This 1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite was refurbished in 2015 under previous ownership and was subsequently purchased by the current owner. It is now finished in red over black vinyl upholstery, and power is provided by a 1,098cc inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Features include a removable black soft top, 13″ steel wheels with hubcaps, a left-side mirror, a chrome-finished front bumper and rear bumperettes, a cabin heater, and bucket seats. This Bugeye Sprite is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, service records, removable side curtains, a spare wheel, exterior paint, and a clean Minnesota title in the owner’s name that lists the car as a 1960 model.
The car was finished from the factory in Iris Blue and was repainted in red during the 2015 refurbishment. Exterior features include a replacement black soft top, headlamp grilles, a windscreen washer, a bright grille, a left fender-mounted mirror, removable side curtains, a chrome front bumper, front and rear bumperettes, air horns, and a single chrome-plated exhaust outlet. A plastic ball is mounted to the rear deck. Exterior blemishes are shown up close in photos provided below.
The 13″ steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps and aftermarket trim rings, and they are mounted with 145-series Michelin XZX tires. Braking is handled by drums at each corner.
The interior was previously refurbished and features bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl with red piping, and interior include color-coordinated carpets, lap belts, a cabin heater, a passenger grab handle, and door pockets. The Dynatronic radio does not work.
The two-spoke steering wheel frames Smiths instrumentation consisting of a 100-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, and water temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 50k miles, approximately 4k of which were added under current ownership. The fuel gauge does not work.
The replacement 1,098cc inline-four is believed to have been sourced from an MG Midget and was installed in approximately 2014.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. Additional underside photos are provided in the gallery.
The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate lists factory colors and equipment as well as a build date of September 23, 1959. The car is titled as a 1960 model.