It would seem that Barn Finds reader Mark D has been on a bit of a Austin-Healey Sprite hunt, as he recently sent in 5 Sprites of various years, conditions, and prices! I like having options, especially when it comes to car buying. If I was in the market for a Sprite, I’d want to make sure I’m buying the right one for me. Which leads me to the question, which of these would be the right one for you? Have a look at each example and let us know which one you’d like to own!
The first one up is this 1958 Bugeye Sprite, which can be found here on craigslist in Syosset, New York. With a $10k asking price, it isn’t the cheapest option out of this group, but it’s setup for racing with a factory hardtop, roll bar, stripped out interior, and mesh grille and headlight covers. It also has some SVRA stickers and has obviously seen some racing action in the past. The seller claims it has been parked for a number of years and as Mark pointed out, it has the dust to prove it!
Next up is this 1959 example, which is in fantastic condition. It appears to have been fully restored at some point and with a $15k asking price it should be in great condition. The seller doesn’t provide any information about it in their listing, which can be found here on craigslist in Porterville, California. This is the most expensive Sprite in this group, so hopefully that means it will also be the cleanest and will need zero work to be enjoyed.
The next two Sprites were both built in 1960, but that’s about the only similarities they share. I love a bargain, so we will look at the cheaper of the two first. This yellow example clearly started life in a different color, I’m going to guess the green found in the engine bay and interior, but it’s hard to say for sure. The seller claims that it runs, drives, and stops, but that it will need some work. They mention that a previous owner installed a turbo, so I’m curious to know if that’s still attached and what impact it may have had on the original engine’s longevity. At $6,500 it is the cheapest of the Bugeyes in this bunch, but it could also turn out to be the most troublesome. If your willing to tackle its issues, find it here on craigslist in El Cajon, California.
Unlike the other ’60 Sprite, this blue example appears to be ready to enjoy. Price and condition wise it is about in the middle of the pack, with a $9k asking price. The seller claims it has spent its entire life being garaged, so I assume that means it looks and drives great, but isn’t perfect. The seller is the second owner and has had it since ’78, which would also suggest that it’s been well cared for. Take a look at it here on craigslist in Sedona, Arizona.
Finally, our last Sprite is the only none-Bugeye in the group, but it’s also the cheapest. The seller is asking just $1,800, but it is a bit of a gamble as the car hasn’t been started or driven in 26 years. Their pictures aren’t great, but from what can be seen, it looks to be complete. For having lived its life in Richmond, Virgina, it appears to be very solid and rust free. I would want to inspect it in person and make sure the engine is free, but this could be the best bang for your buck out of these Sprites. Find this 1962 Sprite here on craigslist.
I know there are a lot of Sprites out there, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to find the right one. I honestly can’t say which of these I would go for, but if I had to have a Bugeye my money would be on the blue 1960. If I just wanted a fun classic to work on, drive, and enjoy than I would be tempted to jump on the ’62 and use the extra cash to fix any of its issues and make it reliable. That’s just my opinion though, so which one would you go with? Thanks for sharing Mark!
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