We’re proud of the car you see above. It was a fine Bugeye when it showed up after we retrieved it in Texas for the client, but now, after 100 or so improvements, this car is really great.
It’s not hard for me to imagine a time when people are intrigued by our classic car hobby but are thwarted because they grew up on (and demand) electric vehicles. Those of us in prior generations may struggle to understand, but automotive expectations are changing fast, and we are proud to be on the cutting edge of what I believe will be inevitable. Whether you love or hate electric cars, at some point, gas powered cars may be a liability. I’m sure they will always exist, but we want to make sure our little car survives, regardless of what powers her. If electric power keeps people interested in classic British sports cars, then we are very interested.
I know a lot of people out there are kicking and screaming about this possible transformation and maybe I’m wrong… perhaps gas cars will continue to be a big part of our lives, but given the number of new electric vehicles coming down the pike and the massive marketing investment major auto brands are making, I don’t think anyone has much of a choice. EVs are going to be a big part of the rest of our lives. Let’s all watch the next Super Bowl together to see if I am right… I’ll bet we will see many commercials that relate to what I think is an inevitable EV future.
Thus, I am proud to share our new electric frogE, our attempt to help classic car folks get excited the forthcoming transition.
TJ bought Ducky from us back in 2021 (roughly our 300th Bugeye) then flew in with his wife, and drove it home. In 2021, TJ and Ducky went on their maiden voyage of a 4,000 mile journey back to his home in Washington state, which is about as far away as you can get from our shop within the continental USA. That adventure was with the original 948 engine.
He had so much fun on the trip that he came back to do it again this summer!
We know of just two automatic Bugeyes on Earth, so if you want a Bugeye with no clutch, we are excited to have this one in stock! Once it sells, we may never haven an automatic Bugeye for sale again, so don’t delay if you are interested. You could not build another for our asking price!
This is a Bugeye we call “Otto” (AN5L 9824). Otto is a unique car in Bugeye circles, for one big reason: it has an “Ottomatic” transmission. If you are a purist, this car is probably not for you. But if you love Bugeyes and need or want an automatic transmission (for whatever reason), this car is the greatest thing going, and it could be the ticket to a Bugeye in your life if a manual transmission is not workable for you!
This car is very well-restored, and is uniquely fitted with with a GM three-speed automatic transmission with an electric 4th gear overdrive system, all coupled behind a 1.4 liter Isuzu G140 engine found in Pontiac T1000s and Chevy Chevettes. The engine number is V0401CHX. The engine has about 52 horsepower, perhaps a bit more since a nice header is installed. Compared to a 43 HP stock 948 Bugeye, the power plant feels more than adequate–not quite as quick as a 1275 Bugeye but quicker than a 948 car. It also got an estimated FORTY Highway MPGs when new, courtesy of the overdrive!
NOW SOLD to Sean here in CT! Congrats on taking home car # 391!
If you are looking for a hot-rodded Bugeye, check this one out! “Lilly” (AN5L 49238) is a well-patinaed 1960 Bugeye with some souped-up goodies under the hood!
Lilly was built by a very skilled restorer, who had a very clear vision of the best blend of fast, original, patina, and fun. The result is a car that feels like that Bugeye you saw sometime in the ’70s, when it was the ’70s. In other words, it looks and feels like a Bugeye time capsule, one you might have designed in high school on your notebook during class, or built with your dad, or cobbled together from hot rod parts you accumulated… the car has the look and feel of a great beachside parking lot car that got your attention back in 1974.
I thought you might like to see some photos of our new Super Sprite “Sage” as it’s coming together, with a powerful 1380 Oselli Engine and Ford five speed transmission, as well as rear disc brakes. Terry is doing an awesome job building this car from the ground up, and someone is going to get a very special machine!