1960 Austin Healey Sprite
It’s not terribly fast. The brakes are nothing special. The seats have very little padding, and there are no roll-up windows. The trunk is so hard to get to that one reviewer suggested that the job be left to a trained monkey. The very short list of standard’ amenities doesn’t even include a heater. An overly harsh assessment of the Austin-Healey Sprite? Well then… What we’ve left out, of course, is the “and yet” part, and here it is: “But what it is, is an irresistible, inviting package that from its ‘bugeyes’ and perpetually smiling grille to the unmistakable, raspy exhaust sound begs to be driven-seeming to say, ‘Let’s go out and have some fun.”
Barn find condition is the best way to sum up this Bug Eyed Sprite from 1960 and right out of jolly old England. Invasive rust has had its way with this mighty little Brit on all fronts, and in this writer’s opinion this damage has categorized this sporty ride into the parts car category.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Exterior
A true Bug Eye version with its bullet style headlights mounted into the hood, and just below its perpetual smiling front grille, this is a very desirable version from Austin Healey that has seen better days. A silver dollar if you will, the paint is marred, touched up, faded and overall the body is presenting with invasive rust on all panels. The door glass is missing, and the small windshield has some wiper scars but is clean and clear otherwise. The bumpers have been removed and at least 1 residing in the interior. The top is gone and only 1 of the support bows is present. Simple steel 13-inch wheels are on all 4 corners, and these are missing their covers.
Interior
Peering inside we see a bevy of parts scattered throughout the interior. Moving inside a single black and green bomber style bucket with tuck and roll buckets with white piping sit snugly within the driver compartment. Heavy wear and tearing is noted on this seat and is in need of a full redux. All traces of carpeting are gone and we note metal signage used as patching for the steel. Within the hump in the center is a small straight shift lever standing proud. Upfront is the original dash with its original Jaeger gauges and knobs and pulls.
Drivetrain
Underneath the rear hinged hood is an original 948cc 43hp engine with 2 SU H1 side draft carbs. On the back is a 4-speed manual transmission, connected to a 4.22 rear axle.
Undercarriage
While unable to be removed from its transport pallet to be inspected on our lift, we note heavy rusting as seen from the interior flooring or lack thereof. Invasive rust has taken over the framing and has progressed to the point the rear suspension has rotted away from its mounting point. Drum brakes are noted all around and suspension wise, it’s an independent front suspension with coil springs and a leaf spring set up in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Obviously not drivable, but we were informed that this engine does indeed run well, or did run well at the time of its arrival to our Hallowed Halls
Rust has eaten away at this very popular little sports car leaving the potential buyer with a decision to make. A massive undertaking of a restoration, or an apt and suitable parts car to help other Healys live on.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Price: Auction
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