Body, Paint and Trim

The restoration started with a rust free California car. Second California owner purchased the car from the original owner in the early 1970's and drove it until 1984, at which time it was placed into dry storage for the next 24 years. Third owner purchased it for resale to us in 2008. Since our purchase, the car has undergone a $13,000 restoration and driven less than 50 miles, since completion of the restoration. The body is in excellent condition with no dents or door dings. The floors and rockers are entirely original. No repair patches. The gaps at the sides of the front bonnet are nice and even. Door gaps are also very good.

The car was professionally repainted in 2009, in a highly attractive black that has a beautiful contrast with the red seats. Cost of the repaint was $4,650 and is documented. The repaint was of a very good quality with all body trim showing no evidence of overspray. All body trim and front windshield were removed prior to the repaint. Other than one small chip at the upper edge of the front hood, the paint is excellent.

This car is fitted with a new chrome headlight rings, new chrome front grille and new chrome rear bumper overriders.  The windshield and windshield frame are both in good original condition.  New rubber weatherstripping has been installed at the base of the windshield. All light lenses are in excellent condition with no cracks. A new front hood emblem and rear Sprite emblem are installed. Both original California black plates are still present. The original front bumper is not installed, but is straight and is included with the car.

Interior

The interior has been professionally restored to using a high quality Moss Motors kit.  The seats are attractive red vinyl with white piping. The cushioning in the seats is new.  A new black panel kit was installed for an attractive interior color combination. The dash was removed, stripped and professionally recovered in black vinyl.

The rare original steering wheel and horn button are still present. All original gauges and switches are present and in excellent condition. Speedometer was professionally restored.

The original top frame and fitted Robbins vinyl top are included. The condition of the top vinyl is very good with no rips and a clear rear window. The original plexiglass side curtains are also included.

Electricals

Headlights (low and high beams), tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, license plate light, gauge lights, horn and wipers are functional.

The starter and generator are functioning properly. Tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge and oil pressure gauge are installed and functional.  The speedometer was professionally restored by Palo Alto Speedometer. Mileage showing on odometer is 61,417 miles and is believed to be very close to original mileage. The car has been driven approximately 50 miles, since it's restoration.

The car is fitted with a new battery and the original positive ground circuit has been maintained.

Engine and Transmission

The engine is a 1098cc, rated at 59HP. Of the three engines (948c, 1098cc and 1275cc) most commonly installed in a Bugeye, the 1098cc engine really provides the best driving experience. The 948cc engine is a nice revving engine with a sporty feel, but it is just a bit too low on horsepower to feel safe driving in modern day traffic. The 1098cc engine still has the nice revving sporty feel and has just the right amount of horsepower to feel safe. The 1275cc engine has more power than is needed and doesn't have quite the sporty feel of the smaller engines. The 1098cc engine is really be best of the bunch!

According to the second owner, the 1098cc engine received a top end rebuild during his ownership and was then placed in storage. The correct SU carburetors are installed and were rebuilt during the restoration. During our restoration a new waterpump, new radiator hoses and new fuel pump have been installed. The clutch is in good working order with excellent engagement and no slipping. The engine starts easily and idles smoothly.  It accelerates briskly with good power and emits a great sounding exhaust note with the original factory exhaust installed.

The engine received a documented major service on 1/18/10, which included the following:

Engine and gearbox oil changed, radiator flushed, valve adjustment, carburetor tuning, new points/condensor installed, engine timing adjustment, both engine mounts replaced.

Engine compression was tested and the results were 150psi to 160psi at each cylinder.  Oil pressure reading is over 60psi at initial startup and 50-60psi, after warmup.

The original smoothcase 4 speed transmission shifts smoothly.

Suspension, Wheels, Tires and Brakes

The suspension is original and the ride is good.  The original wheels are in excellent condition. Each wheel was professionally stripped and repainted it's original soft gray color.   All four chrome hubcaps are new. All five Vredestein 145SR13 sized tires are new.

The entire brake system has been rebuilt and is functioning very well. Front and rear brake hoses are new. Brake fluid was flushed and brake shoes were inspected and adjusted. The emergency brake is correctly adjusted and holds tight. 

Extra Parts and Documentation

The following extra parts are included: Original jack and jack wrench, original spare wheel, original front bumper, original radio, top, top bows, original tonneau cover, tonneau bow and side curtains.

Documentation includes vintage repair manual and restoration receipts totalling over $13,000.