Taste of Britain 1960 Austin-Healey Bug Eye
History In 1958, England's Austin-Healey sports car company launched its tiny Bugeye Sprite, for the sports car world, it was a newsworthy launch.
Austin-Healey was then known for its larger, high-powered sports cars, the "Big Healeys,” as they'd be referred to in relation to the little Sprite.
Why This Car Is Special The Austin-Healey Sprite like we have at Skyway Classics, was affordable and simplistic, the Sprite was a step between a diminutive 750cc Berkeley and a 1.5-liter MGA. With a 1275cc engine producing around 48 hp, the Sprite was adequately quick for a car of its class.
But it wasn't just about speed. It was about building an honest-to-goodness sports car that anyone with a decent job could afford to buy, drive to work on weekdays, and then race at the track on weekends. It was cheap at $1795 and simple to work on. Its clamshell hood allowed easy access to the engine and just about every other component forward of the cabin.
Mechanical Specs The car drives wonderfully, with its 57.8 cu in/948cc OHV I-4 engine with 2×2-bbl carburetors. The power and torque are 55 hp @ 5800 rpm, 59 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm. It is shifted by a 4-speed manual, with the suspension has control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar, with leaf springs.
The engine looks stock and the inline 4 cylinder is mated to a four speed transmission. Brakes are the original drum set-up that has been replaced.
The performance was 0-60 mph: 14.2 sec, quarter mile: 20.0 sec @ 69 mph, as tested by Road & Track Magazine back in August 1960.
Interior The black vinyl interior looks pretty much factory stock with the addition of a custom steering wheel, some performance gauges, newer carpet and door panels, and custom trim.
Exterior This 1960 Austin Healey Sprite we have at Skyway Classics is known affectionately as the "Bugeye” due to its unique headlamp fairings. Motor enthusiasts and critics alike loved the looks and handling, and you will love the bright yellow paint on great body panels. The Sprite rides on custom 4-spoke black mag wheels and performance tires.
Conclusion If you the buyer of this car is looking for a close-to-stock Bugeye then this one makes great sense. Park this in your garage for great fun anytime!
So give us a call at 941-254-6608.
We also finance! Check out our Skyway Classics blog here at https://www.skywayclassics.com/blog
Taste of Britain 1960 Austin-Healey Bug Eye
History In 1958, England's Austin-Healey sports car company launched its tiny Bugeye Sprite, for the sports car world, it was a newsworthy launch.
Austin-Healey was then known for its larger, high-powered sports cars, the "Big Healeys,” as they'd be referred to in relation to the little Sprite.
Why This Car Is Special The Austin-Healey Sprite like we have at Skyway Classics, was affordable and simplistic, the Sprite was a step between a diminutive 750cc Berkeley and a 1.5-liter MGA. With a 1275cc engine producing around 48 hp, the Sprite was adequately quick for a car of its class.
But it wasn't just about speed. It was about building an honest-to-goodness sports car that anyone with a decent job could afford to buy, drive to work on weekdays, and then race at the track on weekends. It was cheap at $1795 and simple to work on. Its clamshell hood allowed easy access to the engine and just about every other component forward of the cabin.
Mechanical Specs The car drives wonderfully, with its 57.8 cu in/948cc OHV I-4 engine with 2×2-bbl carburetors. The power and torque are 55 hp @ 5800 rpm, 59 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm. It is shifted by a 4-speed manual, with the suspension has control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar, with leaf springs.
The engine looks stock and the inline 4 cylinder is mated to a four speed transmission. Brakes are the original drum set-up that has been replaced.
The performance was 0-60 mph: 14.2 sec, quarter mile: 20.0 sec @ 69 mph, as tested by Road & Track Magazine back in August 1960.
Interior The black vinyl interior looks pretty much factory stock with the addition of a custom steering wheel, some performance gauges, newer carpet and door panels, and custom trim.
Exterior This 1960 Austin Healey Sprite we have at Skyway Classics is known affectionately as the "Bugeye” due to its unique headlamp fairings. Motor enthusiasts and critics alike loved the looks and handling, and you will love the bright yellow paint on great body panels. The Sprite rides on custom 4-spoke black mag wheels and performance tires.
Conclusion If you the buyer of this car is looking for a close-to-stock Bugeye then this one makes great sense. Park this in your garage for great fun anytime!
So give us a call at 941-254-6608.
We also finance! Check out our Skyway Classics blog here at https://www.skywayclassics.com/blog
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