Vehicle Description
Okay, far from original.......no question. But a fun little classic with twice the performance of a 'stock' Bug Eye.
Which is, in stock form......43hp, 4.55 diff (thus buzzy at even 60 mph), little drum brakes, skinny little steel wheels, very wide ratio 4 speed. fun 'round town but as a performance car? 0-60 in 20 seconds, top speed of around 75-80 mph.
Now, our car.....recently overhauled 1275 BMC engine, 175-180 psi compression in every cylinder, 65-70 psi oil pressure when warm, zero smoke, new 45 DCOE Weber, new distributor, racing headers, glass pack with SuperTrapp racing muffler....adjustable from mellow to loud.
AND...5 speed all synchromesh transmission, disc brakes, expensive front and rear tube shock conversion, rear sway bar, adjustable rear trailing arms with rod ends at each end, wide Revolution light alloy wheels, 175/70 radials, padded racing bucket seats, tilt fiberglass nose, oil cooler, electric radiator cooling fan, electronic ignition, appears to have all new wiring, new top, new tonneau, and new side curtains.
IF this is what you want....great car. If not...?????
Oh, and also, a rust free California car (as far as I can see on the title, first sold in California in 1960), excellent floors, spring boxes, and sills. Paint is pretty nice with a few small areas touched up but DOES look good. Dash has additional gauges and seem to work (although the speedo is not connected).
HUGE difference in performance, goes along MUCH faster than a stock Bug Eye with great handling and sure brakes. And of course, the 5 speed transmission.
So there it is. Or, rather, HERE it is. Just in, thoroughly tested, ready for sale.
PS I always loved Bug Eyes, who doesn't? That little 'face' and, of course, the bug eyes But I never cared to own one....just too slow. Feeling more like a lighter version of a Morris Minor. Which is very close to what a Bug Eye is. BUT when I had an opportunity to purchase a very clean, 1275cc, 5 speed, disc braked, tilt nosed Bug Eye......well, it's in my barn and love it. In my car's case, EASILY cruises at 95+ mph, quick acceleration, great brakes (I even added a servo to my braking system), and fun. Not just to enjoy little crowds admiring the 'cute' face in a supermarket parking lot but actually driving.
