Brian,
We may just be debating semantics here. I consider "1959" Sprites as being
those with the later windshields, in addition to some of the other post'58
improvements.
I don't own the Dark Green sprite that I referenced. It is owned by a friend
who purchased it from the second owner. It is a dead original car. It was
always dark green. It has the original interior (take those words literally).
It has its original tool kit and factory warranty. It is a low number car, but
I can't find the number quickly tonight.
Since cars of this period did not have a model year designation until the time
of registration, it is most reasonable that these so-called 1958 Dark Green
cars were registered as 1959's. But to reference all of these Dark Green cars
as 1958's gives the impression that they carried the early windscreen and other
oddities peculiar to the early cars which is not true.
Again this may be just a matter of semantics, but I have never considered
anything but an early windscreen car a "1958".
Jay Fishbein, CT
On 03/09/99 22:29:51 you wrote:
>
>Jay,
>
>With all due respect, I believe that Herb was correct in stating that Dark
>Green was only available on early AN5's. According to the Austin-Healey
>Sprite Service Parts List, Publication Number AKD829, Third Edition. Dark
>Green (GN12) was discontinued at Chassis Number AN5/9926. Leaf Green
>(GN15) was introduced as a replacement colour at Chassis Number AN5/9927.
>According to Terry Horler's book, Original Sprite and Midget, Chassis
>number AN5/9926 was manufactured in January 1959. Consequently, this
>colour was only available during the first 10 months of AN5 production.
>
>What is the chassis number of your Dark Green Sprite? Did you ever have
>British Motor Heritage document the date of manufacture and build
>specifications of your car? It would be rather interesting to uncover a
>car finished in Dark Green from the works after the BMC "Documented" change
>point. Anything is possible!
>
>Brian Thornton
>AN5
>AN9
>
>>>I believe that dark green appeared only on early '58 cars....
>>>herb
>>
>>Herb,
>>With all due respect, this is false. For some reason, the Puddlejumper
>>website has chosen to perpetuate this myth despite the fact that I
>>brought this to Les Myer's attention early on.
>>
>>For any doubters in the audience, I invite you to CT to view an entirely
>>original dark green 1959 complete with original rubber floor mats, etc.
>>etc.
>>
>>I am still at work and don't have access to my reference materials but I
>>will check those later upon my return to the ranch.
>>
>>Let's at least keep the basic facts straight and not rewrite history.
>>
>
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