Memories: In 1961 I had a door to door insurance route. I bought a maroon Austin Healey Sprite MK1 with the matching maroon fibreglas top and the black leather top stored in the back (Boot, behind the seats). I also had a young blonde wife to complete the picture. After ruining the little engine TWICE I decided to do what any red blooded young American would do. I created Ford's Cobra copy with 327 GM V-8 and Duntov cam, plus 2-4's. No room for 3-peddles, I put a Powerglide in. Used Ford crossflow radiator and surge tank and was amazed how cool it actually ran under that bug eyed hood (bonnet)(Bugeyed, not Frogs.) With short wheelbase and quick turns I eventually swapped to 3-2 barrel carbs so had to cut a hole in the hood. Other than that and two chrome exhaust tips, it appeared stock. Feathering the go peddle it lasted several years. I traded for a 1933 Chevy and some cash. I often wonder where that bugeyed Sprite ended up. The young wife recently went to heaven and I traded the '33 Chevy for other classic cars.
I remember the first time I ever saw a as we call it here in Hawai'i a Bug-eye Sprite. It was in July 1966 in Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi. I was 6 years old, and this adorable car was parked across the street from our home. I instantly fell in love with it, and have wanted one ever since. Sadly, they are rare as henʻs teeth here in the islands, and Iʻm too poor to afford bring one in from the mainland. Itʻs a nice dream though. Thank you for sharing this restoration.
I do hope you shared the story of this car with your daughter. Soon she will be moving into that part of her life where she will create her own stories, her own daughter. Awesome! FR
Memories: In 1961 I had a door to door insurance route. I bought a maroon Austin Healey Sprite MK1 with the matching maroon fibreglas top and the black leather top stored in the back (Boot, behind the seats). I also had a young blonde wife to complete the picture.
After ruining the little engine TWICE I decided to do what any red blooded young American would do. I created Ford's Cobra copy with 327 GM V-8 and Duntov cam, plus 2-4's. No room for 3-peddles, I put a Powerglide in. Used Ford crossflow radiator and surge tank and was amazed how cool it actually ran under that bug eyed hood (bonnet)(Bugeyed, not Frogs.) With short wheelbase and quick turns I eventually swapped to 3-2 barrel carbs so had to cut a hole in the hood. Other than that and two chrome exhaust tips, it appeared stock.
Feathering the go peddle it lasted several years. I traded for a 1933 Chevy and some cash.
I often wonder where that bugeyed Sprite ended up. The young wife recently went to heaven and I traded the '33 Chevy for other classic cars.
I remember the first time I ever saw a as we call it here in Hawai'i a Bug-eye Sprite. It was in July 1966 in Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi. I was 6 years old, and this adorable car was parked across the street from our home. I instantly fell in love with it, and have wanted one ever since. Sadly, they are rare as henʻs teeth here in the islands, and Iʻm too poor to afford bring one in from the mainland. Itʻs a nice dream though. Thank you for sharing this restoration.
I bought her in 1967 when I was 20, she is part of my family and I will never part with her. I love driving her as much now as I did then.
@@kenskelso I was 22 and bought my 1960 Sprite in 1961. I said the same but still do have a few other cars I bought in the 60's.
Always wanted a bugeye to restore. I had a 2A in the 60's.
I do hope you shared the story of this car with your daughter. Soon she will be moving into that part of her life where she will create her own stories, her own daughter. Awesome! FR
The only car which is always happy to see you. M.
Fantastic. Happy motoring.
pure love, thanks.
Ready for another 50 years 😉
As long as you don’t do anything as rash as driving it on winter roads in th uk.
Have you video front fender change. I'm interested in that seam in it. what kind is it . because it rusts from it. can you fix it.
Austin Healey 3.5 v8
Good as new. I think it can be addictive ?
All classic cars are sorta addictive.
@@modeladenny1218 I keep buying them but can't quite sell them once they are restored.
Hi Ken - Where are you based in the UK - I am thinking of rebuilding my sprite but need to muster the minerals! Love to get your thoughts?
Just north of Cambridge