1961 Austin-Healey Sprite

Make

Austin-Healey

Model

Sprite

Year

1961

Listed price

$6,800

Location

Artesia, California

Transmission

Automatic

Mileage

111,111 miles

The Austin-Healey Sprite, affectionately known as the "Bugeye" or "Frogeye" in its home market, burst onto the scene in 1958 as a delightful antidote to the often-stuffy British automotive landscape. Conceived by Donald Healey as an affordable, fun, and accessible sports car, it was designed to be the spiritual successor to the pre-war M.G. Midgets. Its most distinctive feature, those iconic headlamps perched atop the bonnet, were originally intended to be retractable but budgetary constraints led to their fixed, upward-facing position – a design quirk that cemented its legendary status. Light, nimble, and inherently playful, the Bugeye Sprite quickly charmed enthusiasts worldwide, offering pure, unadulterated driving joy in a compact package. This particular 1961 Austin-Healey Sprite Bugeye carries the torch of that original vision, presenting a wonderful opportunity to experience the car that started it all. While the original Sprites were known for their modest but spirited A-Series engines and manual gearboxes, this example features an automatic transmission, offering a unique and relaxed driving experience for those looking to cruise with ease. Showing 111,111 miles on the odometer, it's clear this Bugeye has seen its share of adventures, and its next chapter is ready to be written. The seller notes its reliable running nature, with no overheating issues, though like many classics, it appreciates a bit of morning coaxing with the accelerator before settling into its stride. For the enthusiast seeking an iconic piece of British motoring history with a distinct personality, this Bugeye Sprite awaits.