BugEyeGuys – Page 3

All original 1960 Bugeye for sale! Numbers matching!

May 15, 2026 by bugeyeguy

Now available for $35,995 (building/restoring one like this would cost a whole lot more). Check out my new videos below, but first, here’s a vintage driving video of a very similar car! Totally stock!

Calvin is back and better than ever! We spent all of last week updating and upgrading this gorgeous original Bugeye and making it even better! We performed over $10,000 in repairs, including a full hydraulic refresh, new head gasket, new suspension rubber bushings, a fresh battery, and more! Check out the listing below, including all new driving and walk-around tours, and give us a call if the you want to take home a super original-spec Bugeye.

Here’s a Nice Bugeye for sale that will satisfy anyone who loves originality!

“Calvin” (AN5L 41960) was a lifetime California car until the current owner purchased it a year ago at a Bonhams auction. The car is almost completely stock, with 948 engine, drum brakes, and bias ply white walls, just as is indicated in the heritage certificate (below) that is included in the sale of the car.

*A heritage certificate will accompany Calvin to its new home, which indicates the Chassis number, body number, and engine number all match!*

The engine is the original unit and all the numbers of the engine and body match the numbers on the birth certificate. The car is fit exactly as it would’ve come when it was new!

Calvin drives nicely and is quite solid-excellent floors and body. Check out the driving video below to see Calvin in action!

The paint is very good, and shines quite nicely and presents beautifully. If you want more of a mirror finish, some buffing would help make the car “pop” even more.

The interior is also excellent, in correct black with white piping, just like when new. It is also fitted with a premium hardura tunnel mat in matching black (which we sell here in our parts catalog). This mat more closely matches the original rubber mat than the carpet you usually see in restored cars. We’ve also equipped the footwells with ribbed rubber mat, no carpet, similar to original cars.

If you want a Bugeye with a seriously stock vibe, this is a great car for you!

We spent the past week repairing a bunch of components on Calvin to get it into tip-top shape, including all-new hydraulics, a new head gasket and head studs, new water hoses, thermostat, housing and gasket, new fuel tank, new fuel sending unit, a fresh battery and new cables, and so much more! We have the full details of the recent round of upgrades, over $10,000 was spent! Check out the build sheet below for a breakdown of everything that was repaired!

Calvin build sheet Download

Calvin does not have a tonneau, and we could fit a new one for the owner. There is a top, but it is shrunken and does not fit anymore, so we could fit a new one of those, as well. The current combination gauge is a later-type one that is not correct for the car also, so we could change that out for a new, correct combo gauge but this one works fine.

Call if you’re interested!

Click “read more” for a full collection of photos, and call to discuss! We can prepare the car for you to your taste!

[Read more…]

Probing into better temperature readings

May 15, 2026 by bugeyeguy

This week, we have encountered a few questions regarding the original-style temperature gauges and how they are installed. A properly functioning water temperature gauge is a very helpful tool, so its important to know the best way to install yours!

All Sprites and Midgets until 1977 used some variation of a combination water temperature/oil pressure gauge. Bugeyes used one like you see pictured below, with water temperature on the bottom and oil pressure on the top. These gauges are fully mechanical; the oil pressure gauge is something that requires its own post, so today, we are focusing on the temperature gauge and how to properly hook it up.

Bugeye and Spridget water temperature gauges use a thin metal tube filled with ether connected to a capillary tube that sits in a coolant passage. When the coolant heats up, the ether expands and the temperature needle moves.

*The mechanical water temperature gauge hard at work! 190 is an acceptable temperature under normal driving conditions.*

*This one is starting to get into the danger zone. 200 degrees is in overheating territory.*

From the factory, Bugeyes had their temperature probe installed into a bung off of the side of the top tank of the radiator, underneath the upper radiator hose.

The original location for the temperature probe, as shown on 501, the first production Bugeye Sprite. Note the correct “shock coil” in the tube, which helps keep the tubing from breaking through vibration.

The radiator isn’t the ideal location for the temp probe in the radiator because the temperature doesnt increase until the thermostat opens when the engine reaches temperature. This means if the thermostat sticks closed, for example, you wouldn’t know there’s an issue until it was too late.

*The cylinder head on a 948 engine has no temperature port in front of the spark plugs. A water jacket passes behind this circled area. Thus, cars with this head used a radiator temperature probe.*

It’s much better to put the temperature probe somewhere in the engine for more accurate and immediate readings. Unfortunately, if your Bugeye still has a 948 engine with its original 948 head attached, you are stuck with the original placement in the radiator. There is no alternative location present on 948 engines.

However, on 1098 and 1275 engines, there is a perfect alternative mounting location built into the cylinder head!

*If you see this plug in your head in front of the first spark plug, you have access to a better location for your temperature probe!*

In front of the foremost spark plug on 1098 and 1275 engines lies a port that has been cast and drilled into the cylinder head, for the temperature probe. Later Sprites and Midgets sometimes had a different style of radiator fitted, known as a cross-flow radiator, that didn’t allow for a temperature port to be installed, so they relocated the port to the cylinder head, which is a better place anyways. However, you can’t just move the probe straight into the head, as the probe is too long and will foul on the casting, as shown below.

To avoid this, all you need (when you relocate the probe) is our temperature probe adapter and a copper sealing washer. These two components will help you relocate your temperature port correctly and avoid leaks and damage to your temperature gauge.

*The temperature probe adapter needed to relocate your gauge probe. Click the photo to order!*

*The temperature probe properly installed using the adapter. More accurate temperature readings to follow!*

*A shiny, new blanking plug, as installed on one of our aluminum radiators. You can buy the plug here, or a new aluminum radiator here!*

Should you be installing an aluminum radiator in a 948-equipped Bugeye (with no port on the head), you will need to keep the probe in the radiator. Most of the time, the probe will screw in directly without issue. However, occasionally we have found that even when tight the probe can leak through the threads; when this happens, you will need to install the probe adapter in the bung on the radiator top tank first. This will prevent leaks.

If you are looking to upgrade your cooling system or replace your combo gauge, click on the links below for some of the parts we offer, or click here for our full catalog!

*Correct Bugeye & Mark II Sprite combination gauge*

*Temperature probe adapter (All Sprite/Midget)*

*Later Sprite/Midget/MGB combination gauge (will work with Bugeyes also)*

*Down-flow aluminum radiator (948-1275 engines)*

*Premium aluminum radiator (948-1275 engines)*

1968 Morgan 4/4 for sale!

May 13, 2026 by bugeyeguy

Lots of car for the money! Tons of fun! We fitted the convertible top and side curtains this week-it’s all in good shape; give it a look and give us a call if want to transform your summer into a great and fun adventure!

I’m in love with this Morgan and this week added a couple videos below so you can see if the passion extends to you as well. There’s something very liberating about a perfectly weathered sports car that requires no worry. It’s exactly the opposite of how I feel about a nice 911, which is an object to be protected, in my humble opinion, and a Morgan like this is an object to be used. Not that a 911 isn’t an entirely usable object with far more utility than any classic British roadster… but there’s something very liberating about having a car that’s this much fun and you don’t have to worry about it. See if you agree and if so, give us a call. We’ll be happy to send it your way!

Check out the ALL NEW walkaround tour above!

If you like perfect patina, check out this car! This is a true classic, you can just feel the Morgan heritage when you open the door … feels like getting into a vintage biplane. This one is special since it is a rare factory car built with an upgraded 1600 Kent Crossflow power plant.

Check out the driving video below for maximum Morgan fun!

The car also feels like the ultimate Jean jacket; weathered, worn, but still your favorite.

…*Or upgraded Moto-Lita leather steering wheel? Both options are available and both wheels will come with the car!*

This car is not replaceable. This patina, this power, this supple leather semi-bench seat, (and a wonderful roar) is not so easy to recreate. Call to discuss adopting quick because I am giving serious thought to keeping this one! There is something so liberating about a weathered yet solid classic, open air, comfortable (enough), and a blast to drive!

Cold start video above, along with a controls feature!

The convertible top is included and fits well. Nice side curtains are also included (see pictures). Rubber gaskets are missing on the side curtains but it would be easy to fit new ones.

Click “read more” below for the full suite of photos, and give us a call if this Morgan is right for you!

[Read more…]

“Horsing around” with Sage!

May 8, 2026 by bugeyeguy

NOW SOLD to Tom in CO! Congratulations on taking home this beautiful Bugeye sculpture! #462

If you’ve been following us, you know that I’m passionate about Bugeyes and for 20 years we’ve expressed that passion in a quest to build the perfect car (could Sage be that car?).

I’m also passionate about riding horses. Riding has been a fantastic source of fitness for me and I really enjoy the analog nature of horsemanship. I’m familiar with operating a lot of mechanical machines, but operating a horse with mastery is an amazing challenge.

That’s Abe, a 2001 thoroughbred cross (1 horsepower) in the picture above checking out Sage, one of our finest bugeyes ever. In the video below about Sage, you can see my passion for horses and my passion for Bugeyes, both brought to life!

Many of our Test drives for Quality happen on my trip to And from the Barn. Here you can see one of those quality assurance (and personal fitness) test drives!

This is one of the best we have ever built and it’s for sale. Wool carpet, custom leather hides and all the right performance mods… check it out!

Sage is chassis number AN5L 4337, a 1958 Bugeye production number for a car that was first titled in 1959, as was common back in the day. The Door tags show BAE 4561 and AN5 04231, both correct and in range with the chassis number, as was the norm when these cars were built (see photo gallery). The car comes with a New Jersey title which records the proper chassis number, AN5L 4337.

Sage has the best of everything, in a spectacular color combination. The car is a winner in every way. Check out the new photos! If you don’t care what it costs and you only want the ultimate interpretation of this wonderful Bugeye platform, then Sage is for you!

*One of our nicest custom interiors to date! Super-soft leather and custom wool carpet!*

Call if you want to be the talk of the town, with this ultimate Bugeye. Check out a fun driving video below!

Sage is a complete rotisserie restoration, with four-wheel disc brakes, five speed Ford transmission, and a powerful 1380 Oselli engine worth about 95 HP. The exhaust note is delicious and the car is quite quick.

We drew from nearly 20 years of experience to build the best of everything into this car and then we went off the map with colors and textures to create a stunning completely restored car for a premium driving experience.

The interior is both elegant and utilitarian. The exterior is contemporary and nostalgic at the same time. The driving experience is simultaneously classic, high performance and forgiving. Check out part two of our driving video, showcasing Sage in all its glory!

This is the first car we have built with wool square weave carpet and we love the look so much that we made this carpet kit a product in our parts catalog.

If you want the best of the best and you want serious “wow” factor at the next cars and coffee, then Sage could be the next car to add to your stable. Click “read more” for more photos and give a call if you are interested!

[Read more…]

Well-sorted BRG 1960 Bugeye Sprite for sale!

May 8, 2026 by bugeyeguy

Now SOLD to Jim in New Jersey! Congratulations on Bugeye #463!

Briggs is a great driver. Prior owners have invested in upgrades so you don’t have to! We’ve dropped the price to make this car more attractive than ever, and just this week repaired the failed zipper on the tonneau and upgraded to a heavy-duty one! Better than ever!

Call if interested…

We also removed the green worn out seats on this car and installed some beautiful new black ones with new good foam and new covers. This is an exceptional upgrade on an already nice interior that was loaded with a lot of other nice new black parts so the color change of the seats blends with the rest of the car quite nicely!

This 1960 Bugeye (titled as a 1961) called “Briggs” was built late in the production run, near the end of Frogeye production. AN5L 45243 had a completely rebuilt 1098 engine and rebuilt rib case transmission installed in 2020, with few miles added since. The car runs and drives nicely, as you can see in the driving video posted below.

About $10,000 in upgrades were done in our shop for the owner in 2020 to make the car an excellent driver. Now, you can purchase this great driver and know you are buying a well-sorted car.

Among the upgrades in 2020 were three point seat belts, new door seals, a completely restored and recovered dash board and cockpit trim bar, new windshield glass, all-new brake and clutch hydraulics, aluminum radiator, new generator, new rear lever shocks, K&N lifetime air filters, and more!

In 2019, “Briggs” was at the shop for a laundry list of repairs and upgrades – read the spreadsheet below to see:

Ron-Briggs-BUgeye-revival Download

Click “read more” below to see the photo gallery and give us a call if Briggs is the right Bugeye for you!

[Read more…]

Spridget limited slip differentials for sale

May 1, 2026 by bugeyeguy

These add all kinds of fun to your Sprite of Midget drive. Inside wheel spin is quite common on these cars and this diff upgrade all but eliminates this challenge, which allows you to put more rubber on the road and gain better performance and control. Watch the video below to learn more!

This is an easy upgrade that makes a big difference!

*Click this photo to pre-order your helical-type 3.9 limited slip differential today!*

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