1958 Austin Healey "Bug-Eye" Sprite MK1 Race Car

Donald Healey created a strong relationship with BMC with the success of the Austin Healey 100 and with that he set out to create a much more affordable version to appeal to a wider range of clientele. So in 1958 the Sprite was born using cheaper components from the BMC parts bin. The running gear was lifted from Austins A35 with its 985cc A series engine and transmission as well as the front suspension and rear axle. He also used Morris minor rack and pinion steering as well as a hydraulic master cylinder from MG. Unitary construction was used for the body and chassis which was pretty state of the art at the time. They also used the forward tilting hood/nose and the very distinct "bug-eye" headlights which has become the well known nickname for these cars today. 

These Sprites became very popular and being more affordable it allowed more people to become involved and competitive in racing in the smaller displacement classes in many of the large racing venues around the globe.

Offered here is a wonderful MK1 "Bug-Eye" Sprite that is not only a perfectly restored AACA 1st national prize winner, but it is also a real period race car with history. This particular MK1 Sprite was purchased new by a Gil Page of Putnam, Connecticut in 1958 from the Providence, Rhode Island dealer, J.S. Inskip who was the U.S. importer for BMC. Most interestingly it was ordered from the factory with the special tuning option 5 that included free flowing exhaust with an addition of a special exhaust header and flat top pistons boosting the horsepower from 46.5 to 55HP. The car was first campaigned in a few autocross events and then it was converted into a full blown SCCA race car used strictly for racing. It competed in mainly regional venues in 1963 such as Lime Rock Park and Bridgehampton with some successes. In 1964, however, it moved up to national competition and after an extremely successful season it won the Northeast Division Championship. The car then went to California to compete in the American Rad Race of Champions at Riverside (ARRC) where it finished second. After the 1964 season the car was retired and later found here in Connecticut and fully restored to as it was in its successful 1964 racing season. After being restored it was awarded its AACA Junior, AACA Senior and finally its AACA first national grand prize award. It is a beautiful car with a fantastic restoration and great history. If you are looking for a "Bug-Eye" that stands out from the rest it doesn't get much better than this. A fully restored period race car. Contact us for more information.