Vehicle Description
1961 Austin Healey Sprite Convertible
It's not terribly fast. The brakes are nothing special. The seats
have very little padding, and there are no roll-up windows. The
trunk is so hard to get to that one reviewer suggested that the job
be left to a trained monkey. The very short list of standard'
amenities doesn't even include a heater. An overly harsh assessment
of the Austin-Healey Sprite? Well then... What we've left out, of
course, is the "and yet" part, and here it is: "But what it is, is
an irresistible, inviting package that from its 'bugeyes' and
perpetually smiling grille to the unmistakable, raspy exhaust sound
begs to be driven-seeming to say, 'Let's go out and have some
fun."
This car was purchased used in the spring of 1965 by our current
consigner. It was his college driver, and how cool is that? After
which his sister had the pleasure of borrowing it for her high
school and college stint. In 1994 our consigner's wife wanted it
restored, and so the process began. Finally, in 2004 it was
painted, and considered finished, but as with any classic some
maintenance always needs to be performed, it's just the nature of
the beast. When you turn 60 years old let's see how "maintenance
free" you are! Now for consignment as its getting more and more
difficult to get in and out, offered up for someone else, this
wonderful 1961 "Bug Eye" Austin Healey Sprite with a nice
history.
Exterior
A true Bug Eye version with its bullet style headlights mounted
into the hood, and just below its perpetual smiling front grille
framed by a simple slightly curved mirror-like bumper below, this
is a very desirable version from Austin Healey. A little blue bean
if you will, paint is overall good with some chips seen throughput,
but mostly unremarkable and dent free. Door glass is good, and the
small windshield has some wiper scars but is clean and clear
otherwise. Bumpers have just a slight pitting. Gaps are well
minded, and the black canvas replacement top shows some yellowing
on the rear plastic window. All minor things in the whole scope of
this car which for 60 years old looks just great. Simple steel
wheels are on all 4 corners, and these are capped with chromed
badged AH dog dish style caps and wrapped in Hallmark P175/80R13
radials.
Interior
As we swing open the simple small doors, we note exterior matching
blue metal panels with some wear just above a black vinyl storage
pouch. Moving inside dark gray bomber style tuck and roll buckets
with white piping sit snugly within the driver and passenger
compartment. Some wear on these seats is seen mainly on the
outsides of the buckets. These bombers float in a sea of navy blue
carpet which is very clean. Within the hump in the center is a
small straight shift lever standing proud. Upfront is the original
flat board black covered dash that has a wonderful paint feel, and
some simple gauges and knobs and pulls. A radio and a Jesus bar is
in front of the passenger, and in the center of the dash on the
body color matching blue dash top is a rear view mirror (decidedly
British..I say ole chap!) A small storage area is behind the
seats.
Drivetrain
Underneath the rear hinged hood is an original 948cc 43hp engine
with 2 SU H1 sidedraft carbs. On the back is a 4-speed manual
transmission, connected to a 4.22 rear axle. Overall condition is
good with a fine coating of surface rust on all parts, but not
interfering in any way with performance.
Undercarriage
Underneath plenty of surface rust for the usual suspects like the
rear suspension (leaf springs) and bottom of the gas tank. The
metal tub is in good rust free condition as is the body on all
underlying surfaces (wheel wells, front and back roll pans etc).
Noted, new brakes were installed in 2019, and this year (2020) the
carbs were completely rebuilt and adjusted, as well as the master
cylinder replaced with new.
Drive-Ability
As a sucker for anything British, and anything from the 60's, I
clamored to get in, and shoehorned myself for the ride and the test
track. Let's just say a perpetual smile not unlike the front grille
was plastered to my face during said drive, where I experienced the
open air, down and dirty performance, noise, great handling, and
melodious exhaust sound for the duration of my drive. All functions
were working as they should.
A neat little story with 55 years of ownership history behind it,
now ready for the next BMOC college coolio to take charge and turn
heads on campus. And if you are past this, you'll need it to boost
your mojo, so do not count it out. Plus, you may be competing with
this writer to have this car grace your driveway.... Cracking Bug
Eye mate!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
