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I’ve been working on this 1960 Bugeye for about 4
1/2 years. I bought it from my neighbor as a rusting hulk, and have put many
hours of work and many dollars into its restoration. I do not claim to be any
sort of expert on Bugeyes or on auto mechanics. I’ve learned on the job, and have
sought expert help, as I’ve needed it. The attached photos show the vehicle as
it now stands. Here is what I do know:
This is a 1960 Austin Healey. The tag says it is
an AN5L/25718. It is, for the most part, all original. The engine is the
original 948. The transmission is original, as is the chassis, the front and rear suspension,
and most of the interior.
The body, when I bought it, was beyond repair, but
I was lucky enough to find a replacement body on e-Bay, and that is what you
now see. I used an auto rotisserie to do the restoration. I did the
dismantling and reassembly myself.
It is safe to say that I’ve touched every part of
this car with my loving hands. The mechanical parts of this Bugeye are all in
superb shape. The engine was rebuilt by Sports and Classics in Darien,
Connecticut. The same is true for the transmission and the carburetors. I admit to
knowing little about engines, transmissions, or carburetors, but Sports and
Classics has a national reputation for excellent restoration work. They’ve been
advising me on a fairly regular basis throughout this restoration. I am confident that
the mechanical work is of top I did none of the bodywork myself. I had an expert
in auto body restoration handle that. He has taken special care to make the
car look as good as possible. There are a few dings here and there. One problem
area for this part of the restoration was the bonnet. The bonnet came with
the original body, and when it was attached to the chassis the fit wasn’t great
along the wheel wells. The auto body man added a device that pulled the fenders in
to make a nicer fit. One of those devices has since fallen off, and I have not
had it replaced. To be honest, I’m not sure they are necessary. The paint job is
very nice nonetheless.I’ve had a friend who knows cars and engines do
the final carburetor tuning and timing adjustments. It runs like a Bugeye, which
is to say that it hums sometimes, it sputters sometimes, and it is hard to start
sometimes. Anyone who owns a Bugeye is very familiar with this quirk.
The restoration is not complete. From the photos
you can see, for example, that
the license plate light is missing, as is one
chrome piece from a rear turn lamp. I just haven’t put them on. There are some hanging
wires and bulbs behind the dash. This is the same story. Suffice it to say
that I haven’t put every last piece on the vehicle, but I have all of them. This list
includes: mirrors, air filter cover, carpeting, heater air hoses and clamps, top, side
curtains, door aprons, badges, emblems, etc..
Why am I selling this car? The simple reason is
that I’ve run out of time and patience. I hurt my shoulder and it is difficult
for me to work on the Bugeye. I hold no animosity towards it, and I’m glad I
undertook the challenge. It is now time to move on. I’m hoping someone will enjoy
this car the way it is supposed to be enjoyed. If you have any questions, please call
me at 203-866-5451 or e-mail me.
Bob Berwick
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