1959 Austin Healey Sprite Additional Info:
1959 Austin Healey "Bugeye" MKI - Original California car2 Owners Ist for 40+ years, 2nd for 20+ Years!Desirable Factory Iris Blue - True "Barn Find"
To say that this "Bugeye" has a fascinating documented history would be quite an understatement. Below is a summary of the cars ownership, original delivery in California, and evidence of the British Heritage Certificate that supports the cars production in one of the most desirable Sprite colors of Iris blue.
HISTORY
The British heritage certificate documents that the car was built on August 26, 1959 and dispatched to its orginal Paris France destination on August 28, 1959. Built as a left hand drive, it arrived at San Francisco Bay area British Motors shortly thereafter, where it was purchased by its original owner who lived in King City California, south of San Jose. The car was owned by the original owner for 42 years, from 1959 until it was sold to the second owner on 2001.
The original owner kept the car in largely stock condition with the exception of adding front disc brakes in the early '60s sourced from an Mg Midget. The orgiginal owner kept the Bugeye in largely original conditon with few exceptions including the addition of front disc brakes, added in the early 1960's and sourced from an MG Midget.
The longtime second owner shared that he acquired the car from the original owner who drove it for several years and then stored the vehicle in a barn and dry Northern inland California. They heard about the car through a local newspaper ad, and when to view it. It was stored in a farm barn covered with thick dust from the crops, and covered by an old parachute. A photo shows the barn that the car came out of where it resided for over 30 years.
The car was purchased, and shortly after the acquisition the new owner began to perform some mechanical and cosmetic upgrades, to put the car back down the road. This included an engine rebuild with documentation of new pistons and other internal components, a new braking system, cooling system, a new interior, work on the electrical system to ensure that everything functioned, a new top, and other exterior new old stock parts like lenses, trim, etc.The wheels were powder coated, new tires added, and a Momo steering wheel was installed in place of a thin original unit.
CONDITION SUMMARY
- Straight body- Original bonnet with function from lock in place- Original bumper with replaced bumper brackets- Original rear and front black license plates issued in 1959- No rust in inner doors, front & rear door jambs- Solid rocker panels with a few minor rust spots (that have been ther for YEARS)- 5 powder coated wheels including spare- Door trim and trim around dash polished several years ago- Excellent top, clear window (dirty but free from any damage and fits well)- Excellent dash with all original guages reportedly working when car last ran- Seat belts added- Interior carpet and trim replace several years ago- Damage free front windshield- Original side curtains & one extra with damaged plexiglass- Very good exterior trim / chrome- Engine compartment very original retaining heater hose, original air cleaners and other components
This "Bugeye" has been stored inside in rural communities for virtually it's entire life outside of use shortly after delivery and for a brief time after the engine rebuild and interior upgrades including new carpet, seat covers, seat belts, rear carpet, and powder coating wheels. It is important to note that absolutely NO efforts have been undertaken to clean up the car, polish it, or take glamor photos. The car carries the original front and back license plates issued in 1959 with a registration expiring in 2004. While it was used on the roads and driven subsequently, it was placed on California non-operation because of minimal road use. The photos reflect the minor areas of external rust but, unlike examples from the Midwest or East Coast, the rust on the body is very minimal Indian typical areas. However, the rocker panels, inner door areas, rear fenders, bonnet, and other rust prone areas are in very good solid condition. The car retains its original and rarely in place front hood latch along with the front bumper. The rear license plate is an excellent condition and the front is not and needs to be restored.
These cars are very straightforward and it is my thought that getting it running would be a straightforward process, especially for a knowledgeable British enthusiast. The engine turns over, but it is our recommendation that the fuel system, cooling system and brakes be checked before the car is put back on the road. This would be an excellent candidate for a restoration, or a mechanical refreshening and use as a California survivor.
Incuded with the car are the following:
- Photos of the car when it came out of the original owner's barn and subsequent photos of the 2nd owners restoration efforts- Extensive repair and reference manuals- Original jack- Miscellaneous spares / take offs- British Heritage Certificate (shown in listing)
Note: I have a number of additonal photos but am limited on eBay regarding the number I can share. Please inquire and I will be glad to provide additonal photos.
The car is located about 40 mi outside of Sacramento in Auburn California, right off highway 80, a major thoroughfare so transport should not be a challenge. We will be glad to assist in any way with arrangements.
Finally, I bought this car to restore, but the gentleman that was going to complete the work moved out of the area and I am no longer in physical condition to do the work myself. So, I have decided to let the car available from someone who will enjoy it and can perform the necessary work
I can only list limited photos on eBay but I have additonal photos of every area of the car that I would be glad to send via email.
Thank you for your interest!
