1960 Austin-Healey “Bugeye” Sprite Mk1

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Following the success of the so-called “Big Healeys,” Britain’s post-war craved a smaller, affordable sports car leading to the fledgling automaker to create the first Austin-Healey Sprite. Entering production in March 1958, it was officially unveiled later that year during the Monte Carlo Rally, certifying its sporting intentions. Utilizing a unibody not only lowered production costs but yielded a stiffer chassis and independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering added to its handling capabilities. A basic sports car with a simple yet functional design meant the unnecessary was jettisoned, resulting in the front bumper being an optional extra! The most distinctive feature of this car is the rear-hinged hood that incorporated both front fenders with prominent headlights affixed above the grille earning its beloved “Bugeye” name.

Highlights

• Powered by a 948cc inline-four with twin SU carburetors paired with a four-speed manual transmission

• Finished in Iris Blue with Blue Vinyl seats

• The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate records the original build specification as:

  • Body number – BAE48311

  • Specification – Left hand drive, North American Export

  • Exterior color – Iris Blue

  • Trim – Black

  • Hood (top) – Black

  • Date of Build – 21 November 1960

  • Factory equipment – Heater, laminated windscreen, miles-per-hour speedometer, rev counter, windscreen washers, tonneau cover, front bumpers, red and white flashers

• Equipped with white hardtop

• Retains an original set of 13 inch wheels with brightly polished “AH” branded hubcaps

• Please note that while the odometer displays just 2,452 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage is unknown

Features

• Chrome rear bumper

• Black fabric soft top

• Removable side windows with sliding Perspex

• Smiths heater

• Electric wipers

Known Imperfections

• Weathered paint

• Tears in rubber floor mats

• Worn paint along the fender seam

• Rust hole on the floorboard behind the rear wheel

• Paint chips on the top of the hood

• Small tears in the soft top

Included

• Original fabric top

• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate

• Workshop manual

• Parts catalog

Ownership History

Originally sold in British Columbia, this vehicle was purchased from the estate of its long-term owner in 2016 and imported to the United States by its current owner of eight years. Last registered for road use in 1972.