1959 AUSTIN-HEALEY BUGEYE SPRITE ROADSTER

OVERVIEW

This 1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite is powered by a MG Midget-sourced 1.3L inline-four mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Finished in Old English White over a red vinyl interior, this British classic is now offered by the seller with a BMC fiberglass hardtop, a red vinyl bikini top, a black vinyl tonneau cover, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) certificate, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Underwent restoration 
• MG Midget-sourced 1.3L inline-four  
• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) certificate included with purchase 

Ownership History                                                                            

• Offered by a private seller 
• Current location: California 

EXTERIOR

• Old English White paint 
• BMC fiberglass hardtop 
• Red vinyl bikini top
• Black vinyl tonneau cover 
• Luggage rack
• Dual fender-mounted chrome mirrors 
• Union Jack decals 

Updates

• Exterior has been repainted in its original color 

WHEELS AND TIRES                                                                                   

• 13-inch steel wheels
  • Slotted on front 
  • 12-hole on rear
• 165 Dunlop SP20 A/S radial tires 

INTERIOR

• Red vinyl upholstery with white piping 
• Bucket seats
• Floor-mounted manual shifter 
  • Austin-Healey wooden shift knob 
• Smiths heater 
• Push-button ignition 
• Three-spoke GT-branded steering wheel 

Updates

• Interior was refurbished under prior ownership utilizing a Moss Motors kit
• Footwell cross member covers have been replaced 

INSTRUMENTS

• Smiths gauges
  • 100-mph speedometer 
  • 6,000-rpm tachometer 
  • Oil pressure
  • Water temperature 
  • Fuel 
• Odometer shows 51,923 miles
  • Title reads mileage-exempt

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Engine

• 1.3L inline-four 
  • Sourced from MG Midget 

Transmission

• Four-speed manual transmission
  • Sourced from Austin-Healey Mk II Sprite 

UNDERCARRIAGE, SUSPENSION, BRAKES, AND EXHAUST                              

• MG Midget 1500 differential
• Independent front suspension
• Quarter elliptic rear leaf springs 
• Front disc brakes
• Single-exit exhaust system 

Service History Highlights 

• Rear axle has been rebuilt 
• Braking system has been replaced by the current owner 
• Front sway bar installed 
• Passenger-side brake hub was replaced in 2022
• Fuel tank has been replaced

KNOWN IMPERFECTIONS

• This Austin-Healey is said to be free from any substantial imperfections

ITEMS INCLUDED WITH THE VEHICLE 

• BMC fiberglass hardtop
• Red vinyl bikini top
• Black vinyl tonneau cover
• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) certificate