LOT 125
1960 Austin-Healey 'Bugeye' Sprite MK I Chassis no. AN5L/41960 Engine no. 9C-U-H/41676
Sold for US$19,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 125
1960 Austin-Healey 'Bugeye' Sprite MK I
1960 Austin-Healey 'Bugeye' Sprite MK I
Chassis no. AN5L/41960
Engine no. 9C-U-H/41676
Chassis no. AN5L/41960
Engine no. 9C-U-H/41676
948cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
43bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*A crisp and finely restored 'Bugeye' Sprite Mark I
*Presented as-delivered in Old English White over black interior
*A left-hand-drive, North American delivery example.
*Matching numbers engine, Heritage Certificate, and tool kit
*Outsized fun in a wee, tiny package
THE CAR OFFERED
Intended to make sports car motoring more affordable, the Donald Healey-designed Sprite entered production at MG's Abingdon factory in March 1958. The new car was officially introduced a few months later in Monte Carlo, just prior to the Monte Carlo Rally, underlining this brand-new car's sporting intentions. Its unitary construction body shell featured a distinctive, rearward-hinging, combined bonnet and wings, which was topped by two 'bugeye' headlamps, thus ensuring instant recognition and the now familiar nickname.
The Sprite used independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, ensuring great road holding. Despite a Spartan equipment level - even the front bumper was listed as an extra! - the 'Bugeye' sold well, which perhaps was unsurprising as there was nothing competing with it either on price, performance, or fun-per-pound.
Finished just as it left the Abingdon works in Old English White, this 1960Austin-Healey 'Bugeye' Sprite Mark I benefits from a beautiful restoration finished to 'concours quality' standards. Completed at the factory in July 1960, this little roadster was equipped in left-hand drive and shipped off to sunny Los Angeles, California – the ideal clime for a spartan little runabout.
This little 'Bugeye' (or 'Frogeye,' depending on from which side of the pond you hail) has been treated to a thorough restoration, returning it to very near its original specification, per the accompanying BMIHT Heritage Certificate. The Old English White paint is attractive all around and covers under-bonnet and under-body surfaces as well. Just as specified on the Heritage Certificate, it rides on silver painted steel disc wheels shod with whitewall tires. Additional options include a heater, laminated windscreen, windscreen washers, and front bumper. The appeal of the Sprite comes from its bare-bones simplicity, with little to distract from the business of having fun! The cozy cockpit features bucket seats trimmed in black with white piping, and black rubber and vinyl floor linings as originally fitted, and little else. There's no need for such opulence as carpet! Lifting the clamshell bonnet reveals the matching-numbers engine finished in the proper shade of BMC green and detailed with authentic-style hardware and fittings.
This charming Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I is an impressively detailed and restored example of this iconic and lovable little British sports car.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 23 January 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
- 24 January 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
- 25 January 2025, 09:00 - 11:30 MST
