AACA-Winning 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite

This 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite Mk I roadster is an Antique Automobile Club of America Junior, Senior, and Grand National first-place-winning example that has been owned and cared for by a number of auto enthusiasts over its life. Power is delivered by a rebuilt and repainted 948cc inline-4 paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. A past no-expense-spared restoration included an overhaul of the braking system. Finished in Cherry Red over a newer factory-correct interior, this Bugeye is now offered with a restored factory hardtop and side windows, a convertible top, a tonneau cover, a spare tire and jack, extensive records, and a clear California title in the seller’s name.

A Cherry Red respray was applied during the restoration that began in 2017 and concluded in 2020. Panel fitment is reported to have been a  high priority, and the seller notes that the floor panels are original and the body is rust-free. A new black cloth top and tonneau cover will come with the car. The seller states that the floor panels are original and the body is rust-free.

Factory 13” Sprite wheels are wrapped in new 155/80 Coker tires Handling is managed by rack-and-pinion steering and drum-assisted brakes fitted with a new master cylinder.

The interior has been refurbished in black, with newer upholstery and matching door panels, dash, and carpet. New weather stripping has been installed on the doors, hood, and windshield. All knobs, switches, and gauges are reported to function properly, as is the electrical system as a whole. The factory spare and jack are located in the trunk.

Instrumentation is framed by a 2-spoke steering wheel and consists of a 100-mph speedometer, a 6k tachometer, and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The 5-digit odometer shows under 51k miles, though true mileage is unknown.

The matching-numbers 948cc inline-4 has dual SU carburetors and is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. An extensive refurbishment conducted within the last 3k miles included the following new components: head gaskets; thermostat; valve guides and valve cover seals; heater core; 12-volt electrical system; battery; distributor, coil, spark plugs, and wires; radiator cap and hoses, oil pressure relief valve; washer grommets; thermostat housing; fuel tank, pump, filter, and brass fitting; heat shield. Additional work consisted of the removal of the cylinder heads, adjustment of the carburetors, timing, points, and choke cable, a flush of the coolant system, replacement of the front timing cover with new 7mm bolts, plate gaskets, crankshaft seal, tach cable, and complete oil service.

The suspension has been refinished and lubed. Additional photos showing the underside are available in the gallery.

The sale includes documentation from the restoration, as well as the car’s factory hardtop, tonneau cover, spare, and jack.