Rotary-Powered 1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Introduced in 1958 and continuing through 1960, the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I—affectionately known as the “Bugeye” in the U.S. and “Frogeye” in the U.K.—was designed as an affordable, lightweight sports car for enthusiasts. Created by Donald Healey and styled by Gerry Coker, its most iconic feature was the fixed, prominent headlights perched on the bonnet, originally intended to retract but kept for cost savings. Powered by a 948cc A-Series inline-four producing about 43 horsepower, the Sprite featured a 4-speed manual gearbox, rack-and-pinion steering, and a semi-monocoque chassis—innovative for its time. Its nimble handling and simplicity made it a favorite among club racers and weekend drivers. With nearly 49,000 units produced, the Bugeye Sprite became the best-selling Healey model and remains a beloved symbol of post-war British motoring, celebrated for its charm, affordability, and spirited driving experience.

This 1959 example is a factory left-hand drive example acquired by the seller’s father in 2008. To spice things up, a Mazda RX-3 rotary engine and four-speed manual transmission are now fitted. Service records dating back to 2006 show an engine rebuild in 2011, and the seller notes that the interior has been refreshed including redone upholstery and three-point seat belts added for safety.

This rotary-powered 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite is now offered at no reserve with service records since 2006, spare parts, a cockpit tonneau cover, Austin-Healey Club literature, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Mazda RX-3 rotary engine and four-speed manual transmission

• Old English White paint

• Refreshed interior

• Service records since 2006

Factory Equipment

• Smiths gauges: speedometer, tachometer, fuel, oil pressure, water temperature

• Independent front suspension with coil springs and hydraulic shocks

• Rear suspension with quarter-elliptic leaf springs

• Rack-and-pinion steering

• Four-wheel drum brakes

• 13” steel wheels (widened to 4.5”)

• The chassis number (AN5L19921) decodes as:

  • AN5 – Frogeye / Bugeye Sprite

  • L – Left-hand drive

  • 19921 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Mazda RX-3 rotary engine swap

• Four-speed manual transmission

• 3.73:1 rear gear ratio

• Holley carburetor and electric fuel pump

• Replaced carpets, seat bottoms, vinyl upholstery, and tonneau

• Aftermarket water temperature and amperes gauges

• Vintage SCCA-style rollbar

• 3-point seat belts

• Raydyot racing-style side mirrors

Servicing & Documentation

• September 2025:

  • Changed engine oil and filter

• January 2025:

  • Installed new battery and positive cable

• August 2021:

  • Repacked front wheel bearings

  • Adjusted rear brakes

  • Changed engine oil/filter and transmission oil

• September 2013:

  • Installed Kuhmo 175/70r13 tires

• April 2011:

  • Installed tapered front wheel bearing conversion kit

  • Replaced rear brake cylinders

• December 2011:

  • Rebuilt engine (see Attached Documents)

• May 2010:

  • Installed double bearing rear hubs

  • Installed new rear brake shoes

• April 2006:

  • Resealed differential

Known Imperfections

• Dent on front right fender by turn signal (see photo gallery)

• Scratches and paint chips on right rear fender behind wheel (see photo gallery)

• Paint chips and cracking present throughout (see photo gallery)

• Horn is inoperable

• Missing accelerator pedal (arm present, throttle functional - see photo gallery)

• Dashboard turn signal light inoperable (turn signals functional)

Ownership History

This 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite was purchased by the seller’s father in 2008 from a private owner in Palm Springs, California. Roughly 15,000 miles have been added since, and the seller inherited the vehicle in July 2025. A mechanical checkup was performed in September 2025 after the vehicle had been off the road for several months.

Included Items

• Service records since 2006 (see "Additional documents" section below)

• Austin-Healey Club literature

• Miscellaneous service parts

• Spare wheel/tire and jack

• Chrome hubcaps (2 dented)

• Cockpit tonneau cover

• Two keys

Additional Information

From the seller, “My father was an avid fan of Austin Healey Bugeyes, his first one being a 1958 when he was 18. Some years after that, he got a 1960. We have boxes full of trophies he won doing car rallies in the 50's & 60's in those cars; he loved to race. In 2008, he was able to obtain this 1959 Bugeye, the year he'd never had but always wanted. He spent a lot of time doing as much of the work on it himself as he could. He joined the local Austin Healey club, and he and my mom went on many adventures with them all throughout California, and he showed it at lots of car shows. He really loved this car and was very proud of it. It's such a fun car to drive and heads turn whenever I take it out. The Mazda engine really delivers power. This car needs a new person to love it like my dad did and keep it going.”