1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite Race Car

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Austin-Healey "Bugeye" Sprite, officially known as the Mk. I Sprite, debuted in 1958 as a collaboration between the Donald Healey Motor Company and the British Motor Corporation (BMC). Designed to be an affordable, lightweight sports car, it featured a distinctive front-end styling with headlights mounted on top of the hood—earning it the nickname "Bugeye" in the U.S. and "Frogeye" in the UK. 

Engineered by Alec Issigonis and Donald Healey, the Sprite was built on a unitary construction chassis, which was innovative for its time. It used a 948cc inline-four engine from the Austin A35, producing around 43 horsepower. Despite its modest power, the car’s low weight and nimble handling made it a favorite among amateur racers and enthusiasts. 

This 1959 Bugeye Sprite was reportedly modified for competitive racing early in its life. The factory 948cc inline-four is said to have been bored .030 over and is paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The body is finished in red with silver center stripes and is fitted with a fiberglass headrest fairing and fender flares. Stopping power is provided by disc brakes at each corner, and the car rides on an upgraded suspension and VTO alloy wheels. Fiberglass racing seats are protected by a roll bar, and Brooklands-style windscreens are mounted to the cowl. A spare four-speed “ribbed case” transmission and removable hard top is included in the sale.             

Highlights 

• Bugeye Sprite modified for racing  

• Overbored (.030) 948cc inline-four engine  

• Four-speed “smooth case” manual transmission

• Finished in red with silver center stripes and racing decals 

• Toyota-sourced disc brakes at each corner 

Features  

• Weber two-barrel downdraft carburetor 

• Crossflow aluminum radiator with electric fan 

• Remote oil filter and external oil cooler 

• Exhaust header 

• 13-inch VTO alloy wheels finished in black with polished lips  

• Tube shock with uprated front coils 

• Panhard bar 

• Fiberglass headrest faring and fender flares 

• Brooklands-style windscreens 

• LeMans-style fuel filler cap 

• Lucas headlights 

• Dual fender-mounted mirrors  

• Roll bar 

• EMPI fiberglass racing seats upholstered in red and black vinyl 

• Simpson harness 

Known Imperfections  

• Imperfections in the finish and trim can be viewed in the gallery 

Included  

• Spare four-speed “ribbed case” manual transmission, which was reportedly rebuilt 

• Fiberglass hard top and sliding side curtains 

• Removed windshield and frame 

• Removed cabin heater and steering wheel 

• Assortment of other spare parts 

Ownership History 

This 1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite was acquired by the seller in 2017, who states this “Sprite has until recently (approx. 10 years) spent its entire life as competition vehicle, autocross, track day, gymkhana, closed course gentlemen style racing - no fender-to-fender contact. It is now approved for HSR, SCCA, SVRA, etc. vintage participation along with being street legal with full functioning safety equipment, lighting, horn, turn signals, etc. (No wipers) and licensed as an Antique in the state of Florida.” 

This Bugeye Sprite is offered with a Florida title in the seller’s name that lists the car as a 1958 model year and shows “Not Actual” under the odometer status.