There is something inherently charming about classic British sports cars. That is especially true when the car in question is a 1958 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite. Design limitations gave these cars a distinctive appearance and a character that many believe was lost in later models. This one is a stunning example of the breed, and its upgraded engine will provide the new owner with significant performance gains. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Sprite listed here on Craigslist in Parker, Colorado. Handing the seller $28,500 will allow you to head out for some summer fun behind the wheel of this classic.

Austin-Healey released the Sprite in 1958, with the Mark I distinguished by its unique headlamp configuration. The company originally planned for these to be concealed “swing up” units as found on the later Porsche 928. However, cost constraints forced Austin-Healey to abandon the concept late in the car’s development, instead adopting a look that was consistent with the original headlamp concept in the raised position. As the seller rightly states, Austin-Healy produced 48,987 examples of the Bugeye, with most exported from their home country to North America. This is the 1,648th car to leave the factory in Abingdon, England, making it a fairly early example. It has undergone a meticulous refurbishment that has left it presenting beautifully. The Old English White paint shines impressively, and its condition is best reflected in the positive feedback the seller received on the numerous occasions they have displayed the car at Colorado English Motoring Conclave. It has also been featured on the cover of the 2024 Moss Motors Annual Catalogue, which is a significant accomplishment. The Sprite has been garage-kept during the eight years that the seller has been its custodian, allowing the vehicle to remain rust-free. The chrome wire wheels are a dazzling addition, with the Healey also coming with a new soft-top, side curtains, and a tonneau.

This Sprite’s interior is as impressive as its exterior. The Moto-Lita wheel is a later addition, but it suits the car’s character perfectly. The upholstered surfaces are finished in the correct Red with White piping, with the dash and carpet in a matching shade. Once again, there is nothing about this interior deserving criticism. There is no evidence of wear or abuse, allowing the new owner to drive this classic with the top down and their head held high. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and all of the correct switches are intact.

One criticism leveled against classic British sports cars from this era is that they lack outright performance. Companies like Austin-Healey dug into the parts bin for mechanical components, with engines often sourced from pretty humble backgrounds. This Sprite would have been no exception, with its original 948cc A-Series four sending 43hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Outright acceleration was never the aim of the exercise, but the low seating position made these cars feel far faster than the speedometer needle indicated. However, this Bugeye has received some significant upgrades that will improve its performance markedly. The original engine has made way for a 1,275cc A-Series that first appeared in the Mark IV version in 1966. This should boost the available power to at least 65hp, although a higher figure is there for the taking if the motor features any internal enhancements. The original four-speed has made way for a Nissan five-speed that will improve acceleration and the car’s open-road touring ability. The final piece of the puzzle is the brakes, with the front drums abandoned in favor of discs. The seller doesn’t supply specific information about the car’s mechanical health, although the impression they convey is positive. Therefore, it is fair to assume that this Bugeye is a turnkey proposition.

Classic British sports cars from the 1950s make excellent project candidates because the companies typically adopted simple engineering and construction techniques. Those characteristics also make them easy to maintain, which enthusiasts wishing to be hands-on with their vehicle invariably welcome. This 1958 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite doesn’t require restoration but would allow the buyer to tinker in their workshop if they wished to keep it in excellent mechanical health. The seller’s price looks competitive in the face of recent sales, especially considering the condition and the scope of the work it has received. It might not be completely original, but that is no reason it should be ignored. Do you agree?