Bug or Frog? 1960 Austin Healey Sprite Mk I
The Austin Healey Bugeye (or Frogeye if you are British) Sprite is a car that can always put a smile on your face. Its own bug eating grill is permanently frozen with a look of glee and optimism — you just can’t hate the little guy. Find this 1960 Austin Healey Sprite Mk I here on eBay
bidding for $9,382 reserve-not-met with 1 day to go, located in Bingen, WA.
The Mk I Sprite was released in 1959 with a manufacturer’s specified retail price of £669. It offered a simple open-top motoring experience at a minimum cost, part of which lead to its distinctive looks. When first designed (by Gerry Coker and Les Ireland), the headlights were supposed to be exposed pop-up lights (think Porsche 928/968) but the pop-up mechanism was removed and the headlights were left at permanent attention.
Power comes from BMC’s A-series inline-4, a puny little 948cc machine (borrowed from the Austin A35, but upgraded with twin carbs) that puts out 43 horsepower into a 4-speed manual gearbox.
See a better way to drive a cute little classic? tips@dailyturismo.com
This also on the Portland craigslist for $15,000.
portland.craigslist.org/grg/cto/5123371178.html
Tiny correction, the Sprite MK1 was released in '58, I've been driving mine hard for 22 years!
Fernando does your Sprite have this nice of a paint job? Pic?