1960 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite

1960 Austin Healey Sprite Bugeye Description

I bought this car several months ago. The only things I have done are to unpack the loose items, inventory, and loosely assemble some of those parts. I have been told I have too many projects in the works already so something must go. I have included the description from the previous owner (see below) and pictures as it sits today. He did all the body work, panel replacement, etc. I will try to answer any questions you may have. Title is clear and in my name. Shipping will be the total responsibility of the buyer. I will help load.
Body:This project Sprite started as an unmolested but typically rusted little British car. The car was placed on a rotisserie, stripped to the bare tub and braced to maintain alignment, all rusted areas were removed. The car was then trailered to be media blasted to bare steel and epoxy primed, new replacement panels were welded in as required. The car had never been hit so the body panels required minimal hammer and dolly work. There are no bondo or fiberglass filled holes. The bonnet has been converted to forward tilt, the lower rear sections of the bonnet have stainless steel pins which maintain body alignment, gap and security. The new rocker panels had welded plugs installed into the jacking holes for a smoother look. Once the body work was complete, it received several coats of additional urethane primer/sealer. The underside body, bonnet, engine bay, door interiors and foot wells have been painted with single stage urethane light blue. We had intended to paint the exterior base/clear, light blue with orange stripes similar to Gulf Oil race cars of the era. The car also has front and rear bumpers and brackets included, which we did not intend to install. The body is ready for final sanding and exterior paint, everything but the bonnet has been wet sanded with 400 grit.
Interior:The door side pockets are original (not just a flat panel). All of the original interior panels have been refinished black, this even has one original boot side panel installed as well. The seat frames back and bottoms are in very nice condition. It even has the original back and bottom cushion padding which is perfectly usable. The original seat covers are included but we obviously intended to recover the sets. Door safety straps are included. The convertible frame and top are included; the top fabric is good with no rips or tears but the vinyl windows are discolored. Side windows are in very good condition, aluminum frames show very little wear, plastic windows slide nicely and are clear, and the rubber seals are soft with no cracking.
Engine/Drive train:It has the original 948 which has been disassembled and cleaned. It did spin freely when we got the car, upon further inspection, it will need a standard rebuild. There is no scoring in the cylinders, mains and rod bearing journals are smooth but may need .010 regrind to remove discoloration. Starter and generator with tac drive are good. The engine and accessories are complete. Clutch components are there and appear ok but should be changed as routine; trans shifts into all gears. We opened the side plate, all looks good internally. Differential is stock; gears look good with no excessive clearance or wear.
Bright work:Aluminum cockpit surround is complete, windshield frame has some minor scratches. Side supports have been sanded and are now in satin silver finish. The glass is good; headlight, tail light, turn signal chrome very nice. All lenses are in perfect shape along with a nice grill. The front and rear bumpers and mounts are included; they are straight but need refinishing. It does have a unique aluminum Monza style gas filler. The fuel tank is original and has been cleaned and pressure tested. Fuel quantity sender and gauge test OK. Hub caps and wheels are good, tires good enough for roll around.
Suspension and Brakes:All original components with the exception of new rear springs. All original components included, however the front A arms and brake components were going to be replaced with MG Midget disc assemblies and newer rears as well. Will need new master cylinder and lines.
Miscellaneous:All original gauges and cockpit switches, original steering wheel (nice condition). Radiator cleaned and tested, blower and wipers operate. Windshield washer nozzles have been deleted; five wheels (4 mounted with tires), Haynes repair manual. Paint receipts and mix codes are included for an exact exterior color match.
Summary:This was a complete and unmolested car that suffered typical problems of time and neglect. The rust issues and the time and money required for these repairs has been addressed. The hardest part of restoration is complete. It is now down to the mechanical reassembly. You can have this Bugeye ready to hit the road in short order. Bidding is a legal and binding contract. Please make sure you have funds and approval before bidding. There are no warranties expressed or implied. Transport:I will box all loose parts and place inside of car for shipment. All shipping arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer.
Payments:All funds must clear before pickup. Cash or bank to bank wire transfer required.