No wonder it’s smiling... it’s got a Hemi. Concealed behind its cute, friendly grin, a massive 478 cu. in. Chrysler Hemi producing 440 horsepower is perfectly paired with a Corvette suspension in this 80“ wheel-base 1959 Austin Healey “Bugeye“ Sprite. Owned and designed by engineer Vaughn Marian for the past 56 years, son Dave Marian sneaks the Ferrari-yellow roadster out for a drive with Nicole up legendary Highway 74 (as driven in the 1963 movie “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World“) overlooking Palm Desert, California.
ABOUT THE MARIANS: Dave and his brother John grew up building the Sprite with their father, who acquired the body in 1966 on a first-date with their mother. A legacy 56 years strong, the Sprite is like a member of the Marian family, and has evolved for decades to become what it is today.
SPRITE BUILD PHOTOS:
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Created and Produced by Michael Badami and Nicole Johnson
Directed by Micha
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IDA Automotive / Bob Ida - Blown ’Hemi Healy’ Startup