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Forum 43
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Topic starter
17/02/2021 11:35 am
First a story!
In the early 1970s, I was really into radio control flying using a Kraft radio. My planes were usually 40 inch wingspan, often biplanes which needed a .40 gas engine. While on a trip to California, I purchased 3 KB40 motors on clearance for $12 each. These normally about $50 and close to $100 in Canada.
I was flying one day when asked if I wanted to trade one of the KB40 motors. Long and short, I traded the motor for a rather worn but running 1959 Sprite. It was the cheapest car that I have ever bought at $12 US funds. I kept it for a little more than three years and it was a great fun car. I did spend more money on upkeep and a clean up, naturally although I never replaced the leaky top, using it open most of the time..
Here is the Detail Cars version of the 1959 Austin Healey Sprite in yellow. Mine was red.
Here is the Lansdowne white metal early issue... a little cruder.
17/02/2021 12:04 pm
No story but I have 1965 Austin Healy 3000 (Spark)
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
17/02/2021 12:51 pm
Great tale of a fine little car, David, and your good photos make the models come alive. Well done!
17/02/2021 1:03 pm
Here's my '60 Iris Blue Sprite. Don't have a model of it as yet. As photographed for the Feb. 2017 issue of Collector Automobile Magazine. And again a couple of springs ago.
17/02/2021 3:06 pm
A friend's wife has a 58. She gets upset when I call her car cute but that's exactly what they are. I also feel the same about a Fiat Topolino. I love these cars even though I no longer fit in them. I especially like yours with the wire wheels Curtis.
17/02/2021 4:24 pm
@parisi50 Curtis; nice car! If you aren't aware Lansdowne Models produced the same blue Sprite in blue with top down. Their red one with top up is more prevalent but the blue one shows up on ebay occasionally. They don't last long as they are sought after. I should add that the blue one is front bumper delete; unlike the red one.
17/02/2021 7:38 pm
Here's another - the diecast by Ebbro. I think it has the best look of all, especially the cruder Lansdowne. The red seats have a "worn" effect, more so on the driver's side, as you might expect.
Topic starter
17/02/2021 7:52 pm
Yes, this one looks exceptional. I do love the weathering on the seats. Actually, my full sized one had that worn look on the seats, especially the driver side. I will look for this one. I have quite a few Ebbro models and can't fault any of them.
17/02/2021 9:45 pm
Harvey, This one does look the best. Are any of these Sprites left hand drive as most all were export models sold in the US.