A few days ago, we stumbled upon one of the most classic British sports cars ever made, an Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite a.k.a. Frogeye in the U.K. —due to its headlights strategically located on top of the hood resembling the amphibian animal.
Austin-Healey was launched in 1952 through a a joint-venture between Leonard Lord of the Austin division of the British Motor Corporation —the BMC— and the Donald Healey Motor Company, a renowned automotive engineering and design firm in the old days. Austin-Healey cars were produced for only a period of 20 years and discontinued in 1972 when the 20-year agreement between Healey and Austin came to an end. Right when the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was launched.
This gorgeous British green Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite, circa 1960, is a perfect example of one of the most iconic models in the Austin-Healey line-up. Something quite interesting about this roadster, is that the car lacks of roll-up windows or a hardtop. The windows that came with this car are one-piece detachable frames with sliding panels and the car comes with a soft vinyl cover to protect it from the rain —there is no hardtop or retractable roof for this vehicle.
The Austin-Healey Sprite was launched in 1958 and eliminated just like all other Austin- Healeys in 1972. At the time, this automobile was presented as a direct competitor to the MG Midget. One hell of a competitor to be quite frank.
The interior —simple, uncluttered and functional— still in pretty good shape, is living testament of the cars from that era. The only thing one could wish for, is that this car had the wooden steering wheel instead of the resin one. Its leather bucket seats with no headrests—also in British green— still present the unmistakeable original white piping that adds the perfect contrasting touch. This car is so tiny that anyone taller than 6'2" will not be able to drive it.
If you want to go back in time and feel like you are ready to conquer the iconic 'Carrera Panamericana', then get ready to pay between $18,000 to $25,000 USD for a mint example like this one. Keep in mind that this automobile is one of the most iconic vehicles of all-time and definitely worth the money.
For more info on Austin-Healeys click here.
