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Affordable Hanger Find: Austin Healey Sprite

After a year spent in an airplane hangar, the seller is losing his storage space forcing him to sell this gem. Austin Healey Sprites can often be rusty machines in desperate need of attention, but this green example is very solid and looks like quite the promising project. You could be the proud new owner for a mere $3,200. Check it out here on craigslist out of Santa Monica, California.

Presumably the original engine, this power plant does turn over by hand. So there is some hope for revival. Although a bit dusty under the bonnet, the engine compartment appears very rust free which is certainly a bonus. I imagine that  a rebuilt brake system and a rebuilt fuel system would bring some life back to this happy ride. There are no photos of the interior but, there are a few photos showcasing the dash, interior edge trim, and exterior trim. Simplistic in nature, the interior at worst would need the dash and trim reinstalled with the seats reupholstered.

Miraculously, the exterior of this Sprite is very nice in comparison to many. The lower body of this car is fantastic. The seller has been honest and mentions that there is some minor rust to contend with. Although it does seem that this is about a 95% rust free machine from the exterior appearance. The only evidence of rust I can see is on the lower edge of the passenger rear quarter where there is a small area where the paint is rolling back. Also there may be some minor surface rust along the rear edge of the passenger rocker, and on the driver rockers front edge. Beyond these concerns, I would say this could be a fun and quick project to revive and enjoy before summer is over. I would buff the paint as much as it would polish up, and revive the mechanicals on this machine to enjoy it as is. Would you pounce on this reasonably priced Bugeye Sprite?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo bobhess Member

    Check closely. Filler coming off on right rear quarter. There are replacement panels for that area. If that’s the worst of it looks like a good project car.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar photo Brakeservo

    Just read the seller’s ad. Says it has “minor rust.” Quite a few of the mechanical parts are shared with the Morris Minor but I had no idea the rust was too!

    Like 6
  3. Avatar photo Red Riley

    I’d much rather have what appears to be a Mini Cooper S still in the hangar.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar photo Joseph

    Hangar. Hangers are for shirts.

    Like 6
  5. Avatar photo Little_Cars

    I might pounce if it wasn’t clear on the other side of the country. Looks like something you could spend a weekend on to bring to driver’s status if, like most of us LBC freaks, one has stockpiles of spares in their shop. Then take a couple days to buff the paint out. The rust mentioned is only the tip of the iceberg, if we are being honest. The areas mentioned are common on all Spridgets 1958-1979 (passenger rear quarter, rear edge of the rockers, the rockers front edge) + A pillar. I just gave a shell away after taking a rubber mallet around the lower extremities and finding Swiss cheese with a lot of filler. If the price doesn’t go up, this still could be a fun, fair weather entry-level sports car.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar photo Barry wills

    I bought this car …it’s really amazing and complete ..you should see it now .

    Like 1

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