Vehicle Description
1960 Austin Healey Sprite
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."
Barn find condition is the best way to sum up this Bug Eyed Sprite
from 1960 and right out of jolly old England. Invasive rust has had
its way with this mighty little Brit on all fronts, and in this
writer's opinion this damage has categorized this sporty ride into
the parts car category.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Exterior
A true Bug Eye version with its bullet style headlights mounted
into the hood, and just below its perpetual smiling front grille,
this is a very desirable version from Austin Healey that has seen
better days. A silver dollar if you will, the paint is marred,
touched up, faded and overall the body is presenting with invasive
rust on all panels. The door glass is missing, and the small
windshield has some wiper scars but is clean and clear otherwise.
The bumpers have been removed and at least 1 residing in the
interior. The top is gone and only 1 of the support bows is
present. Simple steel 13-inch wheels are on all 4 corners, and
these are missing their covers.
Interior
Peering inside we see a bevy of parts scattered throughout the
interior. Moving inside a single black and green bomber style
bucket with tuck and roll buckets with white piping sit snugly
within the driver compartment. Heavy wear and tearing is noted on
this seat and is in need of a full redux. All traces of carpeting
are gone and we note metal signage used as patching for the steel.
Within the hump in the center is a small straight shift lever
standing proud. Upfront is the original dash with its original
Jaeger gauges and knobs and pulls.
Drivetrain
Underneath the rear hinged hood is an original 948cc 43hp engine
with 2 SU H1 side draft carbs. On the back is a 4-speed manual
transmission, connected to a 4.22 rear axle.
Undercarriage
While unable to be removed from its transport pallet to be
inspected on our lift, we note heavy rusting as seen from the
interior flooring or lack thereof. Invasive rust has taken over the
framing and has progressed to the point the rear suspension has
rotted away from its mounting point. Drum brakes are noted all
around and suspension wise, it's an independent front suspension
with coil springs and a leaf spring set up in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Obviously not drivable, but we were informed that this engine does
indeed run well, or did run well at the time of its arrival to our
Hallowed Halls
Rust has eaten away at this very popular little sports car leaving
the potential buyer with a decision to make. A massive undertaking
of a restoration, or an apt and suitable parts car to help other
Healys live on.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
