>
> NOTE: I TOOK THE LIBERTY OF SENDING THIS TO THE BRITCAR LIST SO WE COULD HELP
> JOHN OUT. FOR THOSE THAT DO NOT KNOW JOHN, HE IS A REGULAR ON THE AUTOCROSS
> LIST. PLEASE SEND RESPONSES TO HIM AT stecz@hotwheel.dell.com
> FEEL FREE TO CORRECT MY COMMENTS TO JOHN, IF APPROPRIATE.
>
> John Steczkowski writes>
>
> >You're into old British iron, right?
>
> Actually, I am now into British Plastic :-)
Must be rough having to work on that Lotus (lust)....
>
> >I saw a Bugeye Sprite at a local dealership, I'm not sure what year it is.
> >Although I guess
> >it doesn't make much difference, since they were only made for three years.
> >Anyway, it seems to be in real good shape, not perfect, but no rust,
>
> NO RUST is a very important point. You don't see them like that much up here.
> If it was never rusted and repaired, this is very good. Check the area of the
> rear spring mounts very carefully.
>
> >decent paint, real good interior, all parts are there.
>
> Good. Check the seats. If you can determine that they are original, you are
> in fat city, collector-wise. The original rubber floormats are hard to find,
>I
> believe, so if those are there, this is also very good. Bugeyes did not have
> carpet.
It has carpet, the seats look like they *could* be original. Should they be
leather? I'm not sure what these are.
>
> >It does have some upgrades, like dual SU carbs,
>
> These are standard on a Bugeye Sprite, on a 948cc engine. The engine in this
That's what this is.
> car may be original (better collector value) or a 1098 (not much advantage in
> driving for the loss of collector value) or 1275 (much better engine for
> driving, same loss of collector value). Tell us the serial number.
>
> >front disks
>
> These are updates to later "Spridget" specs. The disks are FAR better for
> driving, some loss of collector value. The installation is completely
> reversible, but you have to have the parts.
>
> >and an oil cooler.
>
> The oil cooler is a good deal in Texas, I never really needed one in my 1275
> Spridget up here in Minnesota. If it is an update to later Spridget specs,
>the
> loss of collector value may be lessened. If it is an aftermarket with a
> spin-on oil filter conversion, it will be more convenient, with suitable loss
> of collector value.
I don't think it has an aftermarket spin on cooler. Does it have a filter
at all?
>
> >The initial asking price is $5200, this sounds a little high to me.
>
> This would be too high for a Spridget, unless it was PERFECT. For a Bugeye it
> may be OK. The Bugeyes are commanding much higher prices, both for original
> and "updated" (1275, discs, later wide wheels [4.5"!]) examples. Spridgets
>are
This has spoke rims.
> easier to live with, having opening trunks. The later Spridgets have Roll-up
> windows.
>
> >What do you think, what are things I should look for.
>
> Rust, hidden body damage, rust, odd modifications that are hard to retro
>later,
> rust, incorrect steering wheel, rust, fit of the bonnet and doors, rust,
> instruments all work, and did I mention to look for hidden rust?
>
> Warning: Do not drive this car if you ever want to be happy with the steering
> in your RX-7 again. Bugeyes and Spridgets have telepathic steering like a
> racing cart. At your next autocross, you will be muttering about the slow,
> mushy steering in the Mazda, even though you like it now. The gearchange is
> damn nice, too. Get a spare (save the original for the collector value) lever
> and cut it to 2/3 it's normal length and you will swear it is the best you
>have
> ever shifted.
That's what I've heard, I might have to go test drive it. Even my wife
likes it, and that's saying something.
>
> Phil Ethier, THE RIGHT LINE, 672 Orleans Street, Saint Paul, MN 55107-2676
> h (612) 224-3105, w (612) 298-5324 phile@pwcs.stpaul.gov or
>uiucuxc!pwcs!phile
> "The workingman's GT-40" - Colin Chapman
>
> --
> Login name: phile In real life: Philip J Ethier
> Phone: 298-5324
>
--
John Steczkowski stecz@hotwheel.dell.com
Dell Computer Corp., 9505 Arboretum Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78759
- "It is better to go into a corner slow and come out fast, -
- than to go into a corner fast and come out dead." Stirling Moss -
|