1959 Austin Healey

Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

AN5L/14476

Clear

Gasoline

Up for your consideration, and without reserve... My 1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite. I have owned her for 5 years since purchasing her from the previous owner who loved her for 30+ years and meticulously restored her from the ground up. In my five years of ownership, I've driven hundreds of miles, attended multiple car shows and always came home with an award (often first place). But I really gather the most enjoyment from simply driving around town and chatting to people when they ask about her. As of late she doesn't get the attention she deserves, as I have two start up companies demanding all my focus, time and investment resources (this is also the reason for the no reserve on the listing). So, as much as it pains me to let her go...I'd much rather see her loved by someone who can get full enjoyment from owning her. Not just covered up in my garage, only to get out 1-2 times a month briefly. It would be wonderful to know she's in the hands of someone who can take her to as many car shows as possible, and drive her far more than I have been able to this summer. This is my dream for where she ends up. She has been among friends for a long time...and I would thoroughly enjoy seeing her make someone else as happy as I have been while I've had her. Now for a few more details.... Previous to my five years of ownership, at least 30 of those years were spent in California. Fifteen years ago she underwent a full restoration starting with her rust free shell which had never been in an accident. As part of her restoration, she was fitted with the A+ version 1275cc engine, not just the garden variety US spec one available here. She has gobs of speed for keeping up with modern traffic, but is otherwise extremely stock. Originally painted BRG, she is now in red, with a complete color change done throughout including under the dash, wheel arches, etc. The paint quality is extraordinary. Reflections in the glossy paint are exhibited clearly in the photos, and the panel fit is just further evidence of the nice body on which the restoration was performed. At this point I need to mention the previous owner Bob, who is responsible for her outstanding credentials. Long time Healey expert and well known in Healey circles, Bob sold me the car and has had numerous famous cars over the years. Donald Healey has himself sat in my car while visiting Bob on one occasion. The work that has made her so great is all to Bob's credit, and I want to thank him for all of his work in creating such a wonderful car. Because of his work and understanding, the car has won first place at multiple car show events, including shows such as California Healey Week (02'-04), California Autumn Classic (03'-04') and the Colorado English Motoring Conclave (07'). All awards are shown in the photos below. These, as well as various other awards (nine first place awards in all) and accessories, including her custom car cover and side curtains, are all included for her new owner. Back to the inevitable questions about reliability and so forth, she runs as good as she looks, aside from the "mighty" 1275 A+ engine, other mechanical upgrades include a petronix solid state ignition module instead of points, solid state SU fuel pump set up the way later Midgets would have been (brackets and all), alternator and negative earth conversion again as later Midgets, all modifications which make her more viable for real world driving, but are easily put back if ever there were a reason. All worked performed since I have owned her, has been done by the top rated shop specializing in vintage British automobiles in Colorado. Her interior is just as shown in the pictures, and you can drive her home to anywhere in the country you may live. Lastly, if the pictures don't show enough, I have this guarantee: If, after your personal inspection, she is not EXACTLY as I have shown and described in my listing, just refuse to buy her. No bad feedback, no obligation. Please email me with any questions you may have. I am also more than happy to talk to interested parties on the phone. Thanks for taking the time to read her story. I look forward to meeting her new owner for her next adventure. On Aug-19-10 at 08:43:15 PDT, seller added the following information: I want to add a quick update regarding the A+ engine. It is actually 1300cc. Hence the "plus" part of the description. This is a detail I knew (and embarrassingly forgot). I feel quite silly. At least it's another added quality to the car. =)