1958 Austin Healey Sprite

Two seater Convertible

948cc with Judson Supercharger

Original smoothcase tranny

AN5-L/552

Clear

You are looking at a very special Austin Healey Sprite for sale. Will try to tell the story in a shortened version. We bought this car back in 1992 from a rural school teacher,he had bought it in California. Was supposedly 75% finished but you know how that goes, not even close. After further inspection we decided we would have to start from scratch and so the story starts. At this time we owned a British Car shop and so our Bugeye was pushed to the corner and there it sat for a few years. Finally started, and in researching, discovered our Bugeye was a very early car indeed. We aborted the options of putting the ribcage transmission we had acquired along with the 1275cc engine, and put it back to it`s original profile coming off the line. We took special notice of what it had, being such an early car, alot of research. There were alot of changes in the first year and even in the first 6 months. Owners of the first cars just updated the stuff they didn`t like to the newer versions of accessories that were much more user friendly. We were about to sell this car several years ago on ebay when a enthusiast commented how special she was and did we really want to sell her. I thought he was a kook! Little did I know he was a very genuine person and set me on the path of finding out how special our car really was. You see this chap lives in England and happens to know all the leading experts on Bugeyes. They were all very excited and helpful, so much fun chatting with them about our car. There were seven experts, including the fellow who started the process. Several wrote the books on the Sprites. Our car has bolted on gussets on the wheel arches, big deal right? Only a handful of pre-production cars used for testing were produced that way. During testing it was determined that the area was a weak spot and the gussets were welded on the production cars. (please note this can be factual as no records exist on pre-production cars, but this is a good and honest appraisal of our car due to the following). Okay, this is what they decided: This Sprite is more than likely an early pre-production car that was used for development and testing built in Feb. of 1958 along with VIN 526 and 556. Most of the cars never made it past this stage and were scrapped, but this one or at least the shell was not destroyed. BMC was running on a tight budget, it is believed Donald Healey only made 25 pounds per car sold, so this shell was probably reworked and put back on the line when production restarted again March 31, 1958. BMC was in a hurry to have these Sprites in the States as the Sprite were predominately produced and aimed for the US market. so they needed as many Sprites in US BMC showrooms prior to the launch of the car on May 20th. It is believed that this Sprite #552 has a high possibility to be the first Sprite sent to the States. Heritage production date is April 3, 1958. No other details are recorded, for the pre-production they never were. So in taking all this in to consideration, here are the facts. #1 Rear chassis gussets are bolted. Only car known in existence to have this is PBL-75, chassis AN5 507, a pre-production car. #2 Engine numbers started at 101, AN5 #552`s number is 105, two numbers away from 103 which was fitted to PBL 75. #3Chassis number AN5 552 as per Tom Coulthards article, two very early Sprites were built in Feb. 1958 for exhibitions, and then used for development and testing. Vin #`s 526 and 556. #4 The very first batch of Bugeyes built were all left hand drive and sent to the United States. This is the basic conclusion the experts all agreed on. Again, that said here are the specifics of our car. This story was written by Jamie Juckett on his Sprite site so all credit due to him on a story well written. The restoration was complete in 2009. Since then we have driven it to Kentucky, Tenn., Illinois, all around Wisconsin, Ohio. Wherever it has been, always has shown well with alot of interest. You might have seen this car on the Austin Healey Calendar the year after Galena, Miss January. We put it in concourse at National Convention down in Galena Ill. Showed well but not a place. We were not prepared for the 1/2 point off each new bolt we put in along with a few other things. Since that time we have collected neccessary equipment to change out for a very good showing at concourse if you are interested in purchasing them along with the car. Pictures show it all, everything was gone over when restored. Instruments were rebuilt by APT of Minneapolis. Bumper and bumperettes rechromed by AIH of Dubuque Iowa, guaranteed for life. Engine is 948cc, not the original, that was long gone when we got the car. Installed a Judson supercharger to make up for the 948cc engine. Added a Lucas back-up light on rear bumperette for safety, and because it`s cool. Have the original carburetor set up to go with the car, have been rebuilt. The front brakes are disc., you need to stop well, thus the updated brakes. Everything is in working order, it needs nothing. The tool bag is original, along with the side curtain bag. All information, manuals acquired, along with car cover, the history and photo album go with the car. We love this car but have too many to drive. This car needs to be driven and enjoyed, not just sitting in the corner. Any questions please ask. I have described this car to the best of my knowledge. Some of my pictures are from last fall by the river, I assure you the car has not changed except for the badges by the front grill. This car is being sold as is, no guarantees, we welcome any inspections. Contact for an appointment. Buyer is responsible for shipping expenses and arrangements. Deposit of $1,000.00 at end of auction, non-refundable if sale not completed. Pick-up with-in 2 weeks of auction end. Money transfer, or certified check with-in 7 days of auction end for remaining balance due. This car is being sold with NO Reserve! It is a Beautiful example and significant car historically, but it is also so much fun to drive. Did I mention it is in the top 4 of the existing Bugeye Sprites still in existence, according to the Australian Sprite Register.Thanks for looking and Good Luck on your bidding. Do not let this chance to own Sprite history pass you by.On May-05-14 at 03:53:55 PDT, seller added the following information: Car was white when we purchased her, she was stripped and extensive restoration done. Engine bay was cut out to accommadate a V8 engine, former owner stated she was raced in California with a V8. Heritage certificate was sent for and car was put back as original with attention to detail.On May-06-14 at 08:04:22 PDT, seller added the following information: Taking everything into consideration, this Bugeye is probably the most important Bugeye in the United States according to the experts in England.