Description
For sale our 1959 Austin Healey Mk1 Sprite
To be honest, I have no idea how to pitch the sale of this car, as it started out a race car project (hence the full FIA cage by Safety Devices) with preparation to suit, then reverted to a fast road/ hill climb car. It is hard to say who will be interested in the car, as it appeals to different people depending on how they wish to use it. I also have no idea how to price it and hope the car reflects its value to you. I am open to offers. The investment in time and money to date is very high. Either way, the reality is I have run out of time and cannot finish the project.
The car started off as an extremely good rust free, undamaged import from California in 1997. You can see from the bare metal photos how good it was to start. Sills, suspension mounts, floors, arches, all the items that are always rotten were perfect. I did replace the floors as they were dented and beaten up with lost of additional holes. The whole car including the original steel bonnet was stripped and coated by ProStrip, Nottingham. I then gave it a coat of aircraft Chrometch, epoxy primer by Novol and then painted it in a full 2K system in original BG4 Nevada Beige. The paint is fresh and as you can see by the reflections, it is very good. I also colour sanded and polished the paint.
Everything completed to date is prepped to a high standard, either plated or painted and fitted with new fasteners, etc.
The front end has a new steering rack, new shock absorbers, new lower wishbones and kingpins. Nothing is old or worn out. As you will note new disc brakes and calipers are fitted. I replaced the original single circuit brake master cylinder with the later Midget/ Sprite dual circuit system for safety and reliability. Both the brake and clutch master cylinders are new. The whole system is plumbed in braided hose with stainless fittings. As mentioned before, a ridiculous amount of time and money on parts.
The wheels are brand new MWS items, as are the splined hubs and knock off spinners. Tyres are Pirellis Cinturatos, again new. The original rear axle is fitted with a brand new Quaife ATB, crown and pinion. A fantastic addition for spirited driving. The rear drum brakes are Riley 1. 5 items, much larger, as these are allowed in the FIA regs. Parts are readility available and performance is enhanced. All items are plated or 2K painted. Always used gray paint on my race cars as it shows oil leaks.
A Panhard Rod from Frontline is fitted, the Facet fuel pump and braided line is all new. The whole car is fitted with a new cotton covered wiring loom for alternator from Autosparks. The dash is painted and fitted with original Austin Healey BN6 gauges, that have been overhauled by The gauge Shop. The Tach is converted to electronic feed and the oil pressure gauge has a new fitting and tube after it was overhauled. The Motolita steering wheel has a quick release boss for ease of exit and security - take it with you when you leave the car.
The bodywork is outstanding and you can see by the door shut gaps how good it all fits. I deleted the licence plate light as it was huge and ugly, the plate has two built in lights for legal illuminations. The bonnet is all steel and is hinged as factory. The grille is custom as I do not like the large original one, if you do not like it, the aperature on the bonnet is original so you can fit the traditional one.
The bonnet is fitted with new LED lights, which make it look even more like a Frogeye.
The Safety Devices roll cage is removable, so can be fitted as a full cage with door bars etc or just the rear hoop.
The car comes with two original Sprite seats, that are fitted with new bases and backs and new foam for both. Seat runners included as is a works replica seat from Archer Engineering. Custom door pockets made in house. The original seats are prepped ready for your choice of colour and covering.
The original smooth case gearbox is a rebuilt unit with new bearings, seals and is fitted with MK2 close ratio gears that make the car much more fun to drive.
The unfitted engine is a PreA 1275 engine supplied as a long block, machined and prepped by Damico Engineering. It is bored 060 over with Keith Calver pistons and brand new connecting rods, the crank is prepped and the whole system balanced onto a brand new MED light weight flywheel and AP clutch. The head is a conservative fast road head, new large valves, inserts, new performance valve springs, three angle valve job and pressure checked. All bearings, seals are new and the engine is fiited with a high capacity, internally baffled oil pan.
Heritage certificate included and log book in my name.
As you have read this car has had a lot of work. It is far from original, but it is to an extremely good standard and would make a great fast road car or even hill climb car.
I have run out of allowed space, email me using the button below for more details and price
As above, legendary handling, improved suspension, engine and Quaife rear axle add to the overall enjoyment. Extremely high standard of preparation, bodywork and detail.
