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Should I buy?

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bcbennett

bcbennett

Senior Member
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Hello Austin Healey folks,

I am a TR6 owner, but I have been asked to buy a Sprite, all there, not assembled, with two engines, new floor pans, lots of parts for $700. I'm not sure if this is a steal, a normal offer, or too much trouble. Advice?

(Not sure of the year model; I think it's a '54)

Thanks in advance,

CB
 
Austin made Sprites from 1958 to 1971.

If it really is "all there," and the new owner is willing to put in the blood, sweat, tears, and cashola to put it all back together, realizing that the total cost to do so will undoubtedly exceed the value of the finished product, then $700 is getting in pretty cheap. In other words, if you're looking to lose money, starting this endeavor with a small cash forfeiture is better than starting with a big forfeiture.

If it is a Bugeye Sprite, then you might actually come close to breaking even since they are worth much more than a later, "square-bodied" Sprite ("Spridget"). Sounds like you should research the car a bit more before embarking on the path to financial ruination...

If you DO embark on that path anyway, then "Welcome to the Club." /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
 
I agree with Reid, if its a Bugeye, its worth looking at. The square body sprites, in the listed conditon would be worth $700 for parts but by the time you put it all back together, I doubt you could get your money back. If you like sprites then have at it. You would be better off building another TR6.

Marvin
 
If it's being sold by the person who took it all apart, perhaps you can get some assurance of its completeness, otherwise that path Reid mentioned is likely to turn out to be a "long and winding road"...to financial ruination.

Best of luck, and lots of it.
 
CB:

If you could get the V.I.N. and casting numbers from motors we would be help to advise further and tell you what you are looking at.

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
Ed
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Just found out it's a 64 Bugeye.... [/QUOTE]

Next to impossible. And I can't beleive a Dealer would have held on to it for THREE years!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif
More likely a Mk. II or III.
When you look at it, check for casting # on side of block. And same type of engine tag adjunct to #1 spark plug.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]no VIN though. [/QUOTE]


Right front shox tower.

Title?? Pics??
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
Ed
 
Yeah, I'm beginning to really doubt what the owner is telling me. He doesn't seem to know much. I'll likely pass on it.
 
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