This is a really cool car I wanted to share before we send it back to its owners in Durham, NC. They sent us the car for a five speed upgrade, which is now complete.
What’s unique about this car is that it is a late 70s Midget with an awesome Bugeye body conversion. The car has all the Midget running gear, including half elliptical leaf springs which definately give a better ride than the stubby Bugeye springs. 14 inch wheels are fit, as is the later braking system. And the interior has been customized. Other than that, the car looks and feels like a Bugeye.
The car has a 1500 cc engine which was found in all the 75-80 midgets (and Spitfires). Twin carbs were fit, as is a great exhaust system and our sport muffler.
If you are wondering if it’s quick, a good 1275 engine feels about the same. Both the 1500 and 1275 were apparently rated at 65 HP, although the 1500 is rumored to have more torque. This one reached 60 in 16.29 seconds. I am sure I can do better with a good take off, this one was not my best start.
Our new electronic GPS speedos give us a way more effectively compare power output of different Bugeye configurations. Here, I am testing the car prior to loading it into a trailer for the trip home.
For those of you interested in our electric car, this week, we changed the rear end from 3.9 to 4:22 and shaved 1.75 seconds off the 0-60 time. Now the battery powered car will run to 60 in 10.98 seconds. Next week, we will see if we can shave a bit more off that with another rear end gear change. We can easily sacrifice highway speed for better acceleration, and we hope the electric Bugeye will be the fastest we have tested! More later!
