The Classic Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite of the Late 1950s

Guiding Kalsen Textiles, LLC, in Southern California for more than half a century, David Raminfard delivers quality fabrics to clients across the country. A classic car enthusiast, David Raminfard enjoys taking in vintage automobile shows when he can.

One of the unique automobiles of the late 1950s, the Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite was a joint effort of designers Gerry Coker and Les Ireland. It was designed to expand the footprint of a company formed through a 1952 merger of the British Motor Corporation’s (BMC) Austin division and the Donald Healey Motor Company (Healey).

Austin-Healey aimed to enter the US market and counter the trend of sports cars that had become large and luxurious. The mandate was for the lightweight roadster at only $1,795 and a compact, cost-effective package. Envisioned as its platform, the commercially produced Sprite ultimately shared its chassis with the MG Midget and had a maximum speed of only 80 mph.

The most notable aspect of the Sprite is its uniquely round and static headlights. As with the Porsche 928, it was originally designed to have retractable headlights positioned in the hood when not in use. However, costs dictated a fixed position, and the Sprite is also unique in having the first-ever mass-produced unibody chassis.

Designed by engineer Barry Bilbie, this improved handling and gave it an advantage in the 1958 Sebring 12-Hour Race, in which Sprites finished in first, second, and third place in their class. This racing feat provided a springboard for the vehicle in the United States across a 13-year tenure, including three years of the coveted original bug-eye design.