In the years following World War II, returning G.I.s brought back a number of small, European sports cars, and in particular succeeded in popularizing a handful of marques from the UK. Among those most favored by the returning forces were the Austin Healey two-seat roadsters.
By the late 1950s the company had become fairly popular in the US and was seeking to develop a product which was somewhat more affordable than their expensive upper shelf of automobiles. To this end the compact Sprite or “Bugeye” as it became affectionately known, was constructed as a two seat, four speed, 948cc, 1500 lb, roadster with exceptional handling and spirited performance.
This superbly restored 1961 Maltese White with Tartan Red racing stripe and interior Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite features: 948cc four cylinder engine, 4-speed manual transmission, recent thorough restoration, fresh leather seats, brand new clutch and throughout bearing, and original two-owner title.
For the roadster enthusiast seeking an excellent and very drivable example of one of the early English two-seaters which fostered the market for small open-top two-seaters in the US—the will be few such opportunities to acquire one of these special cars before their market moves up again!
