I’ve been reading your posts and thinking about the bugeye prices, and I’ll tell you my perspective after standing next to our car for two days at the RM auction. The general response we overheard was that most people had no idea a car so cute, and so, apparently, well done could be bought so cheap. Remember they were holding a catalogue showing an estimate of $28-$34K. Because of that sale, and the publicity the car is still receiving (the cover and 6 color pages in the March/April Healey magazine, and at least two other magazine articles coming) I’ll predict that you will see a few more ‘restored’ cars come out of the woodwork over the next year, selling at the ‘better’ auctions, and I think they will bring in the neighborhood of $30K+. The fact is, there really isn’t anything that offers that visual appeal and ‘fun factor’ in that price range. It’s a very affordable and driveable car to these people, but I also think the key in getting those prices, will be originality. It is something one of these new buyers can feel at least some security with; they understand that, in their world, restoration is synonymous with big costs. If our car had been 100% (riveted rims, unpadded dash, red interior, etc. etc.) and we could have presented it as such, I really think it would have fallen within the estimate. There was no conversation between RM and ‘Team Sprite’ regarding estimates, and the car was given them with no reserve, the first time I was aware of their estimate was when I saw it in the catalogue, and I was quite suprised, but I figured he knew his business, and the car would do as well there as it would anywhere. I also think that, no matter what happens at the auctions, the everyday driver will not be really affected too much. My take on prices, like most perspective buyers, came from eBay, in reality not a place to buy a car unless you know them well enough to know that whatever surprises may come up, you can handle them. My guess is that the perfect driver, disks, ribcase, 1275, etc., will not generate the confidence in this new buyer I’m imagining. And that’s leaves the driver buyable for the rest of us, so this scenario shouldn’t get me lynched as a member of the running dog oligarchy.
One other thing, we had 10K in parts (some bought at heavy discounts), 2000 hours of labor, free chrome, tires, body classes from a world class metal man, donated paint, top, and all the parts you great souls showered the girls with, in reality, for someone who wants to confine his ownership to tinkering and driving, it really was a wise purchase.
I really don’t mean to sound like the authority on bugeye prices, but I came away from that auction with even more appreciation for what a wonderful little package these guys are. Thought it might be a useful perspective.
Brian sans girls
Hey there Guest!
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