1958 Austin Healey Sprite

Bugeye Sprite Convertible

948CC

Manual

AN5L1850

Clear

Gasoline

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE 1958 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite This is a rust free survivor I picked up with the hopes of restoring over time. But with two kids, house etc I have realized it’s just not going to happen. Hoping someone will buy it to restore or just drive and enjoy it as is. This Sprite is a very early car. It is a 1958 and according to the VIN, it is the 1350th Sprite produced. It has the unique features/parts of the early cars including unique door gussets, coil mounted on generator, etc. This car seems to be very complete and original based on my knowledge of Sprites (having owned a few and a Spridget enthusiast for 20 years) In terms of mechanics it is in great shape. The PO rebuilt the engine (948cc) and converted the head to unleaded use. The engine was repainted in the correct original green. All ancillary components are clean, and the carbs look to be rebuilt. The trans was also cleaned up, and shifts well (still the original smooth case unit). Brakes are fresh all around and it looks like a new/rebuilt master cylinder has been installed as well. Everything works. The car holds good oil pressure and temp. Radiator is clean and looks to have been restored. I have taken a few trips over an hour long and she has done great. The front end is tight and the car tracks straight and has no strange vibrations. I am certain it was rebuilt. When I bought it, the Michelins had a lot of tread left but were dry rotted so I replaced them. I think I was able to date code them to around 1970! The last inspection sticker on the glass is from 1971. The body is rust free including the spring mounts, rockers, etc. The one exception is a spot of rust on the driver’s side rear fender behind the wheel. It seems to be localized and is not structural. The front floor pans are replacements done in sheet metal. The metal work is done well, but rather than weld they screwed them into place. This seems to be the only non-original panels on the car. Inner fenders, A-Pillars, etc are all rust free. The car was originally painted Speedwell blue, as can be seen in the door jambs, etc. I would guess the car was re-painted white in the late 60's/early 70's. There are waves and dinks over the body. It will require bodywork if restored. Included in the boxes of parts are all new body rubber/seals - windshield, bonnet, turn signals, etc. I replaced a few but not all. Also, the Bonnet has a slight tweak and should be re-aligned to the body. It looks as though the car had a minor left front fender bender at some point in the last 50 years. The interior is worn looking from age. The seats and panels are to my best knowledge original. The seat cushions are soft so may need to be re-stuffed, but the covers may be salvageable. There is no carpet/rubber mats. The hardura mat behind the seats was painted white with the car and should be replaced. The spare tire, jack, etc are included. The dash is not bad but shows its age as well as a cutout for a radio. Also, there were two horn buttons mounted to the dash I have removed. The Soft-top is decent but not the original style. It is an Amco top most likely from the 70s. The plastic is clear. There are two sets of side curtains, the first being an original set of the soft side curtains (very worn and torn) and a set of the later style sliders (use-able) This little car is a nice driver. I have taken a few trips to Philadelphia and back and the car has done well. I just installed new points and a condenser and she is ready to go. I have tried to explain the car to the best of my ability. I know there are few un-restored rust free bugeyes out there, so this one would be a great start for a rolling or full tear down restoration. It is a great car to be restored to original as it is un-bastardized and also an early VIN car so unique in the Bugeye world. Please contact me with any questions you may have about the car. I have posted a number of pictures to try to show the overall condition of the car. If a bidder desires any additional shots I will be happy to oblige. I do not have a lift but I can assure you the underside is clean and straight. I took a few low shots of the underbody to show the lack of rust in the critical spring mount areas and under the rear of the car. Any rust you see if surface rust only.