Very original 1958 Austin Healey sympathetically reborn by Tom Rocke in 2006

1958 Austin Healey Sprite

Incredibly preserved until 2006, then sympathetically reborn in 2006!

• New 850-cc in line four-cylinder engine installed by Tom Rocke of Healey Lane Riverside approx 2k miles ago.
• New Four-speed manual transmission installed by Tom Rocke
• Restored by the late Austin-Healey marque specialist Tom Rocke
• Right-hand drive
• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certified copy of factory record see picture
• Original side windows, top and frame
• Redone red interior by Tom Rocke
• All suspension components and brake were replaced by Tom Rocke of Healey Lane, Riverside,
• The car runs, drives and rides like it did back in 1958
• All work carried out approximately 2k miles ago.

Austin-Healey introduced the Sprite Mark I in 1958. The car was designed by Donald Healey and met with great fan far. With its distinctive headlights, the Sprite earned the nickname “Bugeye” in the US and “Frogeye” in the UK. While these cars are small in stature, they are very maneuverable and remarkably quick - attributes which make “Bugeye” Sprites an absolute blast to drive. Austin-Healey produced the Mark I Sprite through 1961.
This right-hand drive 1958 Austin-Healey “Bugeye” Sprite was purchased by its 2nd owner in the mid 90s out of a dealership on Long Island, NY. After enjoying the car for several years, in 2006 it was partially restored by the late Austin-Healey marque specialist, Tom Rocke.The car has since been driven intermittently the lady owner in and around Southern California, Mainly in the Venice area of Southern California.
The car is reported to be a most original example, having been maintained throughout its life as a driver and never fully taken apart.The paint is roughly 30 years old and shows its age but still retains it's original steel Bonnet or Hood, and front and rear bumpers, there is some unevenness fromfleeing, down the fender seams, as you would expect from a hand assembled car of this vintage.The car comes with the original top and frame in good useablecondition with good rear window, as well as side windows all of which are described as in usable, fair condition. The Healey is powered by a correct 875-cc inline four-cylinder engine (which was installed by Tom Rocke during the restoration) and is paired tothe original four-speed manual transmission. The interior of the car has been redone, completed in dark red however please note that during the restoration the heater was removed.Included in the sale is a copy of the factory record on the car,provided by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) which highlights the original color scheme and options.
A custom car cover with the inscription “Smile” and a complete set of original un-used Austin Healey tools, still in their original burlap bags is also included in the sale, as well as full weather equipment.
I bought this from a long termacquaintance and have driven the car and can attest to the quality of the work carried out by Tom Rocke, the car feels tights, handles perfectly and the engine pulls smoothly.The gearbox is responsive and brakes are well up to the task.The car is the center of interest at the cars and coffee meetings I go to in the Valley.The car needs nothing and is ready to enjoy as is without further expense.It is probably the best sorted and performing Austin Healey Sprite around.Despite it's attributes, I ask that you please have realistic expectations for a car that the car turns 59 on the 20th of August of this year, and you will not be disappointed.The car starts first time and at 6'1" and over 200 lbs, I fit in no trouble at all.The car also benefits from new tires all round and reconditioned factory original steel wheels and a new fuel tanks and fuel pump.This car is titled and registered in my name and insured with Hagerty for a little over $ 20,000-The private plate will be replaced with a fresh Calironia plate with tags till the end of June 2018.Please ask all questions prior to bidding, there is a buy it now price, and I can help with shipping at buyer's expense.Good luck, and please call me, JP, with any and all questions : 310-927-3193.I encourage all inspections before, but not after the Auction ends.Many thanks and good luck, this is a unique car with a unique and interesting History.

On Jul-04-17 at 11:39:05 PDT, seller added the following information:

Correction,the engine is a 948 cc not an 850 cc.Thank you to the gentleman in the UK for pointing that out.

• Make: Austin Healey
• Model: Sprite
• Type: Convertible
• Year: 1958
• Mileage: 69,328
• VIN: AN/3929
• Color: RED
• Engine size: 875cc
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Interior color: Red
• Drive side: Right-hand drive
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!