[bsa_pro_ad_space id=14]
The Pick of the Day is a 1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite restored to “tiptop shape” according to the La Quinta, California private seller advertising the sports car on ClassicCars.com.
British sports car maker Austin Healey exported 50,000 Sprites, known as Bugeyes in the US and Frogeyes in the UK, to America between 1959 and 1961.
“In 1960, as a 22-year-old, I purchase a 1-year-old Bug Eye,” the seller says in ad. “Drove it for three years and then I traded it in for a big car.
“Fifty-three years later, I spent four months searching the USA for a completely restored Bug Eye. I wanted to relive my youth while I had time to be youthful again, not spending time restoring an old rust bucket.”
It was this Bugeye finished in white over a red interior that ended his search. The car now has 91,084 miles on it.
“The second owner of this car was in Indiana,” the seller says. “He owned and stored the car for 34 years. His wife told him she would do his chores around the house while he was to completely restore the Bug Eye.”
His wife gave him two-and-a-half years to complete the restoration and enter it in an area-wide restoration contest. She wanted him to win first place, which he eventually did. The current owner says he also won an award, People’s Choice at the La Quinta car show in 2016.
“After purchasing the car, I became long-distance phone friends with Jim, the restorer,” the seller notes.
Updates completed in the restoration include an electronic ignition, temperature-controlled radiator fan with manual control, audible sound for turn signal, a tow-bar hookup and interior heat and sound insulation. The hydraulic system was converted to silicon fluid and an oil filter housing replaced the original unit.
Included in the purchase of this Bugeye Sprite is a new convertible top that was recently installed on a new frame, a like-new tonneau cover, a photo album documenting before and after the restoration, various books and publications, and all the trophies the car has won in various car shows. Also, two Bugeye hats, pins and a T-shirt.
This classic British sports car is priced at $27,950.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=15]