Few small sports cars have captured the hearts of enthusiasts like the Austin-Healey Sprite, and the earliest “Bugeye” models are among the most beloved. This 1960 example, now listed here on eBay, is a wonderfully complete survivor with some very desirable extras. With its cheerful yellow paint, original hard top, and bolt-on side windows, this Sprite has all the right ingredients to make an excellent restoration project—or even a sympathetic mechanical refresh to get it back on the road as-is.
The Bugeye Sprite debuted in 1958, designed to offer affordable fun with just enough performance to keep drivers smiling. Its iconic front-end styling, with headlights perched prominently on the hood, gave it the “Bugeye” nickname that’s stuck for decades. This particular car has just over 61,000 miles showing and still retains its original character. The seller describes the body as being in good condition overall, with the interior in fair cosmetic shape. Importantly, it appears complete and unmodified—a rarity given how many of these cars were raced, modified, or simply worn out over the years.
The listing points out two major collector highlights: the original hard top and bolt-on side windows. Many Sprites left the factory with only soft tops and plastic side curtains, so finding one with both of these desirable options in place makes this example stand out. While the car hasn’t been started in some time, that also means it hasn’t been tampered with or patched together hastily, and it provides a blank slate for the next owner to decide how far they want to take the project.
Mechanically, the Sprite is a straightforward car, with its lightweight chassis and simple drivetrain designed for easy maintenance and repairs. Parts availability remains strong, with an active enthusiast community supporting restoration and preservation of these fun little roadsters. Whether you choose to rebuild it as a concours-ready car or simply recommission it to enjoy on sunny weekends, this Bugeye offers a great starting point.
The seller notes the car has a clean title and is offered as a complete project. With its bright personality, affordable running costs, and classic British charm, the Sprite represents one of the most approachable ways to enter vintage sports car ownership.
Would you restore this one back to perfection, or keep the patina and enjoy it just the way it sits?
How many levels of Hades would I be subjected to if I pulled the drivetrain from my 95M and transplanted it…naaaah…there’s enough chatter on the interweb already…
Wonder if this one has any remnants of the soft top.
What’s a 95M?
I believe it’s the Miata in his profile image.
Indeed. 95 Miata M-Spec. A lot to be said about twin cam and FI in a lightweight car…and no Prince of Darkness to deal with.
This reminds me of my Frogeye. Except I paid $75.00 for it — in 1973 — and it ran. Selling it was one of my biggest mistakes.
This definitely deserves a restoration, IMO. That’s a pretty simple task that can mostly be done by the owner. These were pretty basic, and just about everything is easy to get to.
Granted, I’d make a few modifications if I were to acquire another Frogeye: 1275 CC engine, front disc brakes and wire wheels, all of which can be sourced from later Sprites/MG Midgets. Of course all of these changes are easily reversible, as the bits bolt right in.
The hardtop appears to be a genuine BMC part, in which case it’s pretty rare. Doesn’t help the appearance much, though.
Agree on the hardtop. Might be hard to see on my picture but that ridge in the fiberglass is the same as the Bugeye and it’s a factory unit. My car was in upper lower Michigan at the time and was very much appreciated.
As a 4 time Bugeye owner plus one ’64 square body it always stirs me up to buy something like this even though I have one now and know where there is 2 more. This is a great chance for a first time owner to get a solid car to fix up and have fun with.
I’ve always lusted after a Bugeye, settling for a 69 Midget sometime in the late 70’s. Parts are readily available for them and they are easy to work on. With the Cortina taking up the extra space in the garage, I’m going to step away from this auction. It looks pretty solid!
kinda vehicles I cut my eye teeth on (tho 90% Italian). Here we have the model maturity to go a lill upscale (each yr improving) to hrd top, bolt in windows, more.
A time in automotive history where ppl hada slower pace of life. Every Sat a guy (or father) would tinker, tune, and/or wash one of these, B4 mowing the grass aahahahaa doing the ‘dump run’ (with stop off to see the game on TV w/other guy friends at ‘the Legion’ or “AmVets” club) ie havea beer…
Isn’t that a Mk II hardtop? Bugeye hardtops were rounder and looked better imho
You are right. Had an original Bugeye top as you described it.
Bought mine for $900 in good shape with 1275 engine in about 1990…. great little sports car.
Engineers had to know the remarkable front-end they created. Hats off to them😀
Original plan was to have the lights rotate into the hood but deemed to expensive to do. Don’t think they were ready for the positive response they got.
built a 65 sprite with a Pinto running gear……it would get the job done
Looked at a 60 Bug Eye when in high school in 1970. Seems like it was $500. Funny trivia thing was the owner was an engineer and stated the reason the turn signals didn’t work was because the wires had “fatigued” ! Thought that was such an odd explaination. 😂