Now SOLD to Mark and Ruthie in Texas!!! Congratulations! Our 305th!
Denim is a special Bugeye we are delighted to have back in our shop this week! We sold Denim to Bud in California last summer and he used this car for the past six months (about 700 miles) but at 6’5,” while he fit in Denim, he opted to trade it for our silver Beck Speedster, so that he will have a little more room in the that cockpit.
So we picked-up Denim in California and brought it back to our shop where she is now for sale once again.
This is an expensive car.
If you are thinking this car should be priced like any other cosmetically imperfect Bugeye you would find on the web, then this isn’t the car for you. But if you appreciate original cars that are unrestored, you can appreciate that this is a car that cannot be easily duplicated or replaced and is thus quite valuable.
It’s tricky, because this car is far from “original,” with it’s flip forward nose and five- speed transmission, performance wheels and tires, non-stock seats and more… but I have never seen such an unadulterated Bugeye Bonnet. And the floor pans are strikingly original. And the car is solid everywhere you look. And we have gone through the car, (twice), to prepare it for two different prior owners. It’s a turn-key sleeper with the best performance and reliability upgrades already built-in. It’s not for everyone. But if you are the kind of person who dreams of finding this sort of (modified) survivor, then Denim could be the car for you!
I believe this car has had one respray in the blue color you see here. While some would opt to repaint this car, I would leave it exactly as it sits, and drive it anywhere with confidence. This is technically an unrestored car even though there are multiple modifications.
The car is a rocket. The 1275 engine is very strong and the car has HS4 1.5 inch carbs (instead of 1.25) and thus there is more power than a stock 1275 engine. The delightful (and expensive) Ford five-speed transmission was installed here about 2000 miles ago. This gearbox gives you a fully synchronized first gear as well as an overdrive fifth gear for highway cruising.
This car is really fun to drive, with great power, a great gearbox and a great ride. In fact, Bud recently installed new 175/70 tires, so the grip and ride quality are as good as they come on a Bugeye.
Check out the video drive below!
This Bugeye exudes the purity of a classic sportscar that has never rusted. Below is a photo of an impressive notebook from the door pocket that documents nearly every fuel fill-up since 1992 (current mileage indicated is 87,539). The last owners cared-for and loved this car for the past 28 years.
We’ve installed new rear brake wheel cylinders to freshen the brakes. LED tail, brake, park and turn signals are also present, which provide much brighter lights on all four corners as well as much brighter brake lights. We also installed a very loud compact air horn.
There are lots of receipts that come with this car (see photo gallery). Engine rebuild receipts are also included for the rebuilt 1275 engine at 83,536 miles (about 4000 miles ago). There’s a very nice documentation package, with excellent long-term owner history, and a wonderful patina and style.
This is a true California car. It is the holy grail of classics, dry for life, and fundamentally un-rusted, with the original floor pans and fantastically preserved sheet metal.
We call this car “Denim,” because it evokes the perfect worn (and slightly faded) denim work shirt. There is something very comfortable about it, and that’s how we feel about this car.
Of course it’s not for everyone, weathered and scratched in places, with chrome showing patina too, but if you like this sort of pure California icon, then this car is worth a very close look.
The radiator has been re-cored and fit with a supplemental cooling electric fan. She has K & N lifetime air filters and solid state electric fuel pump too. The car is wonderful to drive. Tight and quick.
The interior features non-standard bucket seats, quite comfortable and a bit more roomy for taller drivers. All the stock gauges suit the car nicely, as does the original steering wheel.
Underneath, you’ll find all the original sheet metal, solid and ready for the next driver. It is very rare to find a car in this condition.
She comes with a nearly new convertible top in one of our padded pouches. A great short tonneau and an original jack are also included. Other upgrades include three point retractable seat belts, power port/phone charger, trickle charger, bigger upgraded dashboard mirror, new rear shocks, top bow storage bag, convertible top storage bag, front sway bar and electronic ignition.
Call or email if you are interested in making Denim yours!
