• 1 current UK keeper • Created in the US • Constructed partially from Star Trek and KISS tour stage parts
The Background
The base of this project has been built using the running gear from a 1959 Austin Healey Sprite (Frogeye). As we know, the Sprite was a huge success in its own right, with production running from 1958 to 1971. The model was used competitively in various race events since the launch and still is today. With the Sprite being in the right place at the right time and available, there was no better choice than to use it as a base for this project.
The seller of this one off build has owned the vehicle for 3 years. He spotted this miniature pick up in a Pawn shop in Phoenix, Arizona. Once the Pawn shop sorted out the red tape, the pick up was released and made its way to the U.K. and was registered 1st October 2019.
Fortunately, the car came with an extensive file, including photographs, which explain where the parts came from and what was used. The car was built by a gentleman who was a broadway and movie set builder, and he handcrafted the body from parts of sets. The tubular framework was from the KISS tour set, the diamond plate in the rear is from the Star Trek set at the Las Vega Hilton, and the headlights are from the Rugrats cycles at Universal Studios. The bonnet was formed from sheet metal from the Terminator movie. The list goes on, it really is something different. The heart in the vehicle is an Austin Healey Frog Eyed Sprite, which was used as a prop in the Broadway production of “They’re Playing Our Song '', starring Lucy Arnaz. The Sprite was very nearly disposed of but was saved to use the running gear including its engine (which was then modified) and its ribcase gearbox.
The V5 is present and shows just the current UK keeper.
There is a Nova certificate present to show that the VAT has been paid, which is done before the DVLA will release the log book.
There is plenty of documentation and photographs showing the build part way through in the middle of set builds at the creator’s place of work, all of which generate a picture on how this unique car was made.
The inside of the pick up is quite basic but very functional. The aluminum dash fascia curves along to allow maximum room. The odometer is showing a reading of 42,268 miles.
The three spoke leather steering wheel is in good condition with minimal wear. The seats have been replaced by the seller in the past 3 years because the ones they came with were from a Walt Disney set and were a touch on the snug side. (The Disney seats will accompany the vehicle if wanted). These are much more forgiving and offer a lot more space, although you may need Italian shoes to drive it. The floor is trimmed in red carpet and is in good condition
The rear bed is made from chequer plate used on a Star Trek set at the Las Vegas Hilton, which has created a small but usable size bed should you wish to carry something.
The aluminum tube frame for the pickup has been made from lighting trusses which were built for a KISS tour in the 1980’s. These are 2”OD ⅛” wall 6061 aluminum tube, which have been mig-welded with 4043 wire and all bent by hand using a Hossfield bender.
There are a few small age related stone chips here and there, as you would expect, to the front nose and wheel arches, and there are some runs and a couple of small crazing areas in the paintwork (see photos).
The body is constructed from aluminum sheet and fits together really nicely with everything aligning as it should. The Rugrats headlamps are free from any chips and the chrome to the rear has a bright finish.
The fibreglass front wings come off a plywood stage car from They're Playing Our Song tour and are in good condition as they flow down to a chequer plate side step which sits just above the side exit exhaust. All the aluminium chequer plate for the side step and the bed has been hand cut, shaped and welded, so that everything fits just perfectly.
Around to the rear, and again, there is a handcrafted bumper which has been fabricated with care, designing it with such details as the number plate recess and the built in step. The alloy wheels are in excellent condition and suit the pickup just nicely. There are matching tyres all around, and these have a good amount of tread remaining.
An overboard 948 cc BMC A-Series engine is what powers this unique truck. It has been coupled to a ribcaged gearbox with close ratio gears.
The vehicle is reported to start up literally on the button, (no ignition key), and the engine idles as it should with no untoward noises coming from the 948cc. It is reported to drive as it should with the gear change nice and smooth, and the pickup pulls well through the gears.
Everything is reported to work as it should. There is no roof for the pickup or wipers, so wet weather driving is not ideal. The handling is described as amazing fun! It feels quick, light and nimble, and there are no noises to raise concern coming from the suspension.
Built before upcycling was even a thing, this truly is a one off, handcrafted build. It has been carried out to an excellent standard, using parts from some of the most famous sets on Broadway and Universal Studios, such as the Terminator.
The ultimate in one off, you will struggle to find something like this again. So if you are looking for a unique vehicle to use and show, then look no further, this is the one!
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More about buying with us
1960 Austin Healey 'LFTOVRS' Pickup
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