Sunday, September 28, 2014

0% Appreciation: 1969 Austin Healey Sprite

Some cars are just immune to the recent run up in collector car prices, despite their innumerable charms.  Post-Bugeye Austin Healey Sprites -as a species- seem especially resistant to appreciation, despite their classic lineage.


There is a lot to love about these classic cars. And the value of this one has seemingly not wavered in 20 years or so. It is still a $3000 European sports roadster. Just like it was in 1994.


Nothing here will bite you too hard, and the seller seems upfront about the limit of his desire/capability to get this car back on the road.


The seller claims that the car will not disengage the clutch despite a rebuilt master and slave cylinder.
He cites the clutch pressure plate springs. We think it may not be the springs, but the clutch face rusted to the flywheel from extended sitting. It might pop loose with bump starting the car. But that is speculation. Either way, here is a chance to give that son/neighbor kid/nephew a great basic education in straightforward auto mechanics.





The seller claims no rust, but we know that might not be descriptive of PREVIOUS rust repair (aka Bondo). But really, it's hard to complain about a complete car with nothing but upside potential ahead of it. We hope it finds a good home.