Spridget Hard Tops

Ray English

It did not take the specialist firms long to realise that there was a market in producing hardtops for the Sprite. In 1958, only months after the Mk I was released, hardtops were advertised in several motoring magazines, mainly in England. This trend continued right through the production life of the Sprite, some specialists offering 'GT' kits based on the very succesful works Sprites.

Back in 1968 I imported an ashley GT hardtop for my Mk III Sprite. Finished in British Racing Green to match the Sprite, it not only looked looked right, but was completely water proof. Most hardtops that I have come across seem to have sealing problems, usually because the mounting points distort the fibreglass (or the body of the car if overtightened).

The Ashley top was replaced in 1972 by a Lenham Le Mans kit, and at the same time the steel guards and bonnet were replaced with a (Williams and Pritchard) fibreglass Sebring bonnet. Both were excellent units, and are still fitted to the Sprite today. The Lenham kit has been reproduced, and is available in the UK once again. I sold the car in 1977, and it is now owned by Ian and Myriam Greenland.

Most Mk I owners would agree that the only top which suits a Bugeye is the original Donald Healey hardtop. Quite a few of these must still be around.

If any Sprite owner has a hardtop which they would like to identify, forward a photo for identification, original advertisements, etc. I have listed below the brands and makers of hardtops produced from 1958 to 1972.

Brand	Manufacturer
Ashley	Ashley Auto Improvements, England
Sebring	Williams and Pritchard Laminates, England
N/A	Donald Healey Motor Comany, England
N/A	Nordec Engineering & Panel Co Ltd, England
N/A	Cunningham Fibreglass, England
N/A	Perks & Dolman, England
N/A	J & S Fibreglass, Australia
N/A	Stan Brown, Australia
Lenham	Lenham Motor Co, England
N/A	T.W.M. Engineering Ltd, England
N/A	Universal Laminations, England
N/A	Manelli, Italy
N/A	Emil Frey A.G., Switzerland
Speedwell	Speedwell, England
N/A	John Aylstone, England
N/A	Thompson Fibreglass Products, USA
N/A	GT Tops Co, England
N/A	Dennis Ferranti Laminations Ltd (formerly Universal Laminations), England
N/A	Plasicon Inc, USA

Some firms sold in quite large quantities, but I'm sure that many never really got off the ground. Most of the tops sold would have been for the European market. In Australia a good soft top and tonneau cover are all that is required unless you use your car every day

If you own a Donald Healey (BMC) hardtop to suit the Bugeye, but the mounting clips are missing, don't despair. You can obtain them from:

	A-H Spares Limited
	Units 7-8, Westfield Road
	Kineton Road Industrial Estate
	Southam, Warwickshire
	CV33 OJH, England.

	Phone number:	0926 817181
	Fax number:	0926 817868
	Part number:	XHOD153, Clamp - Hardtop. Mk I