rights held by other parties, the Healey name could not be utilized in the branding of the replicas. The Frogeye replicas were constructed using a robust steel box section chassis paired with meticulously crafted fibreglass bodywork, ensuring a high-quality finish.

Frogeye Car Co. offered complete vehicles for sale, but many customers chose to convert their existing MG Midget cars into Frogeye replicas. The company initially marketed their product as a "restoration kit," allowing enthusiasts to utilize the mechanical components from Austin A30 or A35 models, which were in line with the specifications of the original Sprite. This approach appealed to a niche market of classic car enthusiasts looking to recreate the charm of the early Sprite while utilizing available resources.