WHAT IS IT?
The Austin-Healey Sprite was introduced in 1958 as a small, open British sports car. The Mark I (1958-1961) was powered by an inline four-cylinder A-Series 948cc engine. Known as the Bugeye (or Frogeye) Sprite, the one-piece combination hood and front fenders of the Mark I housed two round headlights placed above a cheerful grille. In 1961, the Mark II Sprite went into production, as well as the Badge Engineered Mark I “New MG Midget.” This change included a new design for the front, forever changing the look of the happiest car on Earth.
WHY THIS ONE HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
Up for consideration is this freakishly nice Mk1 “Bugeye” Sprite. Known worldwide as one of the friendliest cars around, this one gets a thumbs-up from everyone on the road! Many Bugeyes have been modified with larger engines and five-speed transmissions over the years, and admittedly, it broadens the performance envelope in a mighty way. But this little guy is still rolling with its original 948cc 4-cylinder, packing a whopping 43 horsepower! My advice is to just spend the 30 seconds or so it takes to get to 50 mph by admiring the exhaust note, not the ever-so-slowly blurring scenery around you. This particular car spent its entire life in Southern California until being purchased in January 2025 after a nice restoration. Life on the quiet Eastern Shore of Maryland seems to agree with it, with plenty of scenic driving roads around the small communities of the Chesapeake Bay. The original California black plates have been taken off for the first time in 65 years!
this one gets a thumbs-up from everyone on the road!
With a special place in my heart for a Frogeye Sprite, I must admit that my vote for Best One On The Planet goes to the owner, Brad Phillips himself. If you don’t know Brad, he makes everything he drives and everyone he meets, a little bit better!
Great seeing you at the PVGP- submit your amazing Marcos!
Who doesn’t love a smiley face like that! I also have a soft spot for Austin-Healy’s since I was brought home in one when I was born. With its 43 hp, it’s definitely the perfect brunch mobile.