1960 Austin Healey Sprite Mark I
VIN: ANSL27879
Here's your chance at acquiring a very special Sprite! As you will
note in the photographs, this car has been expertly restored and
built as a tribute to the Austin Healey 100-S race cars that
performed so well at Sebring. It offers performance that goes well
beyond a stock Sprite. It is fitted with multiple desirable
upgrades and presented in a period correct and sharp white/blue
color scheme, just like the rare and successful Healey Sebring race
cars of their era.
This beautiful example was built on November of 1959 and then
delivered to the port of San Francisco in January of 1960. The car
was restored to its current specifications by an owner in the San
Francisco Bay Area, where it was also featured in some
magazines.
The engine is an upgraded 1275 cc unit that was fully rebuilt. A
high performance cam was installed during the rebuild. Earlier this
year a new aluminum intake manifold and side-draft Weber 45 mm carb
were fitted to further increase performance and drivability. It's
also fitted with a higher capacity 12 volt electric fuel pump and
exhaust headers.
The transmission is a 4-speed manual ribbed case gearbox that
shifts perfectly. Stopping power is enhanced by front disk brakes.
Another unique feature beyond a stock Sprite is that the bonnet is
front hinged, and it has a louvered center section which opens and
features hold-downs and a functional leather strap. Wheels are 13
inch, 60 spoke wire wheels.
Looking inside, the dash has the appropriate instrument panel with
100-S style gauges that are fully functional. Notice the beautiful
period correct 3-spoke Moto-Lita wood rimmed steering wheel. Also
featured are lightweight custom slotted seats with forward tilting
seat backs, competition racing seat-belts, a 2 piece tonneau cover,
100-S positioned spare tire with leather Y- strap, quick release
racing style gas filler and cap, Lucas 24 hr headlamps and driving
lights. Included is the highly desirable factory hard top, along
with side curtains and a removable Bonneville "shark fin"
headrest.
The engine starts instantly at the press of a button. The clutch
engages as it should and she shifts into and out of all gears
crisply and smoothly. Braking and handling are spot on, with no
wayward movement. It tracks straight and true with precise
steering.
It looks great and is blast to drive, and is often the center of
attention wherever it goes!
