It’s like a cute little go-cart. And that’s not being dismissive, it’s a tip of the hat to Austin-Healey’s “Bugeye” (or what our friends across the pond refer to as a “Frogeye”) Sprite. It’s a tiny little package of great road handling manners and a diminutive size the likes of that we won’t see in this country again. Let’s take a closer look at this 1960 example which is located in Jefferson, Oregon, and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $5,100, two bids tendered as of this writing.

Produced between 1958 and 1971, the Sprite was first produced by BMC, British Motor Corporation, and then British Leyland. The original Sprite is referred to as a Mark I (1958-1961) and realized about 49K copies. Being a tiny car, the Mark I’s were powered by a tiny engine, displacing 948 CC’s and producing 43 HP. This example, however, has moved a bit away from that humble powerplant and has had an injection of a little more oomph.

The seller states that this Sprite has a new in-line, four-cylinder engine; not a rebuilt engine but a new one.  Specifically, the seller reveals, ” The engine is new. Not rebuilt… it is a new motor and is the largest “stock” motor of this series (1275cc). It has been converted to a 5 speed with a new Datsun transmission. Again this is new equipment. It starts and drives fine. Drivable to your destination (within reason… again, it is British!)” The original HP would be 65, no word if this example has been modified, nevertheless it is impressive looking.

The exterior of this Sprite is not without its foibles. It has a few scrapes, chips, gouges spread across its faded maroon finish – it doesn’t look too bad, maybe just the victim of some over-enthusiastic driving. The seller mentions that while the soft top is in poor condition, there is the original, matching hardtop included in the sale. There is also a pair of sliding side windows too, so this Sprite should be accommodating for different driving conditions. The exterior trim looks like it is all there and the chrome is still pretty strong so there are two items, at least, that can be checked off as not needing immediate attention. The rollbar adds a dramatic visual, hopefully, it is functional.

The interior, which consists, mostly, of two seats, is pretty well worn but the seller advises that he has a sale included, boxed, upholstery kit. It’s hard to get a good look at the floors but from what can be seen, they look sound. The minimalist instrument panel shows a complete set of gauges and switches, no unoccupied openings, so that may be another item not requiring any attention. Any way you cut it, the interior is a tiny environment, I’m not sure that those of us that are lanky and pretty well north of six feet would fit. It would be good to hear from Sprite owners, past or present, on that matter.

This is a sharp little two-seater and the road rash almost adds to its allure. The fact that it has a new and larger engine is a significant plus. The seller advises that the engine has only seen 1,000 miles of use, so mechanically, this Sprite should be good to go and the new owner can focus on aesthetics. The bid seems reasonable at this point though there are still two days to go with the bidding; what do you think, a good value at this price point?