50-Years-Owned 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite

Description

Following the success of the original Austin-Healey Sprite, the 1960 model carried forward the marque’s mission to deliver affordable, spirited British motoring in a compact and minimalist package. Designed with simplicity and driving enjoyment in mind, the Sprite became an icon of postwar sports car enthusiasm. Its most distinctive feature—the upright headlights integrated into the hood—earned it the affectionate nickname “Bugeye” (or “Frogeye” in the UK), and its reverse-hinged bonnet, which incorporated the front fenders, added to its quirky charm. Lightweight construction, rack-and-pinion steering, and independent front suspension made it a nimble performer, while its stripped-down design kept costs low without sacrifice to driving engagement.

Owned by the same caretaker for 50 years, this 1960 Austin-Healey Sprite is a beautiful example that has traveled approximately 1,000 miles since an extensive refurbishment completed between 2011 and 2013. According to the seller, the overhaul included a “total teardown and rebuild of the engine, transmission, and virtually every mechanical and cosmetic component.”

Included in the sale are 24 pages of invoices cataloging approximately $30,000 in expenses. The car is now offered for sale due to the owner’s age and health considerations. With its upgraded 1,100cc engine, classic chrome wire wheels, and tasteful enhancements, this Sprite is a head-turning, joyfully drivable classic ready for its next caretaker to enjoy!

Highlights 

• 50-year-owned and extensively refurbished between 2011–2013 

• Upgraded and rebuilt 1,100cc inline-four with Weber carburetor 

• Rebuilt four-speed manual transmission and rebuilt rear axle 

• Refinished in Signal Red paint with polished brightwork 

• Reupholstered black vinyl upholstery and black carpet 

• The chassis number (AN5L/42344) decodes as: 

  • AN5 – Frogeye / Bugeye Sprite 

  • L – Left-hand drive 

  • 42344 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• New windshield, heater, wiring harness, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and valve cover 

• Alternator conversion with electronic ignition, electric fuel pump and new fuel tank 

• Bucket seats received new foam and vinyl covers (August 2025) 

• Full header-to-tailpipe stainless steel exhaust system 

• Weber carburetor replaces original SU units 

• Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes 

• Refurbished Smiths instruments 

• 13-inch chrome wire wheels 

• Chrome luggage rack 

Known Imperfections 

• Small oil leak (“engine leaves a quarter-sized oil spot after driving”) 

• Undercarriage could benefit from cleaning and touch-up 

Included 

• Various workshop manuals and Spite/Midget literature 

• “England” and “Austin Healey” grille badges 

• British car club shield stickers 

• New and unused convertible top 

• Restoration documentation 

• Knock-off wheel mallet 

• Mesh headlight covers 

• Jack and lug wrench 

• Extra “Sprite” badge 

• Spare tire 

Ownership History

This 1960 Austin-Healey Sprite is located in Spokane, Washington. Reluctantly selling due to age, the proud 50-year-owner states that this 1960 Austin Healey “Bugeye” Sprite is an “absolute blast to drive and is a head-turner.” Regarding the condition, “No rust—any and all dings promptly fixed. Every single thing was removed from the car, inspected and rebuilt or replaced with new. Always garaged and pampered.”