Let's just say I'd be interested if you found one

[drooartz]

So my vehicular fleet is in change mode once again. Heck, after 20 vehicles in 19 years I'm quite used to it. It's looking more and more like I'll be getting out of the motorcycle game. Since my crash a couple years ago I've been (understandably) more timid when riding, and it's just not as much fun for me any more. Last year was the first year I've had both a good bike and a fully functioning LBC -- and I drove the car far more than I rode the bike.

So I'm selling my bike this spring and will have a spare slot in my fleet, and there's really only one thing I'd want to fill it with.

A right hand drive Bugeye

Would need to be an originally RHD car (not a conversion) though engine wouldn't matter as I'd eventually be doing the usual 1275/5-speed/disc brakes. Driver quality.

So if y'all come across such a car, let me know.

 

[AN5Sprite]

Non conversion RHD, talk about a rare breed. I like how you roll man! Good luck...

 

[Rut]

Drew,
Not exactly what you asked for, but original right hand drive!
Rut
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/austin_healey/bugeye/1469454.html

 

[drooartz]

Non conversion RHD, talk about a rare breed. I like how you roll man! Good luck...

Thanks. I am strangely particular, which makes this a harder search. So I'll keep enjoying my MGB and keep my eyes open.

Heck, last time I asked this question JP found me my MGB (also a non-conversion RHD car) in a few hours. I'm counting on him. :grin:

Drew,
Not exactly what you asked for, but original right hand drive!
Rut
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/austin_healey/bugeye/1469454.html

I've seen that one, Rut. Too race care for me. Right idea though.

 

[JPSmit]

They are out there - would this augment the B? If so, are you sure?

 

[drooartz]

They are out there - would this augment the B? If so, are you sure?

If this were to happen it would be with the intent of eventually replacing the MGB. I'm still on the one-car-at-a-time plan, just have a little room to wiggle if just the right Bugeye came along.

Simply put, it came down to the fact that I realized I'm at the same crossroads I was at right before I had Hap do the engine on the Tunebug. I either go deep with the MGB (think supercharged engine build) or I start to think about the alternatives that are possible with the same budget. Been mulling it over for a while, and I ended up realizing that the only thing that could replace my MGB is a nice RHD Bugeye. Despite my luck last time (thanks again, by the way!) I don't expect to find just the right car quickly -- if ever. And that's okay, as my MGB runs well and I still really enjoy it. Just thinking ahead and trying to plan my spending wisely.

 

[Guest]

I've got two of 'em.

Which one you want, the all original one with only 127 miles or the all original works racer?

 

[drooartz]

Which one you want, the all original one with only 127 miles or the all original works racer?

So this one is yours, then?

https://www.fantasyjunction.com/cars/1104-austin%20healey-sebring%20sprite-original%20type%20xsp%20factory%20racing%20engine

A bit above my price range, so I'll take the original one...

 

[Guest]

A bit above my price range, so I'll take the original one...

Tisk tisk tisk very disappointed in you. I figured you'd want both...

 

[drooartz]

Tisk tisk tisk very disappointed in you. I figured you'd want both...

It's the hard choices you have to make when you're on a one-car plan. :grin:

 

[Guest]

PFFFFFFFT !!!! Once again, VERY disappointed....


...CHANGE THE PLAN !!!!! :grin:

 

[RickB]

You simply have to have the one Steve Mcqueen drove...

 

[aeronca65t]

If you weed thorugh here, I'm sure you'd find one.

Others here may have a better idea of shipping costs (around $2000 to $2500 maybe?).

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050890.m570.l1313&_nkw=frogeye&_sacat=0&_from=R40

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Contact Mike and Ed, of Wheeler Dealers - might even make an episode on it - or a spinoff series!

 

[drooartz]

You simply have to have the one Steve Mcqueen drove...

Not a Bugeye, so not for me. :grin:

If you weed through here [eBay UK], I'm sure you'd find one.

It may come to that. I'm a little leery of sight-unseen, but if I really commit to this process I may have to rely on that. Will have to do some research on import process and fees. Did it from Canada once (with my MGB) and it was pretty painless.

Contact Mike and Ed, of Wheeler Dealers - might even make an episode on it - or a spinoff series!

Now that would be fun. The Find-Drew-A-Frogeye Special Episode.

 

[aeronca65t]

It may come to that. I'm a little leery of sight-unseen, but if I really commit to this process I may have to rely on that.

Yeah, I've been trolling EBay Motors UK myself for a while.
Would prefer to buy what I can see, but, like you I may have to take the plunge.

 

[drooartz]

If you do try a UK import, Nial, let me know (and I'll do the same for you). It's likely I'll have to eventually go that way unless something pops up in the US or Canada.

I've no idea how to find a reputable shipper, may have to ask around a bit.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

There are many helpful spridget people on the mgcars bbs. If you find something over there you could probably find another set of eyes. You might look into joining MASC to help you find a car.

 

[drooartz]

There are many helpful spridget people on the mgcars bbs. If you find something over there you could probably find another set of eyes. You might look into joining MASC to help you find a car.

Hadn't heard of MASC (Midget and Sprite Club, I looked it up). May have to do that.

It's a silly quest, I know. But then, these old cars are a bit silly. Just something about a Bugeye that I can't let go.

 

[Gerard]

If you do try a UK import, Nial, let me know (and I'll do the same for you). It's likely I'll have to eventually go that way unless something pops up in the US or Canada.

I've no idea how to find a reputable shipper, may have to ask around a bit.

Reputable shipper is pretty easy. There are a number of people on some of my other forums who've done this. Let me know if you decide to got that route.