Saleofcar.com :Austin

Austin Healey Sprite Mk1 (1960)
for sale

Price: US $2,275.00

Description:

Austin Healey Mk I 'Bug Eye' Sprite, 1960

Have owned a super modified Bug Eye for years and when I saw this car, for sale, couldn't resist another. However, a recent acquisition (a very old Morgan) forces the sale of 'my second Bug Eye.'
Purchased it in California where it was sold, originally. Floors, spring boxes, sills, etc. are all in pretty close to perfect condition. Body seems to be solid, paint is pretty good for 'road use' and it has (as does my other car) a tilt fiberglass nose. Makes engine access effortless and fits very nicely. Very thick fiberglass with very good fit.
Engine is a recently overhauled modified 1275cc BMC engine (visually identical to the original 948). ..high lift road cam, new 45 DCOE Weber carb, tubular headers, electronic ignition (will never need a traditional tune up), just did a compression test. .175-185 psi in every cylinder, runs 65-70 psi oil pressure when warm. And zero smoke cold or hot. Can't imagine a significantly better Spridget engine. And, as a guess, probably around 80-85 hp (maybe more), a HUGE difference in performance from the stock Bug Eye's piddling 43hp.
Best of all, this car was fitted with a five speed, all synchromesh transmission with racing shift pattern. ..1st down and to the left. .just like an early Porsche 911. So, not only it is effortless to drive but with closer ratios and the wonderful high gearing of 5th gear. While a stock Bug Eye sounds strained at 60 mph, this car can easily cruise at 80 or even 90 mph. HUGE difference in actual driving and usage.
Disc brakes, wider alloy wheels, 175/70 radials (as opposed to the stock 155-13 tires). Adjustable rear sway bar, rear trailing arms on adjustable rod ends, front and rear tube shocks, the chassis is really set up for fast road use.
I installed a new convertible top, new top frame, new side curtains, new tonneau cover, the seats are of a racing style and the wood dash is fitted with extra gauges. .all work although the speedo is not connected (and probably needs a new cable). Wiring looks to be new, has an electric fuel pump, and an electric radiator cooling fan for hot weather use. Having driven it in 95 degree weather, the fan does an excellent job.
I always loved the 'look' of a Bug Eye (who doesn't?) but to be candid, a stock Bug Eye with 43hp, a very wide ratio gearbox (and if it was original and 55 years old, probably with worn synchromesh and noisy bearings), low gearing, skinny tires, tiny brakes, dreadful engine bay access. ..cute little car but not all that much of a 'driver's car.'
While with my 'other' Bug Eye (1275cc engine, 5 speed, 3.9 diff, disc brakes, etc.) is a concours 'keeper, ' the car for sale has superior handling (and feels like a race car on the road) with its race prepared suspension. A bit stiffer (no doubt due to the tube shocks) but a really phenomenal classic sports car. Easy to service and maintain, wide parts availability, and just about every possible option one can imagine.
I guess if I kept the car, I would get a stock dashboard and rearrange the switches and gauges as original. Seats work well but, of course, easy to change back to original seats. And all of this is not very expensive to do (as one can imagine)...a lot of rusted, junked, 'parts' Bug Eyes around as donors for original parts.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and, to someone who cherishes complete 'originality, ' this car may not be for them. But IF the dash and seats were redone, it would look very close to original.
The work to bring this car to its current specification cost a bundle and as the photos show, this is one near perfect Bug Eye underneath. .where most Bug Eyes are patched, rusted, or just plain miserable. Unlike 99% of sellers on eBay who 'never look at the oil pressure gauge' (and have no qualms about selling a car with a worn out bottom end) or wouldn't have the foggiest idea as to whether their car has a dead cylinder, I have tried my best to describe this car.
Car available for immediate sale and advertised elsewhere. Hence we reserve the right to end the auction at any time and for any reason. Car is sold ‘as is’ with no warranty or guarantee whatsoever. Has full paperwork for legal registration anywhere. We can assist in transport anywhere in the world and can deliver it on our truck within, say, 300 miles. Glad to store the car in a safe, insured spot until arrangements are made. Terms: 20% deposit with 48 hours and full payment within seven days. W/transfer or check is fine. If you have any questions, the best way to ask is to call me at 203-377-6746 during business hours. Thank you for looking and good luck bidding.

_{update: 2015-12-19}