1959 Austin Healey "Frog Eye" Sprite - Well preserved & restored. Ready to enjoy

1959 Austin Healey Sprite Bug Eye -1098cc-Front Discs-Wire Wheels-Rib Cage Description

1959 Austin Healey "Bug Eye" SpriteA Frog Eyed Gem
Take a well preserved car from the state of Washington, restore it to very nice standards, make sensible upgrades like 1098cc engine, enhanced suspension & axles for wire wheels and front disc brakes and you've got the recipe for a very easy to enjoy classic roadster.
To see all pics, click here -http://slickpic.us/1129808NMIM
Bit of History -Many of you will know quite a bit more about this little classic than I. I owned one way back when they weren't necessarily a time proven classic. They were just really cool and fun as hell to drive. So, most were driven and some quite hard (painted purple and raced for that matter). Fortunately, this car enjoyed a different fate.Austin Healey's plan was to develop pop-up headlights. They wanted a very simple, smooth set of lines. They just couldn't get accounting to sign off on the additional expense required for the flip-up mechanism. The "frog eye" was born of necessity and compromise. I'm sure they're glad in hind site, because they nailed it. The bug eye is the iconic form of the Austin Healey Sprite legacy.
Specifics -The serial number 6585 on this car puts it pretty early in the run of vehicles made by Austin Healey. According to records, it is was most likely manufactured in 1958, but not sold or licensed in the State until 1959 (common in the era). There is a picture of misc parts that includes a few badges from car shows in Washington. From the records available, it seems it was purchased new in the Seattle area and stayed in there until 2001. It comes with a clear Missouri title from '01.
Exterior -The paint is not flawless, but it is pretty darn good. You will not be ashamed to show the car in just about any setting other than Pebble Beach. It would have to be a pretty serious bug eye to make it to that concours! The left rear lens has a small hole. In the right front fender, there is a very small ding. Both are hard to capture in pictures.

Glass, Rubber & Shiny Bits - windshield is flawless so, it stands to reason it was replaced during the restoration around 2000. The windshield rubber and door seals are like new as well. Brightwork and polished aluminum present well all around. The car has not been driven much at all since the restoration and it shows.

Soft Top, Side Curtains and Frame - the vinyl top doesn't look like it's seen the light of day. It probably hasn't. The frame setup on this car is a trip back in time to simpler times. The side curtains and frame certainly seem original. They are in good shape, but will probably stay right where they have for at least 20 years -- in the boot!

Interior -During restoration, a new carpet kit, door panels and seat covers were installed. There is a small rip in the seat bottom of the driver's seat. Look closely and you'll see a small piece of tape.Purists will observe the radio and speakers. Let's just say, I get it. Wouldn't be my 1st choice, but they've been with the car for quite some time. Fortunately on this car, very nice replacement parts are readily available, reasonable and simple to install. A nice little project.

Dash & Gauges - really nice over all. Steering wheel is a common after market variety - sporty and functional. Rear boot has been carpeted as is commonly the case in restorations. Originally they had vinyl mats from front to rear but things would probably have been different with a larger budget. Rear boot is accessed only through the car -- classic!

Mechanicals -Since the entire front of the car lifts up for access to the engine, you get pretty nice access and visibility. The engine is the slightly larger 1100cc version of a later model, probably '61-62. The fact that it provides a bit more pep, is still dead on simple to keep up & maintain make it a highly regarded upgrade.
The car was treated to a mechanical refresh in preparation for sale. The 11/4" SU carbs were cleaned and tuned and fitted with the right air cleaners to ensure usability. New master cylinder was installed and complete ignition tune as well.

Brakes were gone through as well. This car comes with the highly desirable front disc upgrade. Nearly essential to really drive and enjoy with confidence. The entire brake system was gone through. Any component with a bit of age on it was simply replaced. You'll enjoy how it handles and brakes on a dime.

Wheels & Tires - the center hub wire wheels so synonymous with British sports cars weren't very common on Sprites. They were however a highly desirable upgrade. Still are - timelessly classic. All 4 chrome wheels are in tip-top shape. Tires show almost no wear and should provide quite a bit more enjoyment. Car also comes with a spare wheel. Don't know if I'd trust the rubber on that one, though!

Under Carriage -We went over this car pretty closely. It was really nice to see the car up on a lift. I couldn't find any signs of patch work on the floor pans. The rockers are straight as an arrow and also so no signs of patch work. No rust anywhere. Pretty remarkable for this car. Car also has the rib cage gear box. Small collection of spare parts and manuals and pride of ownership badges come too. Notice the original gear shift knob. Nice.

Hope you enjoyed this little trip around and through the Healey. I tried to be thorough enough to give you a very detailed perspective on the car. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call. (913) 244-0156.
If you are looking for a really sharp Bug Eye that is ready to roll and doesn't give you anxiety actually driving and enjoying, you've stumbled upon a good one. Thanks for your interest.
Bidding and Shipping --
Reserve Price -- The reserve is undisclosed out of respect for the auction process. Simply bid the amount you feel comfortable investing in a classic British roadster in this state of preservation.
Bidding -- please treat the bidding process as the serious intent to purchase that it is. Everyone benefits with this level of respect.
Shipping - transportation is theresponsibilityof the buyer. I will make the logistics easy on this end. Car is in suburb of Kansas City.
Good Luck Bidding!