1958 Austin-Healey Sprite

Asking Price: $34,000
Location: Cornwall, NY
Mileage: NA
Title Status: Clean
VIN: ANS-L/5203

Seller’s Description: This car was subject to a full rotisserie restoration from Sept 2019 through Sept 2020. The car was found languishing behind a repair shop, among piles of car parts, being sold for the estate of the owner. He had owned the car since the 1980s and had taken it apart to restore, but passed away before anything happened. Saving the car from being crushed was the plan. It was in a sorry state, having been taken apart for restoration quite a while before we undertook the project.

Ashley Hinton floors, labeled ‘made in 2000’, were brazed in without regard to accuracy or strength. Abundant rust was uncovered under the body filler as the car was media blasted, and the rear deck appeared to have been jumped on. Much effort was spent rectifying these issues.

Rust repair included replacing inner and outer rocker panels on both sides, both rear lower fender quarters, and both corners of the bonnet, which had also been bent from poor storage or handling. Footwell stiffeners were replaced, and the front and rear bulkhead repaired as needed. All cavities within the rockers, bulkheads, and transmission tunnel were primed and top coated before being sealed. The front chassis box was replaced as well (the inside primed and painted). A myriad of other rusty bits was discovered and properly repaired, including fabricating sheet metal where necessary.

Sometime in its former life, the car had both a wire wheel and disc brake conversion. A correct rear axle housing was located and installed (Using wire wheel axles in a standard axle housing results in the axle splines meshing only part way. Wire wheel housings are shorter and allow full spline engagement.). Brakes were rebuilt and brake lines were replaced with custom stainless lines that will never discolor or corrode, fitting for a restoration of this quality, as was the fuel line. Any part (and that means most of them) that was not up to standard was replaced with new. The original 9 stud windscreen frame was rechromed and a new top and tonneau fitted. 1958 was the only year for Cherry Red body color, and a red interior was installed as per original manufacture according to the Heritage Certificate, along with the optional heater. PPG Concept single-stage paint was used throughout.

The 1098 motor that came with the car- essentially just a pile of parts- was completely rebuilt with a spin on oil filter conversion and mated to a ribbed gearbox. The car retains its original positive ground electrics. All systems were rebuilt to the highest standard as exemplified by the beautifully straight body panels, set off by eye-catching body color wire wheels.