Oldest Surviving Frogeye Bodyshell?

[Myers]

Hi

I was just wondering if I could pose a couple of questions to the group.

I have read both on this forum and in Frogeye books that, as part of the production process John Thompson Motor Pressings Ltd stamped every Frogeye bodyshell with a number (for internal use and not recorded by Motor Heritage) on or around the footwell panel near the wiring loom clip.

I have a Frogeye that's shell is numbered in the low 30's. Does this signify that this shell was manufactured in the very early days of production?


It just got me thinking, what is the lowest number other Frogeye owners have found stamped in this location?

Kind Regards

Michael

 

[hcallaway]

As easy as it is to move the ID plates from one shell to another I would suggest also looking at some of the tell tale signs of an early body. It would be interesting to know about how many are still in the Road.

 

[hcallaway]

The ID you are talking about was stamped. Mine was visible after blasting.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

IBugsy II has a number in the 25,000 range and it was a’59 build, 30,000 is a late 59or60. Now if it is 00030 then you’ve got something.

 

[Gerard]

The first production Sprite was serial number 501 (March 1958). Since the body shell numbers stamped near the footwell usually have a serial number close to that, I wouldn't expect any numbers lower than that, but I don't know that for a fact. Possibly, you can't see the entire number if there is paint on the car? Maybe you could post a picture of what you see. What is the serial number stamped on your chassis plate?

 

[Myers]

Hi, thanks for your replies, here are a couple of images of the number stamp, there does not appear to be any more numbers either side.

 

[Gerard]

Yep, seems pretty clear all right. What is the chassis number plate under the carbs indicate, and what is the "BAE" number on the embossed aluminum plate inside right A-pillar (between door hinges)? What year is the car registered as?

Hi, thanks for your replies, here are a couple of images of the number stamp, there does not appear to be any more numbers either side.

View attachment 52126View attachment 52127

 

[Jim_Gruber]

There are quite a number of differences in early - first 6000 Body Shells. David from Bugeye Guy posted a video in his weekly Newsletter on January 5 titled "1958 Bugeye Sprites - What sets them apart from other Bugeyes?" Also the Horler Book shows things like extra Gussets around Doors and Rear Bulkhead as well as changes to the Bonnet Radiator Shrouding but the Video David posted shows the differences. I was able to Google that title and pull up a link to the Video. And on my '59 Bodyshell all 5 digits are clearly visible. You might indeed have found a very old body shell.

 

[Gerard]

Before there was a "Bugeyeguy" , there was Colin Dodds. He has all the differences well documented on his web site. Lots of other great, well informed info from him.

https://www.spriteparts.com.au/tech/variations.html

There are quite a number of differences in early - first 6000 Body Shells. David from Bugeye Guy posted a video in his weekly Newsletter on January 5 titled "1958 Bugeye Sprites - What sets them apart from other Bugeyes?" Also the Horler Book shows things like extra Gussets around Doors and Rear Bulkhead as well as changes to the Bonnet Radiator Shrouding but the Video David posted shows the differences. I was able to Google that title and pull up a link to the Video. And on my '59 Bodyshell all 5 digits are clearly visible. You might indeed have found a very old body shell.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Thanks Gerard , this is a much better compilation of the differences between early and later cards. Thanks for this Link. A good one to Bookmark.