NOW SOLD to Ron of Rhode Island! Ron has purchased a handful of cars from us, so we’re glad to see this one go to such a good home! Thanks for making this car 358!
Today we are pleased to offer for your consideration a wonderfully appointed, beautiful Bugeye. This is “Vanilla” (AN5L 10904), a 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I. Vanilla is powered by her original 948CC engine mated to a Ford 5-speed transmission and featuring front disc brakes.
This particular Bugeye is a special car given the number of reliability and drivability upgrades already installed. We sold this car in 2019 to its most recent owner, who had us perform thousands of dollars in improvements to make Vanilla one of the most well-sorted cars we have yet offered. We installed the five-speed conversion for that same client in 2020, and we have a fully-documented list of the multitude of upgrades that have made this car so special. The impressive list of improvements is summarized below, and if you’re looking for a car that’s exceptionally well-appointed, Vanilla is an excellent choice!
Since 2019, Vanilla has received the following upgrades: Moto-lita wood steering wheel, new red top with protective top bag, matching red tonneau, red three-point retractable seatbelt set, front sway bar kit, LED lights, electric fuel pump upgrade, larger dashboard mirror, new Minilight wheels, tri-bar headlights, new door knobs, new rear overriders, rebuilt speedometer, our exclusive license plate mount kit, metal fuel sender float, Viton fuel sender gasket set, spin-on oil filter adapter, complete new front end with disc brakes, high-output starter, new wiper motor, new HS2 carburetors, K&N lifetime air filters, new windshield glass, new windshield glazing, five speed ford transmission kit with custom shifter knob… and more!
The car has traveled about 1000 miles since the renovations were completed.
With that being said, each Bugeye that comes through our doors is a live canvas, and we are happy to keep pushing the envelope. An aluminum radiator would be a nice addition on this one, and we look forward to partnering with the new owner to take Vanilla to the next level! The possibilities are endless!
As was stated above, the previous client had a red top and matching tonneau made for the car; as you can see in the photos, both fit spectacularly. There are side curtains and a side curtain wallet included; however, the side curtains are considered rebuildable cores and should have new gaskets and windows put in them to be considered usable. We could also provide new side curtains for the next caretaker if they so desired.
Check out the video below to see Vanilla in action! The 948 runs wonderfully and the Ford 5-speed shifts smoothly. Click below to check it out!
If you’re looking for a Bugeye that’s been equipped with all the best upgrades for reliability and driving pleasure, give us a call today!
