Stock look with wonderful upgrades!
“Sara” (AN5L 23816) is a 1960 Bugeye Sprite that looks stock and is configured with a stock 948 engine and drum brakes all around. But underneath the stock exterior, this Bugeye carries an extensive list of impressive modifications. In fact, more than $10,000 was spent by the prior owners on a long list of upgrades including:
New 5 Speed overdrive and fully synchronized transmission
Rebuilt 1098 head w/hardened valve seats/larger combustion chambers for more power
Electric solid state fuel pump
New distributor with electronic ignition
New leather seats with contrasting green piping (Bugeyes originally came with vinyl)
Matching leather dashboard covering
Matching premium door pockets
Rebuilt gauges
Powder coated cockpit trim and windshield frame
New windshield glass and all rubber trim
LED brake and parking lights
K and N lifetime air filters
Retractible three point seat belts with custom AH enameled emblems on the buckles
Upgraded wooden steering wheel and matching shift knob
Negative ground conversion and cigarette lighter mounted in original washer pump hole
New tan tonneau
Luggage rack
Larger rear view mirror and properly located wing mirrors
We sold Sara in 2011 to passionate parents in Virginia, who generously invested in the upgrades above to make this car a show winner they could drive and enjoy. They won some impressive first place trophies with this wonderful car. A newly rebuild zero-miles speedometer was installed in April of 2014, which now shows just 543 miles. I was delighted to buy this car back when they were done with it, particularly because it is now so well apointed.
Other upgrades include an ignition switch guillotine to keep it secure in the dash, and new ethanol proof fuel sender gaskets. We then pressure tested the tank to ensure there were no leaks. We also replaced the front brake wheel cylinders. And rack boots. Durable rubber floor mats are also installed.
The five speed kit is a wonderful asset, as it provides an attractive overdrive fifth gear for cruising as well as a fully synchronized first gear for ease of use.
All the is left to improve; The horn is a little wimpy. We can install a new air horn for the new owner if so desired. Additionally, the front bumper bar is not as nice as the rest of the car, and that too could be replaced for a new one. Many people remove the front bumper altogether, so we will leave that up to the new owner. We have new bumper bars in stock.
A good (older) black top comes in a smart custom pouch-we have new tan tops if the new owner wants to add to the tan and green theme as shown with the tonneau!
The underside is quite clean. The passenger floor pan was replaced during the car’s restoration and the entire underside is solid with no issues. We’ve just added a series of photo that showcase this nicely restored metal work.
Sara is a solid and stunning car with excellent appointments. Please call if you would like to make this car your own! Take a drive in the video below!