One-Family-Owned 1961 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite

Description

Introduced in 1958, the Austin-Healey Sprite was conceived as an affordable, lightweight sports car that delivered engaging driving dynamics with simple mechanicals and distinctive styling. The original Mark I Sprite, affectionately known as the "Bugeye" or "Frogeye" for its trademark headlamp placement, has since become one of the most recognizable British sports cars of the era. Its compact dimensions, low weight, and spirited character continue to make it a favorite among enthusiasts today.

Originally purchased new by the seller's uncle while stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army, this 1961 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite is powered by a 948cc inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The car was subsequently imported to the U.S. and is said to have been restored for approximately 40 years until 2013 when it was acquired by the seller.

Following the seller's acquisition, the car was repainted in its factory Old English white, and additional work included an interior retrim as well as work to the brake and fuel systems, conversion to 12-volt electrical, and replacement of the wiring harness.

This one-family-owned 1961 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite is now offered in Texas with a removed heater box, side curtain windows, boot cover, tonneau cover, original purchase documentation, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• One-family-owned late model Sprite Mk1

• Dual SU carbureted 948cc BMC A-Series inline-four

• 4-speed manual transmission

• Refinished in Old English White

• Retrimmed black upholstery

Factory Equipment

• The chassis number (AN5L48477) decodes as:

  • A – Austin Motor Company

  • N – Two-seat sports car

  • 5 – Mark I Sprite generation

  • L – Left-hand-drive export model

  • 48477 – Sequential production number

• Independent front suspension

• Quarter-elliptic rear leaf-spring suspension

• 13” steel wheels with polished lug covers

• Smiths instrumentation

Modifications

• Electrical system converted to 12-volt operation

• Aluminum exhaust manifold

• Performance exhaust header

• Replacement steering wheel and shift boot

• Lap belts

Servicing

According to the seller, the following service work was performed during refurbishment.

• Body disassembled, repaired, and refinished in Old English White

• Body seals and moldings replaced with new old stock components

• Brake master cylinder, brake lines, wheel cylinders, and brake components replaced

• Carburetors rebuilt using new old stock rebuild kits

• Fuel tank and fuel lines replaced

• Windscreen wiper blades replaced

• Steel wheels zinc coated

• Bulbs and headlights replaced

• Wiring harness replaced

• Clutch replaced

• Smiths gauges refurbished

• Replacement upholstery, carpeting, and trim

• Seat frames refurbished with replacement cushions and leather

• Door panels and door coverings replaced

Known Imperfections

• Cosmetic imperfections consistent with age and use since refurbishment

• Passenger side of windshield is cracked (see gallery)

• Heater was removed (included)

Ownership History

From the seller, who acquired the car in 2013: “This Sprite was originally purchased new by my uncle from an Audi dealer in Frankfurt, Germany, while he was stationed there in the Army. I have the original title and dealer purchase agreement. After his deployment ended, the car was shipped to the United States. Following more than 40 years in storage in a Midwest warehouse, I took possession of the Sprite in 2013 and completed a full restoration. Since its completion, I have driven it sparingly and displayed it at several car shows, though it has primarily remained in storage.”

Included Items

• Sliding glass side curtains, tonneau cover, and boot cover

• Removed heater box

• Original purchase documentation