1960 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite MK I

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Description

(SOLD)

History

Intended to make sports car motoring more affordable, the Donald Healey-designed Sprite entered production at MG's Abingdon factory in March 1958. The new car was officially introduced a few months later in Monte Carlo, just prior to the Monte Carlo Rally, underlining this brand new car's sporting intentions. Its unitary construction body shell featured a distinctive, rearward-hinging, combined bonnet and wings, which was topped by two 'frog eye' headlamps, thus ensuring instant recognition and the now familiar nickname. Powered initially by the Austin A35's 948cc A-Series engine, the Sprite used independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, ensuring great roadholding. Equipped with twin SU carburetors, the engine produced 43bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of around 86mph. Despite a Spartan equipment level - even the front bumper was listed as an extra! - the 'Frog Eye' sold well, which perhaps was unsurprising as there was nothing competing with it either on price or performance.

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