1961 Austin Healey Sprite Bugeye Frogeye Weekend Driver

Description

Offered for sale is a 1961 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite.
Originally purchased for driving around while in town on business visits. Simply put, other projects, business and needing space.
The Sprite runs, drives, turns heads and stops.

• We made many many modern upgrades that include:
• New fuse block wiring harness
• Converted to 12V negative ground system
• 60 AMP alternator
• Aluminum radiator
• 12" electric fan with thermostat
• Electric fuel pump / regulator
• New gas tank
• New hydraulic / fuel lines
• Header and brand new exhaust system with chrome tip (sounds great)
• New clutch
• Starter ring gear
• Distributor was upgraded to electronic ( pointless )
• Lights, signals, wipers, blower and AM/FM/MP3 stereo radio work
• Any other mechanical issues that we found, our goal was to make this a safe driver first, and then refocus on making it pretty. We believe we met our mechanical goals, and then some.

The 948 cc engine was removed and freshened up with new seals, gaskets, fluids and paint. Bottom end was left alone due to the 55-60 lbs oil pressure. SU2 carbs were cleaned up with new bowl gaskets and vitron needle &seats. Original 4 speed gearbox is good. Less than 10 miles since engine rework, update.
Interior, we never had time to get to. No carpet. Floor boards were patched in previously. Original key switch was broken and replaced. The dash was re-wired. Speedo works but tachometerdoes not due to the alternator upgrade. No horn. Car has a $13200.00 reserve, which is far less than we have into the car. All repairs and parts put into the vehicle since we got it are first rate, no short cuts taken or cheap parts used to make the repairs. It was done right, and right costs a bit more. Mechanically the car is in good driving shape, a far leap from the condition it was in when we bought it. Time ( 2 years plus ) and care were taken to make sure it was done right.
White top is old, has clear windows andis a very tight fit. Side windows are there, scratched up a bit.
Exterior paint is O.K. from a distance, up close you would see some scratches, road wear and cracking from previous body work. But shines up goodand still turns heads. Rockers, quarters and inside fenders will need some rust removal, rust prevention, encapsulation and some may need to bereplaced. Under-carriage should be encapsulated with a rust preventative.
Good wheels and tires. No vibration and drives straight. Drives like a Go Cart, sits low and hugs the ground, it is a blast to drive. There is nothing like driving a simple English Sports Car, the basic design of how the car was built and engineered, its a hoot, don't know what other word to use to describe it. Be it open air, or under roof, these are a truly unique little vehicle, but have a strong following. The look of the Bugeye, it is a car that is always smiling at you, ear to ear you will be a smiling too. Make sure to bring your leather skull cap and a pair of goggles, put a long scarf around your neck and head off into the sunset.
Included will be all extra parts, New and Used / Original:CarbsIntake manifold4 speed gear box coreHardware assortment ( New and Used )New Bonnet / Hood Front Tilt conversion kitOld Gas tankNew Seat beltsTonneau coverExtra GasketsOriginal GeneratorAny of the usable parts that were removed, replaced, and or purchased, I think you get the idea. Everything we have that is BugEye Sprite specific comes with the car.
Note: The extras will be put on a pallet for shipment, a couple hundred pounds at a guess. Figure that into your shipping costs as well.
The Healey is not perfect or in show car condition, it is a driver, a car to enjoy and have fun in. This is a little project for the family or the Bugeye Sprite enthusiast, that one could finish up and still drive around to enjoy. Wearebeing honestas possible to describe the vehicle's condition.Feel free to call 423 746-2846 oremail questionsfor any other information.
General Terms:
Bidders: Vehicle is listed locally. We reserve the right to end auction early. Vehicle is ready for immediate delivery / pickup. Vehicle may be viewed at our facility in Riceville TN. please contact first to visit. 423.746.2846 ( We are just off of I-75, 1/2 way between Knoxville and Chattanooga TN. )
Deposit: We require a non-refundable $500 deposit within 48 hrs of end of auction.
Shipping: Buyer isresponsible for shipping. Vehicle shipping quote available. Please call to make arrangements for payment and shipping.
California and Tennessee buyers are responsible for paying tax, title, license and documentation fees. Customer is responsible for registering and transporting vehicle to their home state.
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