Owned by the Marian family, this “Bugeye” Sprite has been in the works for approximately fifty-six years. Engineer Vaughn Marian began tinkering with the tiny car in 1966. When his two sons came along, they assisted Vaughn – who is an engineer by trade. The car has been outfitted with several HEMI engines throughout the years. The latest rebuild consists of a custom frame (built to handle the unique running gear), Corvette ZR1 suspension (front and rear) and ZR1 brakes. The body is unmolested stock Austin Healy.
The engine is a 478 cubic-inch HEMI with a set of performance cylinder heads from Stage V Engineering. The transmission is a GM automatic, and the rear end is from the Corvette ZR1. Maximum output is estimated to be 440whp.
Pretty Nicole has her best Jackie-O look going and she’s ready for a test drive through the California desert. All that’s left to do is click off the traction control – yes, traction control – and bust the gas. Let’s go!