1968 Austin Healey AUSTIN HEALEY

SPRITE Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

HAN9V724716

Gasoline

I am selling this car for my friend John. John has had some health problems recently and is in his 80s. 1968 Austin Healey Sprite. This started out as a restoration project that got stalled about 24 years ago. I have checked the car over and it seems to be a very solid body/chassis. This would be a good winter project to bring it up to snuff. Most of the expensive stuff has been done. I got the car running again, and it sounds good. I replaced the ignition components, and rebuilt the carbs. So now it runs! I would consider buying this car myself, except for the fact that I am too big, and too old. It was painted about 25 years ago, so that could be redone. The interior looks bad now, but new upholstery and carpets are included. The car is a metalic brown, with cream colored wire wheels, not a bad combination, however if it were mine, I would probably go with a nice shade of British racing green. It does need to have the left rear brake cylynder installed, and the choke linkage installed. The hood (bonnet) needs to go back on, and the grill installed. As they say, "Some assembly required." If you are thinking about restoring a Sprite, you should start with a solid car like this one is. It has the 1275 engine with an Isky cam. Also included is a spare rebuilt transmission. John bought a new (not rebuilt) master cylynder and had it installed, and that was not cheap. There is also a new battery, distributor cap, points, condenser, rotor, and new parts in the SUs. Everything needs to be cleaned up, including the dust on the seat covers, etc. I have asked John to write about the history, and here are his own words: I purchased the 1968 Austin Healey Sprite from an Airman at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul Illinois in 1984. He had bought it for his wife in California. It was in his garage with a knock in the engine. It had no rust, with a small dimple in the front fender. I have had some experience with the 1275 engine, since I was crewing for a couple of F-production SCCA race car drivers. The crankshaft was in good shape except for the number 4 crank throw, which was scored. I took it to a machine shop that specializes in restoring cranks by building them up with a welding process. Since the shaft was standard and in good shape except for the number 4, I chose that option. I had the cylynders re-bored 30 over, and line bored. I bought new parts, gaskets, bearings, timing chain, fuel pump, etc. from Winner's Circle in Cleveland Ohio. I also bought new seat covers, floor mats, etc. I purchased and installed a street grind cam fron Iskendarian in California. I had a new exhaust system installed. I drove the car a few times in 1986. I had trouble getting in and out of it, and the 65 MPH speed limit had been restored on the Interstates and I did not like the higher RPM the engine had to turn for that speed. I parked it for the winter in my hobby garage. That winter I bought a Datsun 1600 and turned my efforts to it. This year, because of health problems, I have started selling my toys. I have turned the engine over regularly through the years, so it wouldm't get stuck Ihad bought a reconditioned spare transmission from Bill Deiker in Peoria Illinois, and that is included with the package. My grandson installed a NEW brake master cylinder and a NEW clutch slave cylinder (not rebuilds) from Winner's Circle. We installed new distributor cap, points, capacitor, and rotor. The left rear beake cylinder is stuck, but not locked up. I bought a new brake cylinder, but my grandson got a job, so you'll have to install it. The top has no tears or holes, but needs to be cleaned up. The tires and tubes were installed new back in 1986. My friend Bob rebuilt the SU carburetors . It sounds great. I think you can install the seat covers, mats, etc. and finish my project car. I have iuncluded pictures of the parts you will be getting. The reserve is low, so happy bidding! The car is located in central Illinois, just west of Champaign-Urbana. Buyer is responsible for shipping, although we will assist in loading. If you have question, pmease e-mail me: bt001(at)comcast.net