Britain entered what became known as the “Age of Austerity” following World War II, with many items we now take for granted strictly rationed. One of these was fuel, with rationing finally ending in 1950. The country’s economy was finally climbing back onto its feet by the mid-1950s, but finances remained tight. Against this backdrop, Donald Healey conceived a two-seat sports car that would be inexpensive to buy and own. The result of this thinking was the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk 1, which was unveiled to the waiting world in May 1958. Affectionately referred to as the Frogeye or Bugeye Sprite, it hit the sweet spot with buyers courtesy of its affordability and distinctive looks. Our feature car is from the first production year and is an original and unmolested survivor. The owner enjoys slipping behind the wheel for weekend outings, a role the Sprite has performed for its entire life. However, he feels the time is right for it to find a new home. Therefore, he has listed the Bugeye exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
The basic design of the Mk 1, or Bugeye, Sprite, was the work of Gerry Coker. He envisioned a car with pivoting headlamps that retracted into the hood like those on the Porsche 928. However, this feature was deemed too expensive, complex, and heavy. With no available time to develop a new front, the headlamps were installed in what would have been the raised position. Thus the Sprite received its most distinctive styling feature. This Healey is a little survivor finished in Ivory, and its presentation is excellent for a car of this vintage. The paint retains a pleasant shine with no glaring faults or issues. The panels are straight, with the owner admitting the hood received repairs following a minor fender bender many years ago. This incident also contributed to one of the two small rust repairs this classic required during its sixty-five years plying our roads. The issue was in the driver’s side door jamb, and this is showing signs of returning. However, the deterioration is not significant, and tackling it early should stop it in its tracks. The other area was a small spot behind the passenger seat measuring around 3″ x 4″ that developed from pooling water. This was repaired and shows no signs of reappearing. Otherwise, this beauty is structurally sound. The Red soft-top is in good order, as is the matching tonneau. The glass is crystal clear, the trim is excellent, and the luggage rack is a practical addition. The impression this little car makes is best reflected by an incident that occurred in 1998. Its designer spotted it at a show that year. So impressed was Gerry Coker with its condition and originality that he autographed the car’s door opening. That signature is clearly visible, representing an excellent point of interest and conversation starter at a show or a Cars & Coffee.
Isolating a single factor that was the secret to the Bugeye’s success is challenging, but the simple engineering and low price motivated 48,987 buyers to give one of these cars a new home. The Sprite is what would be generally considered a “Parts Bin Special,” meaning many of its mechanical components saw service in other models before finding their way under the Sprite’s skin. That was not bad because it meant they had a proven track record and would serve reliably for years. Powering the Bugeye is a 948cc four-cylinder powerplant that sends 42½hp and 53 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. The output figures are modest, but a curb weight of a mere 1,460 lbs allows these classics to offer surprising performance. Their natural home isn’t the drag strip, but a low center of gravity means they perform admirably and engagingly on a twisting ribbon of tarmac. This little gem is in excellent health, with no problems or issues. It was recently serviced before embarking on a 300-mile road trip. It completed the journey without using a drop of oil while returning fuel consumption better than 30mpg. It has no fluid leaks beyond a drip from the atmospheric crankcase ventilation pipe after some spirited motoring. It runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey proposition with a genuine 24,668 miles on the clock. There is an enticing prospect some might find too attractive to resist. The seller includes a 1,098cc rebuilt long block on a stand that the winning bidder could slot under the hood. It would unleash improved performance while preserving the numbers-matching powerplant. This could prove invaluable if the new owner considers the long-term investment potential of this beauty. Also included are various shop manuals that will assist a buyer intent on being hands-on with this Sprite’s maintenance.
This Sprite’s interior is largely original and serviceable for those wishing to enjoy immediate classic motoring gratification. The wooded seat bases have been replaced once, but the owner believes they are due for a repeat performance. The Red upholstered surfaces show no signs of wear or abuse, although the seat covers are becoming dry and brittle. The dash vinyl could be shrinking slightly, and the carpet is becoming old and tired. However, the remaining upholstered surfaces look excellent. If the winning bidder wishes, the kits for a complete retrim are readily available. Considering the potential value locked away in this classic, investing $2,000 in a kit in the correct colors and materials could be a wise approach. If finances are limited, a carpet set for $330 and new seat covers at around $530 will make an enormous difference. Otherwise, the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and the only aftermarket addition is a wheel wrap.
There is something undeniably cool about small British sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s. Companies didn’t have access to a pool of high-performance engines, extracting power from motors with humble histories. That was the case with the 1958 Bugeye Sprite, a classic that perfectly encapsulates that approach. These cars are engaging to drive, and the styling can’t help but make you smile. Their greatest strength is the elegantly simple engineering, allowing a relatively competent owner to maintain the vehicle without spending a fortune on labor. The new owner of this gem could enjoy it as an unmolested survivor, although it would make an excellent foundation for a restoration project. If a classic that provides the opportunity for hands-on involvement in every facet of the ownership experience seems irresistible, bidding on this Sprite could transform that dream into a reality.
- Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Mileage: 24,668, TMU
- Engine: 948cc Four-Cylinder
- Transmission: Four-Speed Manual
- VIN: AN5L12012
- Title Status: Clean
SOLD
Wow !
I love this! I owned one years ago, and despite having since driven a whole bunch of much faster cars, I’d have trouble picking one that was more fun. They’re simple to service and reliable, too.
If only I had space for it….
My 1st car as a junior in high school back in 1965. I kept it till I got home from Vietnam. Drove it down to FLA to dive with the sea cows as my 1st solo road trip right after graduation. Raced it at Gainesville Fla and got a trophy. Good memories.Great little car but tough to date in back then.
Tough time to be in the military, . Thank you for your service!
Hey – similar story, got mine in 65, just before I got drafted. It was a blast, but cold in the NE winter, and you had to hold the top on if you went over 45mph! Lent it to a buddy while I was in Vietnam and he wrecked it on the SE Expressway in Boston…and I DID court my (ex) wife in it (or on it!) Best to a fellow vet!!
Nice! Original paint?
It is at least a partial repaint and probably total but not sure. I know the bonnet was after a fender bender way before my ownership and it is a perfect match so probably.
Known in the UK, the country of origin, as the Frog Eyed Sprite. Looks more like a frog than a bug…. lol.
Shifter boot is an eyesore. More fit to hold a “terlet” brush.
That’s not a boot. It’s a metal cover that’s over the casting into the transmission to hold the shift lever. Transmission probably out of a Morris Minor which has a lot more room in it.
Few cars are as much fun to drive as a Bugeye Sprite! They aren’t fast by any means, but the A-Series engine is bullet proof and gives enough grunt in this light of a car to be a hoot. We currently have two Bugeyes at BF HQ, that’s how much fun they are. Ours both have all the typical upgrades, which are great, but an original 948 is definitely on our bucket list!
Nice car. The third body damage that wasn’t mentioned is the mashed metal under the grill. Supposed to be circular under there. Still blows me away that the racer gurus got 100 hp out of the 948 engines. Fun cars.
You know, if everyone was issued a Bugeye Sprite and a banjo at birth, there would be no problems. I mean, look at that face, big smile, everybody happy. For many, the Sprite was their 1st entry into the sports car world. Those spindly MGs were gone, the Sprite was a great car. A real car. Many froze their arse off as the weather turned, and all they had was the Sprite, and why so few are left today, but the Sprite, and the less bought Spitfire, paved the way for sports cars in America.
The downsides are, no synchro 1st, and one doesn’t realize how small they really are. A lifted RAM dually will run roughshod over you, and they can’t be seen from others, so defensive driving is required. Even more so. I’ve never seen a “Spriget” ( Sprite/Midget, no “Bugeye” Midget) with an O/D, and are perfectly happy at 55mph, so plan accordingly. Not sure I’d want to go fast in a Bugeye. The folks that race them are mighty brave. This really is a nice one.
Having had bugeyes and spridgets for decades AND raced them, I can say they are just fine at any speed you can get them to: no lift etc!
BMC offered a booklet on how to race prepare these and other of their cars for a big 25 Pence! AND didn’t negate the factory guarantee when you prepared your car and flogged it! These have been selling for low five figures so this is a bargain–so far!
If you put one of the later model 3.9 or 3.7 rear gears in them they cruise just fine. The stock 4.11 works up to 70mph but that’s about it.
What Is tmu?
TMU Total Milage Unknown
Bob
The bottom of the bonnet isn’t damaged, it was flat in the center section to accommodate the lateral latch rods of the bonnet latch which latches into the front subframe ends on each side.
As to output, the 948 powered the MG speed record car in 1954 to 137 mph. That must have been more than 100 hp to reach that speed. 🥺
Wrong. The lateral latch rod is a separate piece behind the curved bodywork. The car we’re racing this weekend (3rd and 4th) is good for 128 with the present gears set up for this track. The ’54 run was quite a feat.
Spot on Bob, the underside of the bonnet has definitely been flattened.
This is how it should be https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Austin-Healey_Bugeye_Sprite_White.jpg
Having had bugeyes and spridgets for decades AND raced them, I can say they are just fine at any speed you can get them to: no lift etc!
BMC offered a booklet on how to race prepare these and other of their cars for a big 25 Pence! AND didn’t negate the factory guarantee when you prepared your car and flogged it! These have been selling for low five figures so this is a bargain–so far!
First time on this site.
Please tell , rust issues , will seller help coordinate shipping , we are in California.
Is there a reserve ?
Thanks
Rod
There is one 4”x5” repair patch at floor pan ahead of left rear wheel and a few pinholes in a 6” semicircular circle beneath the clutch pedal. I just found it while doing the photos. This is a very sound body.
There is a reserve of $15000. I paid $20000 from the estate when purchased three years age.
I will consider transporting it and possibly driving it out there. Not fast but reliable.
I disagree with Howard on this one…. I’ve always preferred MG over this Sprite… again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I mostly agree with Howard on a lot of the stuff he offers, but every now and then, I think “oh no” But that is what makes horse races, right??
We own a ’58 Bugeye and they are just so much fun. Maintenance is similar to my vintage motorcycle, meaning most everything can be handled yourself easily. The floor area patches are typical and mine has a couple too. I didn’t see a pix of the A pillar rust mentioned but assume it’s at the base as water intrusion via the windshield screws is the usual culprit. A formed tin replacement patch is available for that if desired. I’ve made a number of upgrades to ours over time, just for reliability, so my wife can drive without worry. Moss Motors and Bugeye Guy are great resources. People just smile when we’re out and about. How can you not, when the little car is smiling too.
The speedo and tach are from a later Midget or Sprite.
There are a lot of things about the interior that aren’t original Steve – not that they detract from the presentation. Hopefully that tacho is an electronic one and that dreadful drive on the rear of the generator has been retired.
The tach is still generator driven.
Owned my bugeye since 1974. Bought it as a shell from a stalled SCCA racing project for $165. I’m currently building a hot street motor for it (again!). I just love the car. Cheap, cheerful and dead simple. Great fun. Be prepared for non-stop “I had one of these…” or “I knew a guy…” If you like being anonymous, don’t buy it….
Tony
1960 AH Bugeye
1969 Lotus Elan
1969 Lotus Europa S2
My first car while in high school was a 1961 green bugeye with a white factory hardtop. I bought it for $900.00 and had it till I went to College. Never had the top up or the hardtop on even during the cold Northern winters. Years later I have owned many sports cars but I always think about my loved sprite. Fun car and great handling.
Wish I still had the BRG Mk III, learned a lot from it, did an engine overhaul, blueprinted the head, some major body work & repaint, forget what else. Regret selling it, 1st looker bought if straight away for my asking price (OOPS!)
I’m curious if this car sold . Any thoughts?