Vehicle Description
Following the success of the Austin-Healey 100, Donald Healey and BMC teamed up to introduce the smaller Sprite roadster in 1958, affectionately known as the "Bugeye" or "Frogeye." With its lightweight unitized steel body and readily available BMC mechanicals, the Sprite delivered razor-sharp handling and startling performance at an affordable price. Sprites were campaigned in the most important rallies and sports car races of the era, with particular success at the Sebring 12 Hours, where three standard-bodied Sprites scored a podium sweep in 1959. On the track, racing Sprites gained renown under the catch-all "Sebring Sprite" name for racing Sprites homologated under FIA guidelines in 1960 with various mechanical upgrades and other modifications including standard or modified bodywork. At Sebring in 1960, Stirling Moss took first in class and fourth overall in the four-hour race, while John Sprinzel earned a class victory in the 12-hour event, with these performances confirming the outstanding potential of the small but mighty Sprite. Mr. Gordon Apker purchased this Bugeye from a well-known Austin-Healey collection in the Northwest. It was one of his favorites for driving around Scottsdale roads and it continues to benefit from a complete frame-off restoration to Austin-Healey Concours standards. Resplendent in Silver with a black interior, this car was honored to be shown at the LeMay, America's Car Museum in Tacoma, WA, at its opening and it was chosen as one of the "10 cars not to miss in the exhibit." It also had the distinction of being shown in their "British Invasion Exhibit" for the ensuing six months, following which time Mr. Apker took possession.
