Hi all,
Have been reviewing the fleet ahead of show season, and sadly coming to the conclusion that something has to go. So testing the water for interest in the Bugle buggy. I would love to keep it, but 5 cars is too many for the 2 drivers in the house!
So, here is some info on the Bugle.



Built for the previous owner by her father, it was in the same family for many years. I bought it in 2010, having been dry stored for 12 years, and it then underwent a sympathetic restoration to get it safe and road legal, but retaining the 60s/70s charm it oozes!
The important bits – it is on a 1955 beetle chassis, so will celebrate it's 59th birthday this April. Correctly registered as 2 axle rigid body convertible. Tax free, and due to recent MOT changes also MOT exempt – though when I restored it MOTs were a requirement and I have pass certificates to show i put it through MOTs - as well as lots of pics taken from under it while up on ramps.


5052045838_31135e1aac_b by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr
I also have certificates from early and late 90s! Lovely 6 digit no plate (pre age related), worth a few quid on it's own.

The buggy is in original green metalflake, which is now around 40 years old – we think the shell is 1970 or 1971. I have supporting original brochures and literature.


historyad by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr

Anyone who has seen the buggy at shows or followed the restoration blogs etc on previous sites will therefore know this isn't a modern show buggy – it is a buggy with attitude and patina. I think we have achieved the right look as this has been featured at Carfest South, Goodwood members days, and slots right in at Goodwood Revival – just add hippy clothes!




6046233599_9f1d3056de_b by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr

6046231903_88f70f8b42_b by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr

5523612115_a2bc58a684_b by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr

6166202794_e590d429ee_b (1) by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr
The gelcoat does bear a few battle scars, and marks, but still gleams in the sun, and makes everyone smile! Everyone who sees the car agrees it would be a shame to lose the character. If you are after a modern show winning spotless buggy this isn't for you.


IMG_1127 by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr

Being a Bugle it bears original T1 headlights in the bonnet, which I replaced with good original units and added stainless steel eyelids.

The biggest investment I made was a period correct looking hood, made by Whiffs trimming in Mohair for around £1000 (receipts all available). This uses the original fibreglass hoop as a fitment point, and offers either top cover only, or also zip in side panels – I have driven it through storms and stayed dry. Under the fibreglass hoop I also added a roll cage and seat belts (original chassis was pre seat belts).

5462265915_b240d8761d_b by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr

As part of my resto the original correct sidelights/indicators (Morris Minor) were sourced
A mountney 10" steering wheel added
New fuel tank mounted above gearbox (inside original recess) with concealed filler in period suitcase!


IMG_1132 by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr
Period correct raised white on black number plates from Framptons
Rear engine cage from Flatlands (£240)
New rear brake drums, new shoes and slave cylinders all round, hard brake lines and hoses and new master cylinder (£300)
New battery
New baby cub seats from MWS (£165)
New Cooper Cobra tyres all round (£350)
Period CB radio in dash (not wired up currently) and aerial and period Radio Caroline sticker!


IMG_1135 by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr

All service items replaced.

The tyres sit on the original Appliance Alloys imported from the States by the previous owner. Her Dad was a pilot and bought them back over! They are great looking period wheels, and at silly expense I even managed to source an original centre cap to replace a damaged one. The wheels are chrome on steel, and they have rusted in places, but still look the part. Personally I think they have the right look for the car, and too much bling would ruin her – but that is up to the next owner I guess. Tread on all tyres is excellent - I estimate under 1500 miles done.
IMG_1130 by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr

I estimate I spent around £1500 in total overhauling the car in 2010-2011 to get it mechanically sound, and since then have maintained it well, oil and plug change every year after Volksworld,, new 009 dizzy and the biggest investment for last MOT full king and link pin rebuild.

The buggy current runs on a solid well set up 1300 single port engine. I have always thought the buggy would really suit a tuned lump on twin carbs, but couldn't justify the investment for 1000 miles a year! The engine runs really well, so I haven't had the excuse to upgrade! I did have an exhaust made ready for the next engine, which was by Turbo Thomas (£450) and is currently fitted.


IMG_1129 by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr

Depending on offers I may let the buggy go with this exhaust, or I will keep this for the other buggy and put on dual cannons. PLease pm me for contact details if interested, or you have any specific questions.

Viewing in Worthing West Sussex.

Price?  Around £3500 -£4000 depending on what is included. Can even throw in the matching chopper if the price is right!

Not in a rush to sell, so not going to take silly offers, but really keen to see it go to a good home. If you want to discuss please do get in touch.

Supporting 'chopper' bike, with seat also trimmed by Whiffs trimming!


Picture 011 by Jim and Sarah's photos, on Flickr

Love this little bugle..it oozes old school retro all over it like the red and gold ff I sold billa ,if I wasn't skint I would have this for sure buddy ,good luck with the sale