1959 Austin-Healey 'Bugeye' Sprite Mark I Race Car

1,293cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
90bhp at 5,400rpm (approx.)
Close-Ratio 4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Coil Spring Front and Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
Lockheed Hydraulic Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes

*Documented with SCCA logbook
*Offered with Title
*Charismatic vintage race car
*A great way to start historic racing

THE AUSTIN-HEALEY SPRITE

Having forged strong links with BMC in the process of developing the successful Austin-Healey 100, Donald Healey turned his attention to designing a smaller version intended to make sports car motoring affordable to a wider sector of the market. Raiding the BMC parts bin for suitable components, Healey used Austin's 948cc A-Series engine, the A30/35's front suspension and rear axle, the Morris Minor's steering rack, and an MG twin master cylinder.

Although its powertrain and running gear were entirely conventional and were thoroughly tried and tested, Healey's new baby was notable for its state-of-the-art unitary construction body/chassis. Christened 'Sprite', the new sports car entered production in March 1958 and featured a distinctive, forward-hinging bonnet and wings topped by two fixed 'frog eye' headlamps, thus ensuring instant recognition and the now-familiar nickname. Despite the Spartan equipment level - even the front bumper was listed as an extra! - the 'Frog Eye' sold well, which was not really surprising as there was nothing competing with it either on price or performance.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This example is a prepared for historic racing. It was campaigned actively by its last owner extensively in the Pacific Northwest. Included in the sale is the car's logbook which list all its former track outings. Interestingly enough it also offered with a title, so could be made road legal, and surely would be as much fun on the road as on the track.

Finished in yellow with a blue racing stripe, we feel that the Austin-Healey Sprite would be a great car for the new or the veteran racing enthusiast. Today, the car starts easily and is reported to be well maintained and is great fun to drive. The engine compartment is very clean, and the car appears to be well prepared.

Austin-Healey Sprites are great fun on both the track and on the road. They are easy to care for and are great fun for both veteran collectors and new enthusiasts!