How’s this for basic information? This 1960 Austin-Healey “Bugeye” Sprite has “been in the barn for a long time.” And “it was running when I parked it” but “is not running” now. Of course, “You will need a mechanic to get it going.” Oh yes, there’s a title. The car is here on craigslist in Weslaco, Texas. The owner is asking a mere $4,000 for it. And it could be a bargain. It’s necessary to qualify that, because the photographs—while evocative—are very limited. There are no engine, interior or undercarriage shots. But what can be seen doesn’t look half bad. It’s filthy, of course, but I can’t see any accident damage or rust. The reddish-orange paint might even come back. The mag-style wheels are far from stock but the wheel wells don’t appear to have been cut up. The top is in tatters, but all the trim is there and might shine again. It still has its side curtains. But what is that crude power bulge? It really would be useful to have an engine shot. Note the twin exhaust pipes. The odometer reading is “100.” Let’s assume it’s 100,000.

These are very desirable little cars, despite their minuscule power output (43 horsepower). It’s even possible to drive one across the United States. What we’re seeing is a first-generation Sprite. The Bugeye name was not official—they were actually called “Frogeyes” in England.

The marriage of Austin and (Donald) Healey got started in 1952, and the first cars were the 100-4 and 100-6 sports cars that eventually gave way to the “Big Healey” 3000 series. They did pretty well, but Austin’s Leonard Lord and Donald Healey thought there was room in the marketplace for a smaller sports car. That was the Sprite, which first saw the light in 1958 with a 948-cc Austin A-Series four-cylinder motor. They were incredibly basic, with side curtains and no opening trunk or external door handles. The original idea for retractable headlights didn’t survive the planning stage—the popped-out versions were cheaper. The hood and front fenders were in one piece that hinged up.  Zero to 60, well in a time of big V-8s the little four got there in 20 seconds. The top speed was around 80—with a tailwind. But they were cute. Very cute. This is what they’re supposed to look like:

This was the last year for the classic Bugeye Sprite. In 1961 the Mark II debuted with more conventional, not quite as cute bodywork (basically shared with the MG Midget). The engine was the same, but larger SU carbs meant 47 horsepower. A 1,100-cc engine arrived in 1962, and front disc brakes arrived. Despite all the improvements, the Mark I Sprite still has undeniable appeal. A Concours example is worth $37,800, says Hagerty, so the new owner could put some money into this one without worrying about resale value. It’s a gamble, but so is any used car purchase.