1959 Austin Healey Sprite - Frogeye / Bugeye - Beautiful British Roadster

Description for Austin Healey Sprite 1959

Hello! Auction is for a very nice 1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite. Overall. this is an very nice rust-free little car. representing a classic British roadster very well. Pictures represent fairly well the condition of the car. Having owned many classic cars. I'd rate this one as a very nice driver or amateur show car. I've rallied and showed the car and it has always been received quite well due to its very nice condition and overall good character. It looks fabulous and has a very nice stance/presence for being such a little car. It drives wonderfully. a real rorty little British classic car experience. a total riot to hoon around in on nice days. Last fall I drove the car from Bend. OR to Portland. OR. then ran the whole Monte Shelton Northwest Classic Rally and back to Bend from Portland again without a hitch. The car ripped gleefully through the whole 1. 00 mile trip without a problem. Summary of condition/mechanicals:Just prior to my ownership. car had a sympathetic frame off restoration with body bead blasted repaired where needed. undercoated and painted. The bonnet is hinged forward which makes access to the engine compartment much more convenient. The engine is a 1098cc 4 cylinder that has been reconditioned and a unleaded gas cylinder head installed. It is fitted with an electronic ignnition and carburation is via Weber 32/34 downdraft. It starts right up every time and runs great. I've read that some people don't prefer the weber cars with this block/head. but with the electronic ignition. it runs lovely from idle through the rev range. Its a little ripper. I've upgraded the manifold to a free-flow unit and added a free flow exhaust and it sounds marvelous. A new cross flow radiator was installed (must have upgrade). new thermostat. water pump. and all hoses replaced. Car can run or idle in traffic all day in the summer and never overheat. A new high output. high torque. trouble free starter is installed. Rebuilt. ribbed 4-speed transmission that shifts beautifully and stays in gear. New clutch. pressure plate. clutch bearing. and disc installed. The brake system was completely overhauled with new master and slave cylinder and disc brakes added to the front for safer stopping along with stainless steel brake lines. Carrera dampers installed and old lever dampers removed front and rear which really transforms the handling of these cars to a whole different level. They corner flatter but also ride nicer with this setup. The engine bay is very tidy and nicely detailed. Obviously put together with care and attention to the details. The interior upholstery is new . carpeting. tonneau cover and top all new and in perfect condition. The side curtains are in excellent condition. Currently the car wears 16 inch minilite style wheels with brand new tires which look great. I will admit I overcooked it with the tire width and wish I would have gone with the 175's (185's currently installed). but it does look very good. Tires will rub a little bit if you drive the car ham-fisted so I think the 175's would be perfect. Car comes with the four standard wheels with original hub-caps in good condition also with new rubber and a 5th wheel spare. All gauges. turn signals. light etc. are in operating order except the fuel gauge. Haven't really had any of the classic british car problems. just a few blown fuses. Many other parts will go along with the car. Only reason I'm selling is a required move to the opposite coast and I can't rationalize the cost of hauling the car along. Too much other junk. I'm happy to provide additional details or pictures. so feel free to inquire. I've never had any trouble with the car. but of course. its a 50+ year old British car. so unfortunately no warranties. I'm happy to assist with shipping from the 97701 area. Thanks and good luck bidding!