Body Color
Light Blue
Stock
906EC
Vin
HAN7L32150
Miles
87,193
Engine Size
1098 cc I4
Transmission Type
4-speed manual

1963 Austin-Healey Sprite

Motorcar Studio is pleased to offer this 1963 Austin Healey Sprite. This Sprite was recently acquired out of single-family ownership and is very solid and well documented -- it's rare that we find a Spridget (or any 50+ year old English roadster) that has been so loved and cared for, as most started rusting away decades ago. We are fond of the early MkII cars for their sheer simplicity and clean lines -- especially the side curtains and lack of outside door handles.

This example was purchased new in Michigan for $2200 and remained with the same family until just recently. It was restored in 1987 and subsequently took first place in its category at a British car show in 1989. The owner only put 2000 miles on it between 1987 and 2002 when it was put in storage. It is wearing its correct shade of light blue; the original interior color was dark blue but it now wears attractive cream vinyl. It retains its rare period hard top, complete soft top and frame and very desirable, period Les Leston / Stirling Moss inscribed wood-rimmed steering wheel.

The restoration was thorough and documented with both photographs and stacks of receipts. It included limited rust repair (the rockers were replaced and the door posts were rebuilt) but the floors, unibody frame and body sheet metal are all original. Interior surfaces were Zeibarted during the process and the correct exterior color was applied. Concurrently the 1098 engine was rebuilt and bored .040 over. The gearbox was also overhauled along with the front end bushings and steering components. The interior was refreshed and has held up well. Areas of the paint, mainly on the passenger side, have started to lift over the primer creating a number of very small air bubbles and primer spots. We considered a repaint but the car is so charming and honest with its patina that we couldn't bring ourselves to do it. There is virtually no rust that we have found in this car -- we have noted a couple small bubbles on the lips of the rear wheel wells.

Recent service has included new tires, brake and clutch flush, oil change, fan belt, fuel hoses, battery, water pump, thermostat and air filters. It fires up immediately and is a blast to drive with good power and a willing engine. The brakes and steering both feel good and all of the gauges work properly (except the clock). It has excellent oil pressure and runs cool. The suspension (shocks and springs) feel tired and the clutch will bleed down if kept depressed for long periods -- but we thought we would leave a few things for the next owner to tinker with.

An included binder contains the original sales literature, photographs dating back to when the car was new (and of the restoration), plus a written history of the car's life by the original owner. An additional file contains extensive receipts. Included with the sale is the original owner's manual, the side curtains and hard top (both in very good condition), a serviceable white convertible top with frame in its original pouch and spare tire. The owner creatively installed a dowel in the trunk that holds the side curtains when not in use.

For more information about this 1963 Austin-Healey Sprite for sale at Motorcar Studio in Atlanta, please call 404-692-5250.

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