Beschreibung
This 1965 Austin Healey Sprite Mk3 has just come to the end of a full bare metal, ground up restoration, which really has to be seen to be appreciated . The works to restore this car were completed on behalf of a client who expected the highest standard of workmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Sadly and unexpectedly the client who owned the car passed away before he could see the project completed. However despite this loss and due to the friendship that developed with the client during these works it was decided that the restoration of this special car would be finished without compromise in his honour. The works are now drawing to a close and this car is now available on the market for its new keeper to polish, enjoy and cherish.
This Sprite will be supplied with a British Heritage Certificate confirming it is an original UK Right Hand Drive car with its original 10CC code ( 1098cc) engine and finished in its original factory body colour of Riviera Blue. The restoration was completed over a two year period and is a genuine bare metal body, nut and bolt restoration with the emphasis on restoring the car so that it looks factory fresh and original whilst bringing a high level of quality to the overall finish.
At the start of the restoration the car was first stripped of all components to a bare shell and the body shell, doors, boot lid and bonnet were professionally chemically dipped to remove all existing rust, paint and original sealents. Where necessary new panels have been used during the rebuilding of the car, including main floor area and boot floor, new rear spring hanger assembly rebuilt, footwells, inner and outer sills, rear wing lower sections and door pillars. Any other metal sections that were damaged by rust have been cut out and new sections fabricated, butt welded into place and finished to provide a a seamless joint in keeping with the original design of the body structure. Considerable time and meticulous attention to detail was spent during assembly of the body shut lines and panel gaps to better than factory original standard.
The whole car bodywork and panels have then been painted with 2K epoxy primer to provide a rust inhibiting waterproof base and seam sealer applied to all seams. Numerous applications of 2K high build primer have been block sanded by hand between applications to achieve a true flat perfection free substrate ready for the final application of the Riviera Blue 2K colour paint to all external surfaces, underside body, and interior. For added protection the underside and inside of the wheel arches of the car have been sprayed in a stone chip protection paint which has been overpainted in the final blue colour paint. Many hours were then spent hand finishing and polishing the external paintwork to a high gloss finish. For added protection the cavities between the bodywork panels have been treated to Dinitrol clear cavity wax injection.
Mechanically all the parts on this car, from the heater blower fan through to the engine, have been stripped down and rebuilt using new parts where necessary. The engine has been converted to run on unleaded fuel and rebuilt from the stripped down engine block. Many new parts fitted including all new bearings, bushes, pistons, valves and a new Kent mild road tune camshaft fitted for increased driver enjoyment. Rear axle and gearbox stripped and rebuilt with new parts, clutch, bearings and seals as necessary. Suspension and brakes stripped down and rebuilt with all new seals, bushes, brake lines, pads, shoes, disks, drums ect. New fuel tank, all new fuel lines and rebuilt original fitment SU carburettors. All new ignition system with the upgrade to electronic ignition. The car retains its original dynamo and starter motor which have been stripped down and rebuilt. A new stainless steel exhaust system has been fitted which provides a lovely period exhaust note. The electrical wiring harness has been completely stripped back, repaired where necessary with new connections. Please note that whilst it is not shown in the photographs of the engine bay, the SU carburettors are fitted with its original refurbished Cooper pan style air filters and includes the heater duct that connects the heater blower to the front panel.
The dashboard has been refurbished with the correct wrinkle finish and clocks/ switches overhauled. An additional working period accessory "Butlers Map Reading Light" has been added to the dashboard to bring a little more nostalgia to the driving experience. The steering wheel is the originally fitted and now rare banjo style steering wheel, which was sourced specially for the restoration of this car by the client.
The interior has been fitted with a custom made trim in colours which echo the original factory design but with an upgrade from the original vinyl specification to blue leather with grey edge piping for the seat coverings. All new door seals and window/ glass rubber seals. The parcel shelf in the passenger footwell contains a discreet fitted cigarette lighter for power to accessories such as mobile phone charges, should it be required. The hood frame is the original two part removable packaway hood design which has been refurbished and painted in grey specification paint with a new upgraded Mohair black convertible hood fitted.
Externally the car benefits from complete new chrome bumper assemblies front and rear. New front grill and surround and other chrome parts either new or refurbished. The original steel wheels have been media blasted and powder coated and look factory fresh with their new chrome AH embossed wheel hub caps.
In summary this car is immaculate, runs beautifully and despite it being both tax and MOT exempt it will be supplied with a 12 month MOT certificate for added piece of mind upon sale. In addition an album containing a photographic archive of the restoration will be supplied with the car upon sale.
For more information on the restoration of this car then please visit our Facebook page Mortons Classic Cars
(DEPOSIT TAKEN)
