I have been involved in classic British cars for over 30 years. I have owned and restored 1962 Austin Healey Sprite Mk2, Austin Healey Sprite Mk1 (Bugeye) and currently have a 1960 Austin Mini and a 1974 Mini Estate. When I was I was in High School (early 70), my first car was a '58 Bug which was purchsed for $250 bucks (running, no rust, and pretty much complete). JC Whitney and I became very good friends - in fact they still send me a catalog every once in a while. I replace the complete interior, including the headliner. Painted the outside with paint from a rattle can, which I think came out pretty good. Sold the car when the engine started to go "knock-a, knock-a".
Now the current project. My daughter who has been involed in the British car scene decided when she was 7 years old that she didn't want a new'ish car, or a British car when she started to drive. What she wanted was a classic Bug. She has been collecting all the diecast models, which has equaled my Mini collection and we have gone to the Bug-In in Ennis. The one thing that drove it over the edge was one of my best buds who was into bugs dug through his closet and donated all his Bug stuff to her.
Well now she is 15 soon to get her driver's permit and start looking for a car. At first we were looking at a newer used cars and then I saw this 61 for sale which I thought would be a perfect car. If she wants a classic then she'll need to bust a couple knuckles, get dirty, and sweat, this way she'll appreciate what she's got when it is finished. I bought the car and surprized her with it and so far the plans working. She has been there right with me stripping this car down to get it ready for the body shop.
She ready stated that "Eugene's" trophies will go along side my Mini's trophies