Current
"Full Inventory"
(Projects, Completions and Personal Collection)

77 Lancia Scorpion

67 Camaro RS Conv.

68 Austin Healey Sprite

68 Cougar

69 Corvette

70 Opel GT

69 Marcos 3000GT

86 TVR 280i

73 TVR 2500M

90 Buick Reatta
 

68 Austin Healey Sprite

First-Round Restoration
  • License: WMF 878
         
         
         
         
Click on an image for a larger view

This page covers the First restoration of my '68 Austin Healey Sprite. This started as a quick strip-and-paint project, but turned into a 2 1/2 year project. Every surface of the car (inside, outside and upside-down) was stripped to bare metal, metal-prepped, primed and painted. Over 90% of the fasteners were replaced. All seals, gaskets and wearable items were replaced or rebuilt.

Unfortunately, the rebuilt transmission that was installed during this project locked up just 13 months (one month out of warranty) after completing the restoration. So, it was parked for 10 years and was towed through two moves. Then, in 2001, I got the urge to get back into working on cars again. Click Here to See Current Photos following the second restoration.

SPECIFICATIONS

(Following Round 1)
MODEL YEAR: 1968
MANUFACTURER: Austin Healey
MODEL NAME: Sprite
MILEAGE: 35K or 135K (unknown if it turned over)

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:

  • Model: British Leyland 1275cc "A" Series
  • Type: Inline 4-Cylinder, OHV, Solid Lifters
  • Serial #: xx
  • Horsepower: xx
  • Overhauled/Rebuilt: xx
  • Block Casting #: xx
  • Block Casting Date: xx
  • Heads Casting #: xx
  • Heads Casting Date: xx
  • Pistons: .010: Overbore
  • Compression Ratio: 8:1
  • Camshaft: Stock
  • Carburetion: Dual SUs (stock)
  • Transmission: Original (overhauled) 4-Speed Manual

CHASSIS:
  • Manufacture Date: 1968
  • VIN: xx
  • Paint Color: Red (1979 Chrysler LeBaron)
  • Top Color: Black
  • Condition: Excellent
  • Features:
    • Tube Shock Conversion - Front and Rear
    • Rebuilt Front & Rear Suspension
    • New Front Springs (sport - 1" lowered)
    • New Rear Springs
    • 165R x 13" Tires
    • Custom Lined and Lighted Trunk
    • "Raydot" Sport Mirror

INTERIOR:

  • Color: "Sand"
  • Material: Vinyl
  • Features:
    • Padded Side Panels (originally unpadded)
    • Footwell Lighting - With Doorjamb Switches
    • Accessory Power Switch
    • AM/FM Stereo Cassette w/40W Power Amp
    • Console Mounted Ammeter
    • Console/Armrest w/Storage and Cup Holder
    • Grant GT Steering Wheel

WORK REMAINING:

  • 13 months after this restoration, the freshly overhauled
    transmission locked up. Unfortunately, this meant removing
    the entire front clip in order to pull the engine and trans
    as a unit - which lead to the second restoration
  • Three years later, the imfamous Northridge earthquake of 1994
    resulted in some minor body damage.
  • After sitting idle for 10 years, much of the rubber tubing and
    other items required replacing as well as the tires.

Send Mail to
bob@midlifeclassics.com