Ep 4. Austin-Healey "Frogeye" Sprite

In Wheeler Dealers season 8 episode 4, the team takes on the challenge of restoring a classic Austin-Healey "Frogeye" Sprite. Edd China and Mike Brewer seek out a rust-free model to work their magic on, searching high and low until they find the perfect candidate. Once they bring the car back to the workshop, they face the task of a complete overhaul, from the engine to the bodywork, to give this iconic British sports car a new lease on life.

The Austin-Healey Sprite was first introduced in 1958 as an affordable sports car with a distinctive design. Its "Frogeye" nickname came from the car's unique headlights, which were positioned on top of the hood and gave the car a playful, frog-like appearance. The Frogeye Sprite quickly gained a following among driving enthusiasts, and even attracted some famous fans, such as Steve McQueen and Grace Kelly.

However, the Frogeye Sprite's popularity began to wane in the 1960s, and the car was eventually discontinued in 1971. Today, the car is a sought-after classic for collectors and vintage car enthusiasts, with restored models fetching high prices at auction.

In this episode of Wheeler Dealers, Mike and Edd set out to restore a 1960 Frogeye Sprite to its former glory. They begin by assessing the car's condition and taking it for a test drive. They quickly discover that the car is in need of a lot of work, both mechanically and aesthetically.

The engine is in poor condition and needs to be completely rebuilt. The bodywork has rust and corrosion, and will require extensive repairs. The interior is also in need of attention, with worn seats and a cracked dashboard.

Despite these challenges, Mike and Edd are determined to restore the car. They set to work dismantling the car and rebuilding the engine. They also enlist the help of a local bodywork specialist to tackle the rust and corrosion on the car's body.

As they work on the car, Mike and Edd offer insights into the history and design of the Austin-Healey Sprite, as well as tips for restoring vintage cars. They also face a few setbacks, including a broken differential that needs to be replaced.

However, with determination and expertise, Mike and Edd are able to overcome these challenges and complete the restoration of the Frogeye Sprite. The finished car is a stunning example of a classic sports car, with a shiny red exterior and a powerful engine that purrs like a kitten.

Overall, this episode of Wheeler Dealers showcases the hard work and expertise that goes into restoring a classic car, as well as the beauty and appeal of the iconic Austin-Healey "Frogeye" Sprite.