Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite
Chassis Number – AN540602
Exterior Color – Silver
Interior Color – Black
Engine Type – 1275cc Inline 4-cylinder
Gearbox – 5-Speed Manual (Ford T-9)
Current Mileage – 629 miles (TMU)

Marque and Model History

The Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite was produced from 1958-1971. The concept was simple. Build a low-cost sporting car in the spirit of the Austin Seven, one that was small enough to store in a bike shed and yet capable enough to deliver tuned performance for two occupants. Using unibody construction for both cost and manufacturing efficiency allowed for a very compact and simple design that could be easily built and annually updated. The compact 948cc engine and 4-speed gearbox propelled the Bugeye to a top speed of 82 mph, delivering 32 mpg.

Over the years, the Bugeye has continued to endear itself as a magical little car with a memorable face, compact shape, and the added benefit of being an inexpensive vintage car capable of delivering surprisingly strong competition numbers when in the hands of intrepid privateer racers. Enthusiasts today continue to seek out the Bugeye as a near universally loved example of prudent British engineering coupled with charming aesthetic qualities.

History of this Car

This car was restored under previous ownership by a Sprite restoration specialist in Iowa. The restoration began in 2009 and was completed by 2011 when it was offered for sale. Accompanied by photos during the restoration, the car was stripped to bare metal and all metal work tended to while the car was on a rotisserie for easier access to the floor, corners, and areas that required metal work. During the restoration the underside of the car was treated to a durable textured undercoating and all body panels were primed and finished to a high standard. While the car was disassembled, a 1275 cc engine was rebuilt including all rotating internal parts, refinishing the engine block and accessories, rebuilding the carburetors, replacing all hydraulic lines, new fuel lines, and new electrical including converting the car to negative ground).

In 2012 the current owner purchased the car and worked closely with Henk Boverhuis, formerly of Britalia, Berkeley, CA to further improve the car. In 2012, two competition seat belts were mounted, and in 2013 Boverhuis converted the 4-speed gearbox to the more usable 5-speed Ford T-9 unit specifically developed for Sprite conversions including a new bellhousing and shifter lever. At the same time, the shop replaced both door latches to improve operation and closure, installed a new fuel gauge, installed new plugs, repaired a small radiator leak, and performed an oil change. While the transmission was removed during the new 5-speed installation, the flywheel was resurfaced, the shifter tunnel hole was revised for the new gearshift, the paint on the tunnel was refinished, and a new front crank seal installed while the engine was out of the car.

In July 2013, the right axle shaft was replaced with a new Nitrided axle shaft, the rear hub and differential gasket replaced, new rear road springs installed, new front shock absorbers installed, and a new fuel tank sender installed. In November 2016, the left axle hub gasket was replaced, fuel gauge and sender added, a voltage stabilizer was fitted to the fuel gauge, and all fluid levels checked. In 2017, The tachometer and speedometer were removed and rebuilt by experts at Palo Alto Speedometer, the oil pan was removed and cleaned, front and rear oil pan seals replaced (rear sump seal neoprene, front sump seal cork), clutch slave cylinder shortened smoother operation, and the oil changed. In 2018, all fluids were checked, battery checked, tire pressure checked, wheels torqued, and the car road tested and inspected for leaks.

General Overview

Today this Bugeye Sprite presents as a very nicely restored example still retaining a high level of fit and finish. Recent and ongoing regular care and maintenance by the current owner have helped sustain the presentation both mechanically and cosmetically. In addition to being restored with correct factory finishes and features, the stance, scale, and endearing Bugeye smile continues to appeal to generations of enthusiasts. The silver finish is glossy and smooth with consistent factory fit to the doors and tilting hood. A set of four-bolt Minator Minilite replica J13 8-spoke cast wheels are finished in satin alloy with AH center caps, and chrome lug nuts. A matched set of Hancook 175/70R13 black wall radial tires bearing 2008 tire dates are mounted. The exterior trim is in excellent condition including the minimal chrome and emblems which quietly announce the Spritely presence. Features of note include a sporty bumperless front and rear, polished external fuel filler, and the Cheshire Cat polished grille.

The interior is very nicely prepared including correctly piped and reupholstered black seats finished with longitudinal pleated upholstery accented by white piping. A set of Simpson competition style wide band lap belts are mounted with straps dated 2012. The handsomely trimmed black dashboard features a polished aluminum bolster, chrome trimmed instrumentation, and correct knobs. Both the speedometer and tachometer were professionally rebuilt under current ownership and, along with the other instruments, have excellent color and contrasting numeric indication. The steering wheel is finished in black showing a few minor chips on the perimeter earned from enjoyable driving over the past decade.

Titling the hood forward, the larger capacity 1275cc engine is in clear view offering easy service from either side. Photos of the engine reveal the rebuild under restoration including pistons, head, and accessories. The car appears to have amassed just over 600 miles since the odometer was zeroed out when the restoration was completed in 2011. The engine block is finished in the correct green color, along with correct hoses and lines, and properly fitted twin SU carburetors. The engine and engine compartment feature correct fasteners and hardware consistent with factory standards. Now fitted with a more desirable 5-speed gearbox, driving is more enjoyable particularly at highway speeds. The underside of the car has been finished with equal attention to detail following closely the finishes and specifications for Bugeyes when delivered new. Though some surfaces are now showing signs of age, current care and indoor storage since the restoration was completed has benefited the car and improved the longevity of the restoration.

The car starts reliably and settles into a smooth and comfortable idle. The 5-speed gearbox operates easily through all gears, warm or cold, making a big difference in driving enjoyment over the 4-speed. The clutch takes up nicely, throttle response is quite good, and the brakes bring the car down evenly from highway speeds. With the improved gearbox, highway driving is more relaxed and enjoyable with lower revs helping to sustain the mechanical performance of the engine while improving fuel consumption. Overall, this Bugeye is a delight to drive, presents confidently, and brings a smile to everyone who sees it.

Included with this Car

This Bugeye is accompanied by a black tonneau cover, a black convertible top and top bows, a set of carpeted floor mats, a set of rubber floor mats, a spare steel wheel tire, a pair of rigid side curtains, two car covers, various spare parts, a workshop manual, various gasket sets, and digital copies of photos showing the restoration process under prior ownership.

Please note that this car is offered on a clean California title which is consistent with the factory AN540602 VIN tag.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608