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Carroll Shelby Sprite with 215 V8 question?

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truckinusa

Freshman Member
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I probably should have taken some pictures, but a friend of mine is working on an Austin Healey Sprite that happens to have a badge on the left side of the firewall that says Carroll Shelby. It also is equipped with a 215 V8. This car was stored for 30 years in a barn or something. I believe it is from the early 60's. Can anyone tell me what this might be? Does it have any particular value? My friend intends on painting it and restoring it however he feels like. I did not know if that would hurt the value? I have never seen something like this. One of the moderators suggested it might be from his driving school. I found the same info, but I don't think those had V8's?
 
As you said, the Sprites at the Shelby school were running Sprite engines:

shelby_bugeye.jpg


I've done a lot of reading on the connections between Shelby and the Austin-Healeys and have never seen a single mention of a V8 Sprite in that context. Blank Shelby chassis plates have been available from Cobra parts suppliers for quite some time as the kit car Cobra owners liked to put them on their cars. I suspect that's what was done here. Pictures of the car, particularly of the plate would help, but I suspect the car has no connection to Shelby and your friend should restore it as he wishes and have a good time.
 
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