Vehicle Description
Motorcar Studio is pleased to offer this 1963 Austin Healey Sprite.
This Sprite was recently acquired out of single-family ownership
and is very solid and well documented - it's rare that we find a
Spridget (or any 50+ year old English roadster) that has been so
loved and cared for, as most started rusting away decades ago. We
are fond of the early MkII cars for their sheer simplicity and
clean lines - especially the side curtains and lack of outside door
handles.
This example was purchased new in Michigan for $2200 and remained
with the same family until just recently. It was restored in 1987
and subsequently took first place in its category at a British car
show in 1989. The owner only put 2000 miles on it between 1987 and
2002 when it was put in storage. It is wearing its correct shade of
light blue; the original interior color was dark blue but it now
wears attractive cream vinyl. It retains its rare period hard top,
complete soft top and frame and very desirable, period Les Leston /
Stirling Moss inscribed wood-rimmed steering wheel.
The restoration was thorough and documented with both photographs
and stacks of receipts. It included limited rust repair (the
rockers were replaced and the door posts were rebuilt) but the
floors, unibody frame and body sheet metal are all original.
Interior surfaces were Zeibarted during the process and the correct
exterior color was applied. Concurrently the 1098 engine was
rebuilt and bored .040 over. The gearbox was also overhauled along
with the front end bushings and steering components. The interior
was refreshed and has held up well. Areas of the paint, mainly on
the passenger side, have started to lift over the primer creating a
number of very small air bubbles and primer spots. We considered a
repaint but the car is so charming and honest with its patina that
we couldn't bring ourselves to do it. There is virtually no rust
that we have found in this car - we have noted a couple small
bubbles on the lips of the rear wheel wells.
Recent service has included new tires, brake and clutch flush, oil
change, fan belt, fuel hoses, battery, water pump, thermostat and
air filters. It fires up immediately and is a blast to drive with
good power and a willing engine. The brakes and steering both feel
good and all of the gauges work properly (except the clock). It has
excellent oil pressure and runs cool. The suspension (shocks and
springs) feel tired and the clutch will bleed down if kept
depressed for long periods - but we thought we would leave a few
things for the next owner to tinker with.
An included binder contains the original sales literature,
photographs dating back to when the car was new (and of the
restoration), plus a written history of the car's life by the
original owner. An additional file contains extensive receipts.
Included with the sale is the original owner's manual, the side
curtains and hard top (both in very good condition), a serviceable
white convertible top with frame in its original pouch and spare
tire. The owner creatively installed a dowel in the trunk that
holds the side curtains when not in use.
For more information about this 1963 Austin-Healey Sprite for sale
at Motorcar Studio in Atlanta, please call 404-692-5250.