Speedwell Bugeye...some assembly required

[davester]

I just found this on craigslist (LA). The most interesting parts are: 1) stored since '68; and, 2) Speedwell Monza bonnet. I emailed the guy and he said the bonnet has never been fitted and there are no headlamps, turn signal indicators, etc. The rest of the car is pretty complete but in pieces supposedly. The windshield frame is there but no glass. I'm guessing it was in a head-on in 1968 and somebody started to do the Speedwell conversion but gave up.

If I was retired and had infinite amounts of time I might go for this and could create a pretty cool and unique Sprite. Part of me is saying "Get it! Get it! Get it!". The more reasonable part is saying "Nooooooooo!!! You don't have time or money for this money/labor pit".

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/2288712252.html

 

[bugedd]

Wonder what kind of shape the front end is in, if it was in a front ender at one time. But I still think the stock bugeye bonnet is much better looking

 

[abarth69]

Buy it

At that price you can not go wrong

Cheers

Mark

 

[smaceng]

With beauty in the eye of the beholder, yes the Bugeye bonnet is more interesting and unique than the Speedwell. But I think that the Speedwell bonnet is more consistent with advancing the styling of the period, and if the Bugeyes had that design, I'm thinking that the Midget MK1 could have been different. If one looks at all of the major changes to the BE to the next generation MK2 Sprite, the bonnet was a major one. First, it was heavy and not easy to open. I recently heard that the prop rod was available so that in a big wind, the bonnet would not lift up, unlatch, and then slam down on some poor soul's head. Now that was a liability, even in 1960! 2nd, it must have been a real pain in the back to be bent over all day working on a BE. Third, I think that BMC wanted a consistent look for the Midget and the MGB. I think the Speedwell design could have CHANGED THE COURSE OF HISTORY. Maybe the MGBs would have a similar Speedwell design. One thing is for sure, the Speedwell design was less robbing of top speed, just as Coker originally intended with the folding headlights. Now, what do you all think?
Scott in CA

 

[Guest]

I think that car in yer pit'ure can't see where it's a'goin'.

 

[apbos]

Dave
It looks like an original Kellison bonnet. Rare and with little rust the car should be an "easy" restoration . You know you want it.
Paul

 

[Gerard]

Sorry guys, that's not a Speedwell bonnet, it's a Kellison

https://www.gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/GRP/UniqueSprites/KellisonBugeye/kellison.htm

This is a Speedwell:

https://www.gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/GRP/UniqueSprites/speedwell/Speedwell.htm

 

[Whitephrog]

Scott

The white Bugeye in the photo looks very much like Gerry Coker's prototype. I love the look.

 

[Aggudabbu]

"Comes with <span style="font-style: italic">Ashley Speedwell</span> bonnet"

didn't know the two companies were associated.. oh right they weren't...funny