1961 Austin Healey Sprite

Convertible

4 Cylinder

Manual

AN5L/45117

Clear

You are viewing a very rare 1961 Austin Healey 948cc Bugeye Sprite California car "garage find" example. Being offered at "Low Reserve". No Rust. Vin #: AN5L/45117 Color: Originally Iris Blue (rare color) Title: Clear "Michigan" Title Mileage: 8,289 (actual miles unknown) Engine: 948 cc (not running) I will be adding more pictures within the next few days. The Bugeye has been stored in a garage for last 40 years after being driven from California to Michigan (1975). The Bugeye was given a valve job and driven approximately 300 miles before going into long term storage. In preparation for storage, the oil was changed and the gas tank was drained. The Bugeye has some neat period race upgrades from back in the day when it was obviously given some competitive exercise on the weekends. These upgrades include a bolt in roll bar (minor body modification), racing bucket seat (driver's) with 4 point racing seatbelt, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, oil pressure gauge, oil temperature gauge & tachometer. Under the hood the "Bugeye" is pretty much all original and complete down to the air filters. You can see in the pictures that there is an upgraded adjustable fuel pump. The 948 engine does not run, but does turn freely and as noted, has been stored with fresh oil. The engine is extremely clean and was not cleaned at all. The carbs move freely as well. I did not make any attempt to start it. Car rolls easily. Transmission goes into all gears without any issues. Will need a mechanical restoration including the hydraulics. The interior is in good original condition. Both seats are in excellent condition and as mentioned, the driver's seat was replaced with a racing bucket seat. Dash is a custom wood dash that looks very nice. Has non original ignition switch and gauges as shown in the dash picture. Also, has leather racing wheel. The Body is extremely solid and rustfree. Originally Iris Blue from the factory, the Bugeye was painted Red, and then Yellow. At some point the nose panel was replaced with a near perfect example - that panel was originally green. Some store bought Yellow spray paint was used for a more uniform look - it's not the best. There are no struts for the nose panel. The rest of the paint is in ok condition. There are spots where the paint has flaked/chipped. Some cracking in the paint on the trunk lid and other misc spots. Both doors close nicely with excellent door gaps (no issues with the hinges). Most importantly, the Austin does not have any rust or evidence of rust repair that I can detect. The rockers & wheel arches are all in excellent condition as shown in the pictures. The floor pans are all in great shape as well with no evidence of rust or damage. Convertible top is in good original condition and has not been off the car since going into storage. The side curtains have been on the entire time as well except for taking the auction pictures. Windshield is in good shape with no cracks. The vintage alloy wheels are in excellent condition with no curb rash, corrosion or damage. Chrome lug nuts are all in nice shape as well. This would be the perfect car to do a mechanical refresh and leave the cosmetics as is. It would make the perfect weekend driver with just the right amount of "old school" patina. Please note that it is in non running condition and will need restoration. The Bugeye is being sold in "as is" condition with no warranty expressed or implied. I cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies that may have been inadvertently been provided. ONCE AGAIN.....LOW RESERVE AUCTION! Please have your finds in order prior to bidding. Shipping is up to the buyer to arrange. As stated, the "Austin" represents a wonderful opportunity for the British car enthusiast that is looking for an easy restoration project at an affordable price. Comes with a clear Michigan title. Sold in "as is" condition with no warranty expressed or implied. I have done my best to describe the "Bugeye" to the best of my ability, however there may be some things that I may have missed. It is up to the buyer to do due diligence when making a purchase online. Do not make any assumptions about anything. Ask any questions that may not have been addressed. I am not responsible for any errors or erroneous misinformation. If you would like to speak with me directly, please provide a contact number and I will get back to you. For the motivated buyer, I will consider ending the auction early for a serious offer, however I do not have a buy it now price set. The fine print: If you have 5 or less feedback transactions, you must contact me prior to bidding. A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 is due within 24 hours of the auction end. If the deposit is not received, the "Bugeye" will be offered to the next highest bidder. The balance is due within 7 days of the auction end date. The car must be picked up within 10 days of the auction end date. A $10.00 per day storage fee will be charged after the 10 days unless prior arrangements have been made. For International Buyers, I have sold several vintage cars to overseas buyers with the buyers being extremely pleased with the sale. "License Plate" not included. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to answer any questions you may have. On Mar-17-15 at 08:04:51 PDT, seller added the following information: It shoulded be noted, that you will be hard pressed to find a more rustfree Bugeye or British Sports Car than this Austin Healey. There is no rust on the body, floor pans, inner rocker panels etc...The floors appear to be all original as well with no indication of previous rust repair. The buyer will have no welding or rust repair to tackle. Addional pictures have been added.On Mar-18-15 at 09:48:08 PDT, seller added the following information: Please copy and paste the below URL into your browser to view additional pictures of the car. http://s10.photobucket.com/user/jamaicajoe02/library/bugeye