1971 Austin Healey Sprite
£££ SOLD £££
MANY MORE PICTURES HERE
These little Austin Healey Sprites are getting few and far between. Interestingly, they were the cheaper variant of the MG Midget/Healey Sprite range, but as time has moved on, they have become more desirable because of their rarity.
I first became aware of this particular example around 3 years ago. It had had a great deal of restoration work done, with a comprehensive list of work carried out, both mechanically, bodily and structurally. The colour is a deeper shade than the usual Teal Blue - I think it's called Midnight Blue but I could be wrong!
Since then, the car moved to another owner for a couple of years where it was used regularly. This has caused a few cosmetic defects – but if you are after a well-sorted Midget which just needs some cosmetic work – then this is the car for you! This really isn't the usual tarted up rubbish.
The car is MOTd until June 26th 2015 and I can’t see there being any problems at all for the next MOT.
The car has had a full engine and gearbox rebuild, and had all new brakes and suspension too. It’s one of the nicest ones I’ve driven, and there is none of the usual ‘slop’ in the drivetrain, and no wishy-washy handling. It’s a proper classic sports car! Oil pressure is great, and the gearbox has no nasty crunches or whines.
During the restoration, the car had complete new floors fitted, along with a great deal of other structural work which was carried out professionally. Bodily, the car had various repair panels welded in. Hopefully you can see from the pictures that there are now a few imperfections forming. Most notably, there is some bubbling where a new bonnet front-section has been welded in, along one rear wing seam and also where new A panel bottoms have been welded in. This is not rot, it is just bad paint prep, as you will see if you come to view the car. Very easily sorted at any body shop for minimal cost. There are marks and scratches elsewhere too, of course – the car has been used regularly over the past couple of years so do not come expecting a show car. If you wanted perfection you would probably have to budget for a respray – but there would be very little prep to do before painting, and would make the car worth a great deal more.
The interior is clean and tidy, and the carpets are nice and dry. The hood is in great shape and a hood cover is included.
Under the bonnet is very clean indeed – it could easily be detailed to make it superb.
All in all, this is a great opportunity for someone who wants a well-sorted car that can be used regularly without any worries. Don’t let the slight cosmetic issues put you off. If it doesn’t sell at this price I will have the car resprayed and I will be asking considerably more. It’s not the usual tarted-up piece of junk.
Included in the sale is a full Stormforce breathable outdoor car cover – these are over £100 to buy new!