1959 Austin Healey SPRITE Mark I
over 40mpg!
Safe, Fun & Good for the Environment
2nd. year of production for the endearing Frogeye UK /Bugeye US, a car that a “chap could keep in his shed” There is no cuter car in the world, so easy to maintain & a blast to drive! Made at the MG factory, spawning the MG Midget & collectively known as Spridgets among enthusiasts.
The Sprite's chassis design is notable in that it was the world's first volume-production sports car to use integrated construction, where the sheet metal body panels (apart from the bonnet) take many of the structural stresses. The two front 'chassis' legs which project forward from the passenger compartment, however, stop the shell being a full monocoque. The design is said to have been influenced by the Jaguar D-type.
Top, Tonneau & Later, Aluminum-Framed, Sliding "Side Curtains" are all in very good, almost unused condition. Full Michelin spare, but no jack. Newer Battery & Exhaust system from head pipes back. A running, crated engine # 12V?/5872/L1 comes w/ car, & was said to be the original 948cc, although the 12 suggests that it may be a 1275cc ! A rebuilt & better 1098cc engine is a typical improvement to the 948cc & along w/ a better, *ribbed case gearbox was installed before 2000 at which time the odometer was turned back to zero. The info on the
1098cc # 10CG-DA-H 49237 BMC "A" Series engine breaks down as follows:
10-1098cc,
CG -1962 or later Sprite MKII/MG Midget MKI
DA – Close ratio center change box. From Hemmings – *“later gearboxes w/ ribbed cases boasted better strength & improved synchromesh”
H- High Compression
Present owner at purchase in 2001 sent the car to
Ragtops & Roadsters, a premier restoration shop in Perkasie, PA who did a complete & thorough going-over encompassing a total carb setup, thorough check of all mechanical, electrical systems on car etc. Full, extensive receipts are on Website link below. Radio, Heater & Front Bumper delete, & boy doesn't it look good w/o it!
Engine is very strong, sounds great & car drives very tight & rattle-free. The major restoration was done at the time of the engine swap & included a very nice smooth, high luster respray. All panels are original, even-fitting & Rust-Free as is undercarriage including rockers, floorboards, spring mounting boxes, inside of trunk, battery box & hood hinge mounts. PLEASE examine ALL the comprehensive pics on Website link. There is some surface, smoothing filler on the panel behind the driver’s door & left rear lower ¼ detected by placing a magnet over entire car. This has lasted w/o any significant bubbling or cracking for at least 10 years so it was a well-done professional job. Rear lower edge of body above exhaust has a small dent. Interior most likely was redone at or around this time & is very nice w/ correct piping, PLUS it has Seat Belts! As New MICHELIN XZX tires. All trim is bright w/ no rust or pitting.
This Bugeye needs nothing except a driver for Fall touring!
Many more pics & a QuickTime movie at:
>http://classicgray.com/sys/display.cgi?detail=170<
Please be patient. Movie will take apprx. 45-60s to load w/ DSL, faster w/ Cable. Dial-up - ZZZZZZZZ!
ATTN: Carefully read ALL my Terms & Conditions & Seller's Payment Instructions below. By bidding on this item you are entering into a contract to purchase the item & have agreed to adhere to the Terms, Conditions & Instructions set forth.
A 10% deposit must be paid within 3 days of Auction’s end to hold item/vehicle & is nonrefundable at seller’s discretion should buyer renege on contract. FULL Payment required within 7 days of Auction close.
If you are interested in the item, PLEASE e-mail me EARLY with any questions, & certainly bid on the item.
Classic Gray is not the owner of this item/vehicle, but a Seller acting on behalf of the Owner to facilitate the sale of the item/vehicle until such time as a sale is completed. Owner represents that all of Owner’s statements and claims with respect to item/vehicle are true and correct to the best of the Owner’s knowledge and belief and Owner has not withheld from disclosure any known or unknown material problems, flaws or discrepancies with regard to the item/vehicle. It is the buyer’s responsibility to carefully read ALL the text & examine ALL the pics & ask questions regarding condition. What I may have inadvertently overlooked & not described in the description, may be present in a photograph. If you have any hesitancy about purchasing on ebay w/o viewing the item/vehicle in person, then it is advised to inspect or have the item/vehicle inspected in person. All items/vehicles are SOLD in “AS IS CONDITION” & no warranties are expressed or implied. All vehicles have performed as described on a limited test drive if applicable. Please remember that these vehicles may be of Classic or Antique vintage; the vehicles & various parts may be at least 15 years old & do have an attrition rate. If you plan to drive the vehicle for an extended trip or at Interstate speeds, please arrange for a thorough safety/mechanical inspection by a competent mechanic & always change or inspect thoroughly all tires, belts, hoses & fluids before doing so.
If vehicle isn't or can't be picked up within 30 days of auction’s end, we'll need to talk.
Seller's Payment Instructions:
I will accept any certifiable means of payment.
- Bank Wire Transfer - Preferred Method.
- PayPal for maximum allowed $2000.00 Deposit. Balance (if needed) of 10% deposit must be paid via other accepted means in time specified.
- *Cashier's Check etc. must be mailed to Owner or Seller at least 5 days before P/U, or if bringing check in person, mail a copy 5 business days before arrival so that funds may be verified.
- Cash & personal checks will be accepted with prior agreement.
Any form of payment must clear before release of item/vehicle. Original title will be released to buyer upon verification of funds. If a 3rd. party is picking up/delivering vehicle, the title will be sent to buyer upon confirmation of receipt of vehicle.
*A deposited, in-state Cashier’s Check normally takes 5-7 banking days before funds are available. Out-of-state/country & personal checks may take up to 10 banking days or more to clear.
Thanks for Looking!
Classic Gray
Each vehicle I list is thoroughly examined & test driven as if I were the buyer. It is given an honest & accurate appraisal so that you may acquire with confidence!
Member: Pennsylvania Antiques Appraisers’ Association
~We use & recommend ROAD SCHOLAR TRANSPORT~
Check out my other items!
;)
Q~~_1.JPG');)
y9kw~~_1.JPG');)
CLKcNBK1njsFWhQ~~_1.JPG');)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
w!2k~$(KGrHqUH-DEErQMhy7+dBK1nkuFVGQ~~_1.JPG');)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
