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LOT 174

1959 Austin-Healey 'Bugeye' Sprite MK I Roadster Chassis no. AN5L/16797

Sold for US$22,400 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 174

1959 Austin-Healey 'Bugeye' Sprite MK I Roadster

1959 Austin-Healey 'Bugeye' Sprite MK I Roadster
Chassis no. AN5L/16797


1,275cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Weber Twin-choke Carburetor (see text)
Est. 65bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Beautifully presented 'Bugeye' Sprite Mark I
*Tastefully upgraded with era-appropriate performance upgrades
*A fun and iconic little British Roadster
*Factory-delivered left-hand drive example



THE CAR OFFERED

This lovely Austin-Healey 'Bugeye' Sprite Mark I benefits from a beautiful restoration with a host of period-appropriate performance upgrades, giving the light and nimble British sportscar surprisingly capable performance. Completed at the Abingdon Sprite production line during May of 1959, this little roadster was equipped in left-hand drive and shipped off to the sports car hungry US market from new.

The performance-oriented restoration on this Sprite included upgrading the engine to a 1,275cc unit a with better flowing aluminum cylinder head - a bolt on upgrade - and fitment of a high-performance Weber carburetor. Further work included fitment of a new sway bar, radiator, performance exhaust system and header, electronic ignition and alloy water pump. In mid-2024, additional work was carried out on the wipers, electrics, and ignition system, as well as fitment of a new oil pressure relief valve. Today the charming little 'Bugeye' (or 'Frogeye,' depending on your locale) presents in fine order in period-correct Sprite Mark I 'Cherry Red' paint and running on era-appropriate Minilite alloy wheels. Inside the cozy (yet surprisingly accommodating) 2-seater cockpit, the bucket-style seats were re-trimmed in black, and a period-correct Motorola radio adorns the dashboard. A tonneau cover, side curtains, Heritage Certificate and recent service records are included. This charming 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I is a very tidy and high-performing example of the iconic and instantly recognizable little British sports car.

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