The Ultimate JDM Powered Sprite - Driving The Craziest, Most Incredible Austin Healey Ever

[@MrSharpe95]

I love classic cars being restored but I also love it when someone does something crazy like this 😁

[@Compo67]

Love that Sprite… more extreme than mine, but we have a group who have modified Sprites & MG Midgets with Rover K-Series and Ford Zetec engines. All running over 100bhp and some as high as 200bhp and beyond! Mine called PYG is running 200bhp.

[@jameswells6003]

I've had thoughts of a Midget with either the 160 VVC or 1.8T K series engines, would be great fun!

[@johnandrews3568]

I've wondered if it's possible to put a modded VW 1.8T or 2.0T into a sprite or similar.

[@Compo67]

@@johnandrews3568 I guess anything is possible John, just it’s not the recognised mod for these cars unlike the K / Z engines without major modification to the chasis. We’ve seen even V8 & V6s installed but I guess a lot of chassis alterations for those!

[@jiveturkey9993]

@@Compo67 200 horsepower in a midget sound more than enough.

[@Compo67]

@@jiveturkey9993 I would agree😁 power is nothing without control! Controlling it all is the challenge but also where the fun starts.

[@benharrison2391]

The detailing in that car is exceptional - very nice work. I just don't fit into a Sprite, but I can certainly appreciate this project. Years ago I had a friend who drove a bugeye sprite with a Chevy v8 - I thought it was dangerous! My daily driver is a 1984 RX-7 , quite a bit bigger car and fits me perfectly. Nine years ago I installed a Skyline RB20 straight six and trans, mostly stock and a bit over 200 HP. Seems to be the perfect combination. I told a friend that stoplight drag racing is childish and immature, but if a guy pulls up next to you in a BMW - well you just do what you have to do.

[@piuthemagicman]

that's so cool - and true the RX7 shines on curvy roads not on 1/4 mile! :) great choice of engine.

[@caly5328]

I have a 61 bugeye with an sbc 383ci in it

[@alexcoomes6326]

This is utterly bonkers (in a good way) as a Midget owner myself that is terrifying enough to drive at normal road speeds; this set-up must be mind-blowing! I salute the owner for such a contraption it is in the league of Binky.

[@jiveturkey9993]

I sat in one of those once at a car auction. I could not believe how that micro car on the outside fit me like a glove on the inside. That thing fit me better than any car ive ever sat in.

[@alexcoomes6326]

@@jiveturkey9993 Could not agree more when I get into my Midget it fits me like a glove and I am 6ft tall - Getting out is a little more tricky though...

[@ihavewaited90daystochangem51]

@@alexcoomes6326 Why did anyone think that "midget" is a good name for a car? "When i get into my midget it fits me like a glove" sounds so effing wrong 🤣

[@mixdiver]

@@ihavewaited90daystochangem51 I totally agree I don’t know how MG came up with the name but will do some research - it was probably a committee that came up with it and they could not make it close to the B as they did not want any confusion that’s all I can think of I am afraid.

[@MrRoyck10]

Epic, this is the route to go in order to attain driving purity without bleeding off your money to car manufacturers. Kit cars and retro mods offers more than the conventional new cars that cost so much. I really love this car!!!

[@autoavids]

The little details like the shifter, horn and handles really put it in a class of it's own. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@Number27]

Exactly what I think too.. just love the attention to detail!!

[@jeffreysalzman1497]

What a gorgeous car and that patina, wow! I love the whine of the gears, that puts it over the top for me.

[@alanmcclelland5245]

Warching this from Canada, made my first day of the New Year. Might just sell my XK8 to start a project like this. Lucky boy, enjoy.

[@davidmoody2797]

I mostly find when other channels show subscribers cars the owners are often self obsessed and showing off. This dude, however, is just delighted to have a beast of a machine to call his own ! Really loved this video. Happy New Year Buddy.

[@EconoboxGarage]

Love that you've been able to drive this Sprite. As wild as it is I think it stays fairly close to its roots... "something a chap could keep in his cycle shed" (Donald Healey)!

[@Number27]

Hey chap, hope all good! Happy new year!

[@simonwoodward438]

That really is truly amazing. More videos like this, I just love stuff like this.

[@bugattieb110ss]

You won't get this at Harry's Garage! Bloke's a waste of time with his videos nowadays. Complete badge snob.

[@edgworth]

Epic! what an brilliant homage to the Sprite. Brilliantly executed and i can feel the excitement from your driving reaction. Well done to the owner.

[@allergictowoke]

I’d have much more fun in this on the road or track over 99% of the current crop of super and hyper cars, I think you would feel every bit of the road and every camber when driving this Looks excellent, great build 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@nicwilson89]

This is a work of art Just mentioned VTEC, I can't imagine how insane this would have been with a B or K series in it haha Good lord, the noise this thing makes is sublime

[@romka_ind]

4A-GE has vtec but it is called VVT

[@anthonymurphy7875]

Absolutely brilliant review Jack, what a sound! felt every pothole 👍🏼

[@Jonoponomono]

One persons vision of their perfect car is always the best. Usually crazy and horribly flawed but awesome! I love this car.

[@itzajdmting]

What a beautiful build, hats off to you James. I had a similar build in mind different cars and blocks but same principles. The sound is something else mate, great choice of block.

[@Missed_Apex_GT]

I’ve known James for years…great lad and very very good car builder

[@fredrikvanlienden6749]

I LOVE IT! Absolutely bonkers little car with a patina to die for and it just oozes character! Thanks for sharing!

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

This Week with Cars taught me what this car is, Number 27 taught me this is what I need.

[@malcdellow]

Love it. Love the philosophy behind it. Retro cars as they should be.

[@rutigerescobar3827]

My father bought a 61 Austin Healey 2 seater in 63, swapped a small block Chevrolet v8 into it in roughly 69-70. And built and swapped many motors into it over the years until he finally sold it in the mid 90's. That car started my car life, which turned towards the Japanese style in my early life (I'm 40) I've had many swapped hondas, but a machine like this holds a special place in my heart. Well done.

[@BahnstormerUK]

Love this car , and Pipey's E-Type - absolutely awesome machines !

[@zimbarbaluba]

James is a great lad too, his enthusiasm is infectious. Can't wait to see this in the metal

[@crunch3rYouTube]

I had a 70 MGBGT I would have LOVED to have that engine! This car is amazing! Thx for vid bro!

[@TheRetroRides]

This is a fabulous little thing that Pipey and Stolton Engineering built. James is a great guy with his own great builds, so glad he is now the owner of it :D (also has a very cool hoodie on).

[@chrisgarside7974]

Awesome, truly Awesome ! Just really pleased Cars such as this are being built.

[@SteveNoolan]

I had a Bug eyed Sprite in the early 1970's which had some extreme mods to the A-series engine when I bought it. After replacing 4 sets of rings in 6 months, I replaced the motor with a 1400 cc Mitsubishi Saturn engine. This totally transformed the car, powerful, economical and reliable. Went like cut snake and surprised quite a few people.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

That car is absolutely awesome!! I’d only change one thing about it…… I’d change the name on v5 to my name .

[@StevenStratford]

The Mk1 golf you did was still my favorite build....loved it

[@tonycamplin8607]

I've got a Mk1 Sprite that I have owned for 60+ years now, it's completely standard and in original spec. the way I like historic cars to be. However this car is fantastic, I'd love it. Don't know what's up with the brakes, l presume that it has disks up front, they're usually excellent and stop on a sixpence, my racing Sprite certainly did. Maybe he should fit a servo. Even if they aren't required it definitely needs seat belts. One correction to your summary you mentioned that the steering box had been replaced by a special steering rack. No Sprite ever had a steering box, they were all rack and pinion. A great video, roll on the next.

[@D4VE26]

Wow 60+ years! Amazing, whats the story?

[@Number27]

Thank you Tony!!

[@tonycamplin8607]

@@D4VE26 Nothing exciting really. It's a 1958 car that I bought in 1961 and was in daily use 'till 1978. Fortunately I always had somewhere to store it. Despite the fact that it had always been kept inside I still had to do a lot of work on the body when I recommissioned it in 2008. It's now genuinely better than new.

[@D4VE26]

@@tonycamplin8607 thats amazing that you have had that all that time!!! 😍

[@bugman043]

great vid, I have wanted to see this video for years, I'm a huge fan of Pipey's builds, his etype was insane but he had other builds too, a 70's audi with a w8 and a mk1 or mk2 golf on a beetle floor pan with a 13b, the man definitely thinks outside the box! its great seeing these incredible builds, would love to see the sprite in the flesh sometime, Fair play to James for showing it

[@sylviabruinewoud2985]

The sound was perfect. Both TR and Jack. Great video!

[@G58]

TOTAL SACRILEGE I LOVE IT Nearly bought a standard Frog Eye Sprite in about 1976 for £75. It needed four new wheel splines which I was told cost £25 each at the time, so I passed on it. Yes, I regret that decision. Insane car. Thank you for sharing Peace

[@Boric78]

Mental - made me smile the whole way through. Thank god people still do this kind of thing. More I say...........

[@denisvogel5155]

Definitely not the Sprite of my youth. I can't remember the last time I grinned all the way through a a car video. Thanks very much for the New Year's treat!

[@johnnysmith863]

Fantastic! If ever there was a car that needed a roll bar, though..! My Midget already has a Type-9 5-speed 'box but only a stage 2 1500 engine. Could do with a few more ponies!

[@otsef1946]

Bonkers, mad,crazy,I love it. Well done James. Happy New year Jack

[@hynekschreiber241]

The sound of the 4age and the gearbox is just a symphony

[@Shady-Shane]

the stop watches are brilliant, along with the seats,plumbing and patina this could be a steam punk time machine.

[@jakespeed63]

Instantly recognized the shift knob, as one created by my mate Paul over at Coltech Classics Workshop. Indeed, this little monster is bonkers. will have to get all the details, from Paul, when he comes to visit, in February. Cheers! JT: Orlando, FLA

[@TomsJunkyard]

Love this car. Max respect to owner James for letting you give it The Beanz! Builder Pipey Mcgraw is an artist - every one of his machines is fabulous. Obviously, I love this car as a frogeye. But I do particularly like Pipey's VW K70.

[@smart3k]

What a way to end the year, that thing is just pure brilliant! Happy new year mate!

[@cozza819]

What a refreshing build and video! Absolutely love the pairing

[@ronwalsh]

Great to see the old cars staying on the road. Much better than them rotting away in a shed somewhere. Now if I could find a sequential shift type 9, I would be a happy man.

[@racketman2u]

absolutely approve; the only thing I didn't love about my mkIII Sprite was that tepid A-series lump, even in its time an utterly uninspiring engine.

[@davidbarrett1487]

Unfair comment, a very reliable engine, lots of racing parts available, very inexpensive and cast iron, which has its good points. When you’re you’re young without much money, there’s a lot to be said for the A series and B series engines, used in a huge amount of vehicles.

[@4pevans]

Omg what a treat!!! That was fabulous! Thank you both!

[@kevinmccarley7121]

Great video and a really fantastic car! I have always loved the combination of a classic exterior and modern mechanicals, and the patina .... I thought I'd hate it but its really awesome! Thanks for posting!

[@watchingitallhere]

Great workmanship you can tell someone really put effort in. Proper sorted mate love it.

[@duncanmartin2626]

What a loony brilliant car. Saw it at the Gathering in 2021, and it's just sooo cool.

[@lindsayanderton8988]

WHAT A MACHINE. I HAVE A 1957 MORRIS MINOR CONVERTABLE WITH MORRIS MARINA DIFF WITH MARINA DISC BRAKES AND BOOSTER. POWERED BY A 4 AGE 16 VALVE BLACK TOP AND 5 SPEED TOYOTA BOX. A GREAT SLEEPER AND FUN.

[@drew699]

Always loved the Frogeye. Really don’t like the ridiculous camber on the front wheels but it looks like a fun car. Get that roof off!

[@betacam235]

I wonder how often he has to change front tyres due to burning out the inner edge of the tread?

[@bradcrossman5068]

Madness! Well done James and thanks Jack😃

[@Spike0189]

What a wonderful and safe car without roll bar and belts! But there is a neat handlebar on the passenger side of the dashboard, how cute!

[@LivingMyBoostLife]

Love it, it's in good hands and will just keep progressing with James as the owner.

[@johncunningham4820]

That Engine into That Car is approximately the same as putting an LS-7 into a Nissan Silvia or better yet Bluebird . Yes , it's proper Bonkers . What a NOISE .

[@irvb9881]

What a great car! Loving the eclectic mix on the channel 👍🏻

[@Number27]

Rally glad Irv.. it’s a bit of a weird mix. Basically just anything I’m into!!

[@napoliansolo7865]

I love the rust, the paint and the look of the car! 0:49. This is what a British motor car should be. Thanks for sharing this.

[@quadturbov8]

What a hoot! Love cars like this, a real presence and personality, not like 1000 other meticulously restored clones.

[@rudie2902]

Hi Jack, Lovely car but please suggest to the owner to stick in seat belts as currently with 160 horse power and without any impact protection it is a complete deathtrap.

[@SoldierOfFortune900]

The sound is awesome

[@donnerblitzen1388]

Haven't watched this yet and I already know I am going to appreciate this immensely! I love British cars for their looks, but also enjoy JDM reliability as well. A combination of the two, that is pure petrolhead joy! Thanks from America - Texas even! I would so enjoy getting a BMC mini shell(hopefully not rusted) and do an engine and drivetrain swap to help "modernize" it a bit. Also, you got me as a new sub too!

[@davidsgarage]

Clicked the like button within the first few seconds.. this is awesome!!

[@2702simmo]

Love the looks and the whole concept of it Mental

[@PaulLeitnerWise]

I had a massive smile on my face for the entire episode.

[@ThePhilcuk]

That looks like superb fun!

[@aogrady]

Wow! What a amazing build! Absolutely love this!!

[@NoconesGarage]

Fantastic sprite and an entertaining video. Your joy driving and experiencing the car really came through. Glad your video was suggested to me. I have a Widebody 1978 Midget with a 13B and custom pushrod suspension that if you're ever across the pond in the states you can take for a Rip.

[@davec1942]

Yes buddy, now go get a classic shell and a write off with a solid engine (looking at you Bismerc), some gaffer tape and you're golden.

[@bzilla-d4i]

This thing is completely insane lol..looks fun as hell

[@greyguy.960]

My cousin put a jag straight 6 in the sprite in 1989 with 150 bhp approx but tuned it up to about 200 bhp ish. That was a rocket ship of the time and still would be now. Also, it sounded amazing. The only problem was after too much torque and power for such a small light car small. They aren't built or designed for that power, he never went higher bhp due to it being undrivable, he said many times 150bhp was the sweet spot .

[@mattheweburns]

I can’t believe you didn’t mention the clock! Did you notice the camshaft style design to start and stop the clocks? I would like to know more about that, very cool. First time I have ever seen glass used to like that I could see that becoming a trend… Thanks for the videos, cheers! Super cool car. If it’s not a little bit scary it’s not fun

[@wambugumassive]

The best kind of "restoration" (How did I miss this video?)

[@stephengirling7859]

First time i was in a sprite was when i was 12 in '69. It was my older sister's boyfriend's car. The next day he piled it into the back of a brewery dray and was in hospital for 8 weeks!

[@mundanestuff]

Wow. What a ride. So you're saying that if I do this to one of my Sprites, you'll fly over the pond and give it a go? But who am I kidding, I'll barely be able to get the A series engine in it, let along modifications to add something like this, even if they're available on eBay for $3k. Lovely car, I would be absolutely proud to own that.

[@Number27]

Ha!! Good luck with your projects buddy!!

[@azertyytreza8947]

This car is ten times the fun of a modern sports oriented car. I used to have a Golf mk1 with a 2.0 16v on Haltech and this reminds me so much of that car.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

What a little Monster. The demon camber is crazy ! That's the AE111 engine retrofitted to every AE86 drift car ! For everybody saying "is only 160hp, blah blah, remember it only weighs just over 600kg !!

[@sportzntouring]

What a cool little car! Absolutely mental! Great video Jack!!

[@earthwindflier]

Love it! My son and I are currently stuffing the entire drivetrain and suspension of an NC Miata into a 1974 MGB. In the end it will be a widebody MGB with a 170 HP MZR engine, 6 speed gear box, and limited slip dif. It SHOULD be a decent performer.

[@Number27]

Sounds awesome!! Good luck with it!!

[@user-vk8uu9nv7n18]

I love Sprite!!! You did great job.Thanks uploading.from Japan.

[@Number27]

Thank you and a big wave to Japan 🇯🇵 !!!

[@JDMJOE]

Absolutely beautiful beast of a car!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@davekennedy6315]

What an incredible build! Was literally just watching Furious Driving with a standard and wondered how good it would be modified. This is way more than I imagined though haha! This surely desperately needs harnesses? It's got those insane lightweight race seats but no belts to go with it?

[@haydonditchburn2194]

I owned a bugeye many years ago, in it's standard for. Proudly took it for a drive down country, & it struggled to make 60mph on a flat straight road. Coming from a 1098cc Cooper, it was quite a letdown I can assure you. Didn't keep it for long...

[@T16MGJ]

Proper car noises. That little car can shift and then some! Twenty years ago, I drove hard an MG Montego 2.0 EFI completely stripped of all its carpets, interior etc and under bonnet sound deadening material. It sounded just like that without that straight cut gears sound. Very loud. I suspect most car would be much noisier with all the sound deadening material removed.

[@christiantheimprovguy1769]

That is the most genius paint job ever!

[@dubiousf00d]

Bonkers indeed! Looks and sounds like loads of fun!!

[@chrislotuscortina7626]

Loved the sound off it ❤

[@lp9280]

This is kind of the best car experience, it isn't actually fast, but because it is so light and so loud it seems like you travelling million miles per hour without even risking to lose the license.

[@skylined5534]

Willing to bet it's hardly slow!

[@erik61801]

that interior is awesome, i really like the lap time stopwatch contraption. a legit thing from back in the day i imagine.

[@IloveElon2]

The world needs more one offs like this. Some excellent faces pulled during acceleration Jack ;@)

[@MrManBuzz]

"Hit the limiter" haha what a legend.

[@missinglink9973]

love the visceral analog feeling cars like this give you.... Like my 1972 Datsun 240z with header and straight pipe out the rear. The noise is glorious and really gets your heart pumping!!!!

[@greyguy.960]

Great look car you have, have you done anything to the engine as I found a 240z from the era very slow indeed. Perfect for cruising thou :∆

[@missinglink9973]

@@greyguy.960 Just a ceramic coated header and a straight pipe . It sounds fast but isnt really. But I love cruising in it

[@greyguy.960]

@@missinglink9973 Thats what it's about?

[@alexisbog138]

Happy new year from Japan! Just Oh my goodness...! What a wonderful combination! It's like a supercar. Is my one of favorite car an engine in Japan? It's like a dream! It's completely different from the common combination of old bugs and Subaru. I was really impressed! You probably had a hard time setting up. It's a great car. congratulation!!! In Japan, engine swap is not easy to strict vehicle inspection system and insurance problems. I envy you! Have a nice new year days with your family and friends. and enjoy your car life! 👍👍👍 Thank you Arigato!! PS, If you have a chance, please try MG next time! :))

[@tim205Mi]

Great car! Had an MG Midget for years with many A series and gearbox iterations……. Ended up with a Ford engine/gearbox in the end…. An absolute hoot! will do another one day… keep the vids coming….👍👍

[@Lot76CARS]

Truly epic, what a mental conversion that is. 160 bhp in a FED, a real bundle of fun

[@emmajacobs5575]

“FED”?

[@Lot76CARS]

@@emmajacobs5575 typo, FES, Frog Eyed Sprite, whoops

[@fatkev1983]

My favourite Sprite I've seen while searching the internet. Did not realise it had been sold.

[@simonk337]

As a sprite owner, this offends me deeply, yet I can't help but be immensely impressed. What a machine!

[@miamimo70]

Happy New year mate, onwards n upwards for the channel!

[@DavidMBanes]

Saw this online a few times, great to see it moving.

[@djthesinsei]

How could you not like I mean love that beauty of a car