1961 Austin Healey Sprite Bugeye or Frogeye, stored in garage since 1981.

Description for Austin Healey Sprite 1961

1961 Austin Healey Sprite Mark I. The Bugeye or Frogeye model.Back in 1979 or 1980 I noticed this car parked on the street and I had to have it. The bugeye sprite was and still is one of the coolest little roadsters ever. Eventually I tracked down the owner and bought this car. It was in running condition but it wasn't running well. I was working at an auto dealership at that time and had access to the shop after business hours. A coworker and I pulled out the engine and transmission. We sent the motor to the local machine shop with the best reputation and they honed the cylinders ground the crank rebuilt the head and other stuff. In the meantime I bought what they called a factory rebuilt transmission with all new gears. We got it all put back together and running until it was parked when I went to college. This car probably has less than 100 miles since installing the rebuilt motor and transmission. For several years I was too busy going to college and then starting my career to work on the car. Then I was too busy with career and family to work on this car. Sometime in the 1990s I sent the wheels (five of them) to Dayton wire wheel company in Ohio for a full rebuild. They fixed up and adjusted the spokes and repainted them silver. Then I put on brand new tires so the car has fresh wheels and tires that have never been driven on. Here we are now and I realize that I'm not likely to have time to work on this project any time soon so I'm ready to sell it to someone who likes Bugeyes and can take on the job of getting it back on the road. The condition of this car now can be seen in the photos. Clearly it would benefit from a full restoration however it could be an acceptable driver without going the whole route. You can come see it or I could sent you more photos if there are details you want to see. Here is the rundown:Appears to have been painted blue prior to a 1970s repaint to red original color unknown. The red paint is very oxidized and thinning. Some paint is flaking off the hardtop.Odometer reads 47082 but I have no idea about total vehicle mileage.The hood (bonnet or cowl) has been converted from a rear-hinge system to a front pivot for better access to the mechanicals. It is easily removed and has a wiring disconnect to unplug the hood and lights from the car.Engine is a 1275 cc probably from a later model Sprite or Midget. It hasn't been started since 1981. I am not sure what work will be necessary to get it going again nor do I even know if it will turn. Come inspect it if you can.The Carburetor is a Weber DCOE45 side draft.Transmission is a factory-rebuild bought in 1981 and has less than 100 miles on it.All five wheels look like new with new tires that have never been driven on.Most of the original parts not seen on the car in the photos are carefully stored and come with the car. This includes soft-top and frame side curtains in both the softtop (flexible vinyl) and hardtop (sliding plexiglas panels) versions hardtop hardware and glass window (glass is in great shape) heater blower and etc.Things that are missing include the side mirrors the front bumper and the heater air-intake hose.The hardtop has the glass window removed because the mounting weather strip was degrading. The glass window is now carefully stored.The paint is flaking off the hardtop and the fiberglass shows surface cracking but still seems structurally sound - See photos...All the weather seals and rubber parts are dry and cracking.At the time I last parked it all the controls gauges and lights were working even the wipers… Don't know about now.Check out those super-cool Marchal SEV halogen headlights which worked great last time I used the car. They project a more focused beam than regular lights.Included are new lenses for the broken tail lamps.Disk brakes are on the front wheels rears wheels have the original drum brakes. Brake cylinders and lines will need to be rebuilt and flushed.Parking brake works fine. Electrical has been converted to a 12 Volt negative ground system.The rear bumpers (bumperettes) are off the car but in reasonable condition and included.There is no front bumper.The seats are in decent shape with good springs frames foam and covers but do show wear and tear.Between the seats is an after-market console assembly with an arm-rest that is pretty cool. It is the only one like it that I've ever seen.The dash is complete and in good shape except for the cut-out where a radio was once mounted.The floorboards shows some rust where moisture was trapped under the floor mats but they still feel solid.The body has rusted through behind the rear wheels and there is more rust here and there in the usual areas but not too bad. Pictures tell the story well.Car has what appears to be original suspension and the rear 1/4-leaf springs look tired. Front coils look OK. I'm sure the lever shocks need to be rebuilt or upgraded.This vehicle has not been started and run since 1981. It has been up on jack-stands in a clean garage located where the climate is mostly dry.Buyer will need to arrange and pay for transport to their location car is rollable but not drivable.This car is being sold "as is" so please ask questions or come inspect it prior to buying. This car is in the East Millcreek area of Salt Lake City. Call Barry to schedule a visit at (801)386-7200.I'm always happy to answer any questions you may have.Thank you.