Decoding the Bugeye - with pics

[Deleted member 9684]

9C-U-H 37799

This would appear to be a

9 = 948cc
C = Austin Healey
U = Center Change Box
H = High Compression
s/n 37799

AN5L / 38252

Why no H perfix?

A Series engine - What does this mean?
N = 2 seater
5 = Series - so this means its a "Mark V"?
L = Left Hand drive
38252 = Serial Number - how do i tell when this was built?

also, what does "BE" mean? I've seen this term used a lot here...

Thanks in advance.

 

[Atrus]

BE = BugEye, the style of Sprite that you have. They are referred to as BugEye or Frogeye (seems Frogeye is more common in the U.K.) due to the headlights. Originally, the car was destined for popup headlights, but that idea was scrapped late in the game to save cost and the result was slapping the headlights on the hood. That move actually made the car very personable and memorable.

 

[Whitephrog]

By the engine and chassis numbers it appears your Bugeye was produced late April early May 1960.

The 5 doesn't mean Mark V. It's the fifth series of Healey

 

[Atrus]

Bugeye would be Mark I, wouldn't it?

 

[Whitephrog]

Yes, but it wasn't called an MKI until the MKII was produced.