1960 Austin Healey Bugeye

5 speed all synchro by Rivergate

You are bidding on a 1960 Austin-Healey Sprite model AN5...fondly know as "Bugeye"in the USA, or "Frogeye" on the other side of the pond. I bought this cute little thing a few years back as an unfinished project. How could I resist...the rust free body came with a Datsun five speed transmission and a period correct Judson Supercharger! Somehow the "Dreaded Previous Owner" had lost the title, engine, gearbox, suspension, and just about everything else. Not to worry, a mechanically sound 1970 MG Midget was soon found and became the donor car to make this Sprite the superb sports car that it is today. It's restored...this Sprite was completely taken apart and reassembled, using new parts where applicable. As you probably know, an original Bugeye can't get out of its own way with that puny 948cc engine and can't bring itself to a stop much better with those 7" drum brakes. Not to mention, the gearing leaves it wound up like a cheap watch at speeds over 55mph. Just about every restored Bugeye has been treated to the later Austin A-series 1275cc engine, which is a huge improvement in power. The old "smooth case" gearbox is usually replaced with the later "rib case" witch is more robust, but still only four speeds and no syncro in first. Well this Sprite is way beyond that! Check out all the upgrades: Rivergate Five Speed Transmission Conversion (includes custom speedo cable, new clutch plate, disk, slave cylinder, alloy engine back plate with crank shaft seal, braided SS hydraulic line, and driveshaft flange). MG Midget pedal box, brake master cylinder, front disk brakes, rear brake assemblies (most folks don't bother to upgrade this) All brake parts are new. Stops on a dime/strong hand brake. New custom wiring harness Crossflow radiator with high volume Midget fan New gear reduction starter Wire wheels and four new 155/80/13 steel belted radial tires Rebuilt front and rear suspension with poly bushings on the A-arms. Stock springs for a comfortable ride. Superb handling at all speeds, even on the freeway! Spin on oil filter 12 volt outlet on dash... works in when key is on or in accessory position. Kinda loud glass pack muffler...you are gonna like it! exhaust headers Motolita steering wheel with polished aluminum hub And here is the real kicker...a rebuilt, period correct, Judson Supercharger!!! This is an extremly rare and sought after accessory, bragging rights included. Check out the cool Marvel Mystery Oiler and Holley carb. Needless to say, this Healey can get off the porch and run with the big dogs! The afore mentioned Midget was selected for its outstanding mechanical condition. The engine was reportedly rebuilt and the chassis had all the uprated parts needed for the Bugeye restoration. Typically, no proof was offered as to what was done with the motor, but it uses no oil between changes, runs cool, delivers 70psi oil pressure, and measures 145psi on all cylinders. Best of all, the Midget has a title, so on paper this is a 1970 MG Midget with a Bugeye body...a true Spridget! The newly covered dash board is from an early Mark I Midget with all British switches and gauges (well, except for the boost gauge). The Bugeye speedo and (generator take off) mechanical tach are as original. Everything works! The tan vinyl upholstered original seats are in great shape, and the black carpet is new. The convertible top and side curtains are in very good condition and the tonneau cover is new. The wheels are true with good paint and no loose spokes. The spare is older, but has full tread and will hold air indefinitely. The original jack and lead knock off hammer are included. The grill and bumpers are very nice. All the rubber has been replaced, including the windshield gaskets. The DPO did not exactly break the bank on the paint job, but it is respendant in Iris Blue. Last September, the folks at Texas All British Car Day voted it "Best in Class". Guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Bid with confidence...check my seller's rating, people really like my stuff! NO RESERVE!!! For more information, please feel free to contact me at 512-695-8637 or mmcphail@austin.rr.com I prefer not to answer questions through eBay's "ask the seller" function. There is no "Buy It Now Price"...this is an auction!