1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I Bugeye

2dr Convertible

4-cyl. 948cc/43hp 2x1bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$16,300*

-0.6%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value GraphJan 2024
Past sales
Preview a graph of past sales or become a Hagerty Drivers Club member for unlimited access to all past sales, including detailed condition descriptions, equipment lists, images and market commentary.
insurance

Protect your 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy
More 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I Bugeye values

Model overview

Model description

The Austin-Healey Sprite, introduced for 1959, continued the collaboration between Austin and The Donald Healey Motor Company and took further advantage of the massive British Motor Corporation parts bin. Although it was aimed at the very bottom of the sports car market, the Sprite used a modern unibody and offered precise handling if modest acceleration from its 948cc A-series overhead valve engine and transmission with synchromesh on the top three gears.

To keep costs down, the independent front suspension was joined by a live rear axle with quarter-elliptic springs, braking was by front and rear drums, and the headlamps – originally intended to pop up – were fixed in the up position. Thanks to the grinning grille and those bulging headlamps, the car was dubbed the “Bugeye” Sprite, or “Frogeye” in the U.K. The Sprite quickly gained a following and they could be seen racing for several decades.

Approximately 50,000 Sprites were sold, introducing many to the world of sports cars. Although stock Bugeyes are relatively scarce, many have survived, often with 1275 engines, front disc brakes and other modifications. Although more spartan and slower than later Sprites, Bugeyes are the most collectible by a considerable margin.

Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car