HEMI HEALEY: 478ci Hemi-Powered 1959 Austin Healey "Bugeye" Sprite | EP15

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  • Опубликовано: 15 окт 2024
  • 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.
    Dave's RUclips: ‪@caddydave‬
    SPRITE BUILD PHOTOS: / hemi_bugeye_sprite
    •••••
    Created and Produced by Michael Badami and Nicole Johnson
    Directed by Michael Badami
    © Lawndart Limited
    lawndartlimite...
    JOIN OUR CHANNEL TO GET ACCESS TO PERKS:
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    #hemihealey #hemisprite #bugeyesprite #frogeyesprite #nicolejohnsonsdetour #v8roadster

Комментарии • 3 тыс.

  • @vaughnmarian573
    @vaughnmarian573 2 года назад +713

    Thank you for producing this spectacular video of our Sprite! I’m just as proud of my sons as I am of the car!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +102

      As you should be! The 3 of you clearly have a special bond and it's something all dads should have with their sons. The fact that you included them all these decades with this car is admirable... I'm willing to bet that through this tiny little car, you have instilled confidence, mechanical skills and dedication into their constitutions. Bravo, dad! I am appreciative of the very rare opportunity to have driven the Sprite and our team is grateful to you, sir! Your engineering mind is impressive! May your family and friends enjoy this forever! 😊

    • @danamesarchik3633
      @danamesarchik3633 2 года назад +35

      Vaughn, you did a great job raising your boys you must be very proud of them!

    • @drdesmo8489
      @drdesmo8489 2 года назад +40

      Father or Mothers doing this with there kids is what makes wonderful people and magic on this earth. Thank you for letting Nicole and Company make this absolutely awesome video, I bet she is a blast to work with.

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +18

      @DrDesmo I bet you're right! 😂

    • @harryspeakup8452
      @harryspeakup8452 2 года назад +30

      Vaughn, this car does you and your family huge credit. Making such a beast completely sound in engineering terms, keeping it usable and tractable, is one of the most impressive pieces of home automotive engineering I've ever seen. And the fact that you've had it as a family, and have been tinkering with it, for so many decades is extremely endearing.

  • @timothydraper3687
    @timothydraper3687 Год назад +70

    I like how proud this guy is of his dad, it's what every child (but not every father) deserves, a lucky guy and lucky dad. 🙂

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  Год назад +5

      Yes..we agree!! Thank you so much for watching!!

    • @danielhoward8354
      @danielhoward8354 Год назад +4

      Well said

    • @leebatt7964
      @leebatt7964 Год назад

      My dad taught me to play chess, I frickin hate chess!

    • @darrinrentruc6614
      @darrinrentruc6614 10 месяцев назад

      agree

    • @garretlewis4103
      @garretlewis4103 6 месяцев назад

      At least you had the right apparel. Head scarf and cat eye sunglasses. The power to weight ratio is probably crazy.

  • @Tonedog88
    @Tonedog88 2 года назад +26

    Being the only non-family person to drive a car representing 50 years of family love and effort....lady, you should feel honored. Nice video!

  • @robertbailey8003
    @robertbailey8003 2 года назад +42

    As a UK engineer who was a young boy when the Sprite came out, I can tell you I love this car and the way you have designed and developed it. It is perfect for its environment.

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +2

      Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed watching!!

    • @oldbloke135
      @oldbloke135 Год назад

      To do this on 2D AutoCAD is a remarkable piece of work. The result is definitely something to be proud of. I don't know how you keep your driving license!

  • @MikeAarset
    @MikeAarset 2 года назад +94

    I have a bugeye and this bugeye was done so well. A real engineering masterpiece. Love it. Super impressed

  • @allanbowes6952
    @allanbowes6952 2 года назад +26

    In the spring of 1962 I was sharing driving to work with a friend who had a white Sprite. The trip was about 20 miles each way. At highway speed 60 MPH or so you felt that you were at 'Warp" speed. Your bottom felt about one inch from the road. This is probably the best refit of a Sprite period. Very well done!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +3

      Thank you so much for watching and sharing your story. Glad you liked it!!

    • @daveevans5291
      @daveevans5291 Год назад

      I agree.

    • @darrinrentruc6614
      @darrinrentruc6614 10 месяцев назад

      They are cheap for the reason that they shitty cars. I guess removing 100 percent of the drive train,suspension,steering is all they need to be nice cars.

  • @tomgardner6294
    @tomgardner6294 2 года назад +135

    The. Scarf, the glasses, the car…so perfect. Only do be outdone by the laughing that accompanied that first burnout..this one really brought the best out of you. Such a great video! And such great engineering to make it all possible. What an amazing car!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +6

      Glad you enjoyed it..thanks for watching!!

    • @davidburne9477
      @davidburne9477 2 года назад +9

      That cackle sounded like it was straight from the witches of Macbeth. Gold!

    • @1nvisible1
      @1nvisible1 2 года назад +8

      *Power/weight ratio just N of the Challenger Shuttle.*
      *In forty years when his kids give it the "vertical" refresh with the carbon tub frame and stub wings, it will have a flight ceiling of 40,000 feet.*

    • @robertweinmann9408
      @robertweinmann9408 2 года назад +3

      First time seeing one of your videos, which was excellent. With your scarf and shades, you look just like Andrea Martins character Pirini Scleroso. I mean that in the best possible way!

    • @randolfo1265
      @randolfo1265 2 года назад +1

      @@robertweinmann9408 - Pirini Scleroso! (Big fan here)

  • @oxtoolco
    @oxtoolco 2 года назад +48

    I've ridden in this car. It indeed has no room in the footwells. I got my steel toe boots stuck when Dave gave me a ride in it. Excellent video! Dave had his nervous face on.
    All the best,
    Tom

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +5

      Haha..glad you liked it!!

    • @Keith_Ward
      @Keith_Ward 2 года назад +3

      Hey Tom! The people you run into in the strangest places! I'll bet you knew they were using AutoCAD like I did long before he said it.

    • @timclaus8313
      @timclaus8313 2 года назад +1

      Got to ride in the Sprite after the 426 hemi was installed. Not likely to forget that ride, ever.

  • @timmungenast
    @timmungenast 2 года назад +48

    When wretched excess is this beautifully engineered and executed, it becomes Art. This is one amazing roadster, and a very fun video! Nice work all around!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +5

      Glad you enjoy it! Thanks so much for watching!!

    • @raymondo162
      @raymondo162 2 года назад

      MEH

    • @davidfreeman8074
      @davidfreeman8074 2 года назад +1

      @@NicoleJohnsonsDetour The 80 in. wheelbase and this big engine is seemingly a notch
      MORE pathological puppy beyond Mr. Shelby's gas guzzlin' AC. Awesome build quality.

  • @boronsniify
    @boronsniify 2 года назад +43

    Great job Vaughan, not only in building the Sprite, but raising such a personable son! Props to you!

  • @harryspeakup8452
    @harryspeakup8452 2 года назад +91

    This is so beautifully executed when it could (and most times would) have been a complete abomination. As a Brit with an appreciation of high powered mongrels I very much appreciate it. Hats off to the Marians for making it real and letting Nicole bring it to us for everyone's pleasure

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +5

      How nice..thank you !!

    • @frankish5314
      @frankish5314 2 года назад +5

      So thats 2 of us Brits on here.. Any more?

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +6

      @@frankish5314 Well, there have been comments screaming at us that these are called Frogeye, not Bugeye. I'm willing to bet those folks are Brits... who didn't bother to watch! We clearly state that we call them Bugeye in the US! 😂 Anyway, thanks for watching!

    • @TheGearhead222
      @TheGearhead222 2 года назад +4

      Reminds me of the Sunbeam Tiger or ACE Cobra on steroids!;)-John in Texas

    • @nygelmiller5293
      @nygelmiller5293 2 года назад +2

      @@frankish5314 yes, ME, Nygel Miller. Look out for my long comment, about how I admired these when I was on my way to school!

  • @rldunn38
    @rldunn38 2 года назад +8

    I kept waiting for her to break out singing, 'They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said, "No, no, no"'.
    Beautiful car, equally beautiful work under its skin.

  • @yjsaabman
    @yjsaabman 2 года назад +25

    The scarf and the sunglasses are perfect! They just add to the unassuming nature of the car. What a fantastic piece of engineering. Thank you for sharing the car and the fantastic story behind it with us!

  • @58raceguy
    @58raceguy 2 года назад +25

    Nicole, you always do such a great job on your episodes. You come across as being easy to converse with and always have intelligent questions. When you first nailed the throttle and started cracking up, you had me laughing right along with you. You were definitely rockin’ the sunglasses too! Thanks for sharing this car with all of us, it’s completely absurd in the most fantastic way. I’m really impressed with the engineering they put into the build. Keep up the great work, we love ‘ya for it.

  • @trollerguy
    @trollerguy 2 года назад +2

    You are a Queen, you presented this man's car like a pro. I will be watching for others.

  • @CLCIII
    @CLCIII 2 года назад +5

    That is a 100 plus smiles per hour car for sure! Perfect Los Angelas Crest Cruiser! Love it!

  • @robertbutler8004
    @robertbutler8004 2 года назад +3

    Every boy needs a dad as this guy has!!!

  • @markdavid4897
    @markdavid4897 2 года назад +2

    A great car, driven by a lovely woman. The headscarf, white rimmed sunglasses and attitude are so 1960's. I really enjoy this video.

  • @ChucklesGarageOfficial
    @ChucklesGarageOfficial 2 года назад +25

    I support this kind of irresponsibility

  • @danamesarchik3633
    @danamesarchik3633 2 года назад +8

    Dave what a great treat for all your Dads hard work over this years. I remember when I first saw this project 30 years ago and was amazed at what he was building. Nicole great job keeping all that HP on the road as Dave is not a very good passenger.

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +5

      Haha..I actually thought he was a pretty good sport as a passenger, considering they had never let anyone drive the car before.

  • @dustbat
    @dustbat 2 года назад +1

    My first wife bought one of these. Not QUITE like this one! It cost me my 65 GTO, that is another story. I see a lot of smart in this car, amazing and leaves me wonder struck. This is by far the best car video I have ever seen. Others should use this as a standard. Love girls reaction on light off.

  • @DMJ52
    @DMJ52 2 года назад +5

    In the UK we call this car a Frogeye Sprite ….. very nicely engineered project, super job.

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад

      I know..I think Frogeye and Bugeye both describe the car!! Glad you enjoyed it!!

  • @scccp
    @scccp 2 года назад +4

    I worked my way through law school doing mild restorations of Austin Healy Bug-eyed Sprites and 100s. Did do one Jag. This brings back memories of working in the non-air conditioned garage behind my apartment on many hot and cold days. Great job on the car and the video. Thanks to both of you.

  • @glennoropeza3545
    @glennoropeza3545 2 года назад +1

    I love nothing better than an over size engine squeezed into an undersized car! But a 7.7 liter engine in a car that was designed for a 800cc car is beyond incredible!

  • @Trentyist
    @Trentyist 2 года назад +16

    That is just fantastic. Beautifully engineered. I live in the UK. Frog eye sprites are few and far between now but they are always a head turner when seen out and about. I really enjoyed watching that.........thanks and best wishes.

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +1

      How nice!! Thank you so much for watching..glad you enjoyed it!!

  • @allanpolk2681
    @allanpolk2681 2 года назад +3

    What a beautifully put together car.
    Everything is seamlessly matched and so well done. The ultimate
    sleeper. Nice.

  • @davidtaysom3592
    @davidtaysom3592 2 года назад +1

    My mum and dad had one of these in England in the 60s and it was the first car ever I ever took to the road sat on my dad's lap when I was about 4 years old steering the car love them and still want one really enjoyed your video the gentleman that owns it is such a good sport

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +1

      How nice that you have those memories!! We're so glad you enjoyed watching!!

  • @cyberburnzy
    @cyberburnzy 2 года назад +12

    The car and all the work and love this family has put into it is fantastic. Nicole, you are looking so classy in this video - very Audrey Hepburn! The camera work was great especially those high altitude drone shots.

  • @possumwilliams2940
    @possumwilliams2940 2 года назад +4

    Nicole, your facial expressions and your infectious laughter says it all....I love this little bogeyed sprite and I just adore you 🥰..thank you for the smile ☺ on my face !!

  • @peterbonnez
    @peterbonnez 2 года назад +1

    Excellent. No loud exhaust, no spoilers, still has it's bumpers. I like that. A pal lent me his for 2 days in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Spain, very similar roads to those you are on. What a lot of fun I had in it, his has a 1293 cc Arden conversion, that was plenty fast enough. This Mopar car would be insane! A friend in UK has a Frogeye with a 6 cylinder 2.5 litre engine from an original JEEP.

  • @DraQuul
    @DraQuul 2 года назад +19

    This was great on sooo many levels. I loved the car, the engineering that went into building it and I thoroughly enjoyed watching you two make this very entertaining video. Excellent job!!!😉

  • @maxxwellbeing5208
    @maxxwellbeing5208 2 года назад +5

    Awesome sixties shades and bonnet look. And the car...you can see it squatting down with pure power... What a cool build, total sleeper... they're totally sitting on a motor and transmission...

    • @timclaus8313
      @timclaus8313 2 года назад

      This is the automotive equivalent of a WWII fighter, strap on an engine and be gone....

  • @adamwebber9547
    @adamwebber9547 2 года назад +1

    In 1985 I bought a 1960 Bugeye from a guy on Coronado Island in San Diego California. If I were better prepared training, tools, and time-wise I would've put in a new wire harness - loved driving that little gem around, it had a 1976 1200cc motor in it. I haven't watched this video yet but it's cool to see one and I'm excited to watch your video. I wish I kept it and still had it. Thanks for posting this!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +1

      And thank you so much..hope you enjoy watching!!

    • @caddydave
      @caddydave 2 года назад

      Did you watch it?? Did it change your life?

    • @adamwebber9547
      @adamwebber9547 2 года назад

      @@caddydave I did watch it and was blown away at the skill, effort, patience, and family appreciation for the results. Amazing results! I can imagine driving that small car, with high performance frame & suspension, and all that power/torque!

  • @jimmybarr9411
    @jimmybarr9411 2 года назад +3

    I love this guy, so calm and collected, super down to earth.

  • @joecausey8508
    @joecausey8508 2 года назад +4

    I love it! The car, the laughing, the woman.... ❤

  • @rayfoster6980
    @rayfoster6980 2 года назад +1

    In ‘63 my dad bought my mom a new Sunbeam Alpine. She always wore a scarf and the coolest shades of the day. You pulled that look off just as well. As a kid my twin brother and I rode with dad on 2 round trips from the LA area to Clearwater Florida in the Alpine It ended up being my first car and the first of many little British sports cars including a Bug Eye. Those were the days, great job on a great car.

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад

      Awesome..thanks for sharing!! Glad you liked it!!

    • @caddydave
      @caddydave 2 года назад +1

      2 kids with dad in an Alpine coast to coast had to be an amazing experience!

  • @slicksnewonenow
    @slicksnewonenow 2 года назад +5

    "Car Guys" are a dime a dozen... But "Car Gals" are as rare as a Blue Moon....😍

  • @davethehippieman2665
    @davethehippieman2665 2 года назад +3

    The level of WOW in this Bugeye is off the charts.

  • @fknbastages
    @fknbastages Год назад +1

    She rips straight as an arrow. Gorgeous car.
    You would look fabulous in anything, hon.

  • @spicydragon3881
    @spicydragon3881 2 года назад +3

    This was an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC video! Your Sprite is both beautiful and pure insanity and I loved every second of it. When my parents got married they had a Sprite and it stayed in the family until I could drive. It was truly, like yours, a member of the family (and even with original Lucas wiring I think it got yelled at less than I did at times). Truly, hats off to your dad and the entire family for the time and incredible engineering (and patience) that went into this. Bravo.

  • @exinfernnus
    @exinfernnus 2 года назад +7

    The first few minutes I said, "Yah that's cool." Then they opened the hood. I teared up a bit at that point.

  • @rogerehinger6694
    @rogerehinger6694 2 года назад +1

    When I was in highschool some sixty years ago our water polo coach was about six three or four. He drove a little blue bug eye sprite, top up on rainy days. Loved seeing this car.

    • @caddydave
      @caddydave 2 года назад

      This car was baby blue before we rebuilt it. I think they look great in bright , cheerful colors!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад

      Thanks so much for watching...glad you enjoyed it!!

  • @umbertoyltp
    @umbertoyltp 2 года назад +15

    You even found '59 style sunglasses and scarf!
    I saw Hoovie owning an original restored Austin Healey which had a tiny engine delivering 43 horsepower!
    Thanks to the overall weight it still was a fun car, but not exactly burning rubber!
    The Healy was designed to be a very affordable sportscar as Jeremy Clarkson would say ;-)
    I love the father and sons lifetime effort and knowhow to evolve this sweetie pie into a contained monster fit for people who may have to drop their shoes, haha!

  • @tomcolegrove5491
    @tomcolegrove5491 2 года назад +10

    A short 21-minutes ago I said, "Oh! Look! Another Nicole Johnson's Detour video!!!!" It was over all too quickly (in more ways than one!). Thanks for the ride-along.

  • @carstenrehder4531
    @carstenrehder4531 2 года назад +1

    Badassed Dad ever ! And holy moly, what a cool car, he and his sons, created. Im stunned.

  • @oldschool8432
    @oldschool8432 2 года назад +5

    Awesome car, awesome interviewer an awesome builder

  • @John_Morrison
    @John_Morrison 2 года назад +6

    That is truly awesome, best thing I've seen in months. The engineering is top notch! I would love to pull in to a service station and ask them to check the oil. (as if they even did anymore) Or better yet a classic english car mechanic who doesn't know about that car.

  • @johnmact5548
    @johnmact5548 2 года назад +1

    I lived in Palm Desert and Restored British sports cars in the UK. That's one awesome build, and a great look, Same sunglasses as my wife.

  • @stuartb9323
    @stuartb9323 2 года назад +17

    What an awesome little car!
    Everytime you guys nailed the throttle, I was laughing along with you both.
    That look you had going on Nicole reminded me of a photo of my Mom back in 1963. Same cat eye glasses, and that scarf was on the money!
    You've got my Sub for several reasons 🙂

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +2

      Awesome...thank you so much for the sub. Glad you enjoyed watching!!

  • @billmcgarry3300
    @billmcgarry3300 2 года назад +6

    Wow! That’s Crazy…and well engineered. Makes my 327 powered Healey 100 and my 289 powered Tiger look very Tame!!
    Excellent quality video production.
    Thanks Nicole!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад

      Glad you like it! Thanks for watching!!

    • @MrGaryGG48
      @MrGaryGG48 2 года назад

      You're on my "train of thought, Bill." A neighbor of mine many years ago, stuffed a Mazda B13 Rotary in a "Buggy/Frog Eye" and thought he had a miraculous beast of a car. 🤣 He had no idea!!! When I first saw this episode on the list, I was thinking, "Nicole has lost her mind!!" After watching the rest of the video, I have to agree that the Marian family guys have engineered this thing down to the last nut & bolt. The result is phenomenal. 👍 (...we're still watching Nicole closely! 😂 )

    • @wagonmaster1974
      @wagonmaster1974 2 года назад

      @@NicoleJohnsonsDetour Right there with Bill. Back in the 80s, I had an automotive shop. Did inventive mechanical things.
      I stuffed a 340 MOPAR drivetrain into a 1959 Austin Healey 100/6. Drove it probably half a dozen total times, three times on the street, before I took it apart. One of the more frightening vehicles I have ever piloted! It was clearanced with a yardstick and a set of calipers. Ok, not quite so rudimentary, but no cad program was available.
      Hats off to Vaughn and his boys for using their heads and expertise to build this frog righteously!
      Respect to David for trusting Nicole to the wheel and for Nicole treating it well. Very good driver!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад

      @@wagonmaster1974 Thank you for sharing and for the kind words!

  • @eking4962
    @eking4962 4 месяца назад

    Fantastic build and amazing video! As a retired Naval Submariner and a manufacturing engineer at an engineering design firm, i highly appreciate the complexity and thought put into this build, bravo!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  4 месяца назад

      Thank you for the comment!! We're glad you enjoyed watching!!

  • @anthonycollingridge970
    @anthonycollingridge970 2 года назад +18

    Its a three quarter scale Cobra!!! Fantastic execution and hats off to the owner and his Dad.

  • @billnlori3149
    @billnlori3149 2 года назад +3

    What an absolute beast of a sleeper!! Love it. The sun glasses were totally on point lol!!

  • @radsk8rbigollies594
    @radsk8rbigollies594 Год назад +1

    I like how it is still the exact same size and still looks like a real sprite. It is respectful to the original aesthetic but extremely custom and hot rodded. Job well done. Cool- Cool- Cool!

  • @capnchip
    @capnchip 2 года назад +6

    Really cool! I was a dealer for these things back in the day! Still love them! This car has everything...but ...seat belts! With no top an accident would absolutely send you into the next county on the fly! OUCH!

    • @george344
      @george344 Год назад

      Just don’t crash🌝

  • @Motor-City-Mike
    @Motor-City-Mike 2 года назад +3

    That's a new one -
    Most Bugeye/V8 conversions I've seen over the years were small block Fords - narrow and light, easiest to get in place.
    I've seen one with a small block Chevy, but the difference in weight made the driveability pretty poor.
    But this is the first large displacement, large V8 I've seen in a Bugeye...
    Go Healy go!!!

  • @AMXhotrod
    @AMXhotrod 2 года назад +2

    Was grinning like a possum watching this. And I've got a 66 A/C Cobra, so I'm used to fast , small cars. This thing looks so fun.

    • @CarVideoCzar
      @CarVideoCzar 2 года назад

      Thats a very rare and valuable car sir. Wow

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +1

      Thank you so much for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!!

    • @AMXhotrod
      @AMXhotrod 2 года назад +2

      @@CarVideoCzar its a kit, but a very accurate copy. I don't have the million or so for an original. The upside is, I can drive mine hard and not worry about crashing a 7 figure car. :-)

  • @scottimusgarrett15
    @scottimusgarrett15 2 года назад +7

    I love Bugeye Sprites, and this is just too much fun! Who needs a stinkin' Cobra?!😂 I would like to see it with custom offset/width wire wheels to make it even more of a sleeper in profile! That being said, it's still awesome! Thanks, Nicole!✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

  • @lewismocaby3646
    @lewismocaby3646 2 года назад +4

    Awesome,absolutely awesome!!! My grandparents had 4 bugeye Sprites until about 20 years ago when they moved to my great grandparents farm and decided it was time to downsize. I really didn’t get the appeal of these cars, having been at the Dragstrip since the age of 6 mos. old but in recent years I’m starting to understand. Definitely a cool platform to build from,great video.

  • @keithboyd1857
    @keithboyd1857 2 года назад +2

    I LOVE YOU NICOLE JOHNSON !!! You ROCK !!! your so unique

  • @alanmorris1996
    @alanmorris1996 2 года назад +3

    you’re not beautiful … you’re MORE than BEAUTY !!! And you know it !!

  • @davect01
    @davect01 2 года назад +5

    You always find some great rides and owners ☺️

  • @rustybearden1800
    @rustybearden1800 2 года назад +1

    It's a classic recipe - take the biggest engine and install it in a small car. Few have done it as well as this stunning vehicle - a textbook example of a sleeper - love it!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад

      Couldn't agree more! Thank you for watching!!

    • @rustybearden1800
      @rustybearden1800 2 года назад

      @@NicoleJohnsonsDetour Really wonderful and refreshing to see a male dominated pastime from a passionate, intelligent and obviously vibrant lady's point of view - thank you!

  • @43JohnDeere
    @43JohnDeere 2 года назад +4

    I suspect many are out there trying to dream up a car to build just so they can be featured on your channel....the turbocharged Subaru VW Bug engineer guy is still the number one most hilarious reaction to your driving...Hemi Sprite guy is probably the most calm so far. Soon you could have a compilation video of terrified reactions.

  • @sportswolf1
    @sportswolf1 2 года назад +7

    What a great car but the best part for me was the chemistry between the two of you. I'm still laughing. This is my favorite video this week.

  • @dougoverhoff7568
    @dougoverhoff7568 2 года назад +1

    Back in the 60's my brother and his friend bought a '54 Austin Healey that had a 327 Corvette engine. That car was so awesome!

    • @kimlground206
      @kimlground206 2 года назад +1

      That would have been a 100-6 or 3000 conversion. Very popular and almost bolt-in.

  • @DC-mj4lx
    @DC-mj4lx 2 года назад +4

    Another awesome episode! You have a great knack for telling the story, not just a car review or screaming drive. Thank you so much to you and your team. I also enjoy that you always treat the owners and their cars with such respect.

  • @campbellpaul
    @campbellpaul 2 года назад +6

    Great video! I always wanted an Austin Healy Sprite. Thanks for the upload, Nicole!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад

      You're welcome..thanks for watching!!

    • @scooterbob4432
      @scooterbob4432 2 года назад +1

      My high school dream car. Now retired, the only Sprite I have is the soda pop.

    • @campbellpaul
      @campbellpaul 2 года назад +1

      @@scooterbob4432 We both live in an indifferent world, Bob!

    • @scooterbob4432
      @scooterbob4432 2 года назад +1

      @@campbellpaul Sprite is my wife's favorite drink, Paul. She wouldn't believe me that there was once upon a time a sportscar named Sprite until I showed her the picture. She said it looks like an ugly frog.

  • @shackcf
    @shackcf 2 года назад +2

    I have no idea how you found this treasure. I was a BMC/Leyland, Peugeot, Citroen mechanic in the late 60's & early 70's. Until they were no longer imported then I switched to other imports. This was a great video!! Thank you very much. Had to be a blast!! 😉👍👍

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад

      Thank you so much..we're glad you enjoyed watching!! Yes..it was a blast!!

  • @LosZonga
    @LosZonga 2 года назад +5

    Another awesome video, magnetism and such a well designed car. Great content, congrats to the builders, such a great inspiration and history.

  • @David-dd7qe
    @David-dd7qe 2 года назад +5

    As always great content! Love the car and your look! Should have left the scarf trail behind in the wind a couple of feet! Awesome family build!

  • @c.s.s.1723
    @c.s.s.1723 2 года назад +1

    Just an exquisite one- off build. Yes..! Just the fact that it has taken decades to design and properly build. What is not to love..?
    This car is a rocket ship. My mom drove one of these in the late 50’s. Thank you for this video. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • @rickiji1
    @rickiji1 2 года назад +4

    As a Bugeye owner,I was very impressed with the engineering that went into the build.I would have been too nervous to have been in that passenger seat,with much power at Nicole's disposal! Just sayin!! Thanks for the tour!!

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +1

      Dave was very brave! Thank you for watching..glad you liked it!!

  • @robertamoyaw8812
    @robertamoyaw8812 2 года назад +3

    What a Dad!!!!🤠👍

  • @SoCalChoppas
    @SoCalChoppas 2 года назад +1

    Wow, just Wow....great build. Nicole awesome job and the scarf head covering...perfect for the ride!

  • @loddude5706
    @loddude5706 2 года назад +3

    Wonderful machine - just take a silly idea & make it work, perfectly - good engineering is always a joy to behold.
    (Looking at Morgan's 'success' over the last thousand years, who'd be your choice to build/launch an electric Sprite? : )

  • @invictus3598
    @invictus3598 2 года назад +4

    A great ride! In my opinion, some car manufacturer should be building this car for auto enthusiasts to enjoy and appreciate. Thank you for sharing!

  • @Gmacrone
    @Gmacrone 2 года назад +1

    Wow, another sleeper and the looks on your face were absolutely priceless.

  • @johnbarker5009
    @johnbarker5009 2 года назад +5

    You continue to find the most incredible cars for your videos. The engineering and construction of this thing is absolutely amazing, and it looks to be a ton of fun. It also appears to be easy to drive for such a high powered, low weight car. Again, that speaks to the engineering. I'd think the footwells would get really hot, though.

  • @michaelmartinez1345
    @michaelmartinez1345 2 года назад +1

    What a masterpiece of engineering!!!! Wow!!! This car is something else!!! Intense acceleration and an OMG moment, every time the gas pedal is even slightly depressed !!! I especially like the final scenes of driving up SR 74 coming out of Palm Desert... I used to take that highway to visit my folks when I lived in Orange county... I would pick up SR-74 in Mission Viejo and take it all the way to Palm Desert, then turn to the West on Hwy 111 Twd's P.S. .... Follow the same route in a reverse direction on the way back home... My folks lived in Palm Springs back then... A beautiful drive it is... Brings back a lot of memories....

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  2 года назад +1

      Yes..it's a beautiful drive for sure. Thank you so much for watching..we're glad you enjoyed it!!

  • @K777John
    @K777John 2 года назад +1

    Beautiful job, beautiful car-I had a Frogeye back in 1969, it was an ex hillclimb car with a half race 1622 MGA engine and Moss straight cut gearbox, standard chassis, rear axle, and suspension. When I got it it still had the standard 7 inch drum brakes…….the front and rear were glass fibre-there had to be a large bulge in the bonnet (hood to you guys) to clear the rocker cover. I had problems with it continually breaking half shafts-got some special competition shafts from the factory which cured it-best handling car I have ever owned. Eventually I sold it to a friend and it got hit up the rear in Italy and totalled. I think the work you have done on this car is amazing and a total credit to you and your family.
    Respect from the UK.

  • @nmoran2046
    @nmoran2046 Год назад +2

    I’ve been a car guy for decades, gearhead petrol head whatever you wanna call, how do you consistently find these incredible high-quality one off builds by some guy in a closet I am truly shocked by the quality of the builds that I see on this channel Nicole you and your team are fantastic

    • @NicoleJohnsonsDetour
      @NicoleJohnsonsDetour  Год назад +1

      Thank you so much!! We're glad you're enjoying watching. Very much appreciated!!

  • @johnbecay3859
    @johnbecay3859 2 года назад +2

    i love these cars that a family keeps for generations and keep working on. they have so much more cred than cars that people bang out and then go on to the next one.

  • @bkizers
    @bkizers 2 года назад +2

    From a retired 43yr master mechanic that is awesome build horse power to weight ratio really makes it a fun car to drive. Great job!

  • @BobbyTucker
    @BobbyTucker 2 года назад +1

    The way your knees come in contact with the dash eliminates the need for airbags! lol

  • @jeffprice6421
    @jeffprice6421 Год назад +1

    That noise coming out of that car is crazy. Love this.

  • @frenchenstein
    @frenchenstein 2 года назад +2

    The look is awesome. Though to experience some serious twisty roads you need to come to North Wales. I would be happy to take you for a scorching drive on some of my favourite stretches, wife permitting, in my 1968 Ford Escort😆👍🏽

  • @danielzwickel7147
    @danielzwickel7147 Год назад

    In college I was a big TR3 fan, so this brings back memories, of just how much FUN Brits made driving. And to render the Bugeye so civilized, belying the Hemi. Beautifully, masterfully done. Bravo!

  • @philipashford8102
    @philipashford8102 2 года назад +1

    MISS NICOLE YOUR"E A BLEESING DOING THESE VIDEOS IT SHOWS A LOT OF THE CLASSICS THAT ARE RARELY SEEN & YOU HAVE A BLAST TALKING ABOUT THE CARS & HISTORY ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE & HAVING A TOTAL BLAST THANKS AGAIN

  • @michaelchristianson7743
    @michaelchristianson7743 Год назад +1

    Your laugh when gettin on it is great.

  • @kesslermontijo6304
    @kesslermontijo6304 2 года назад +1

    True hot rodding is shown here. Real "rodding" is NOT standing at the door signing checks! Amazing detail and of tech things that at my age have no clue to. Not only impressive, but INSANE!!!!

  • @henrikcarlsen1881
    @henrikcarlsen1881 2 года назад +2

    This was a good one. The car, the chemistry and the outfit. All great.

  • @TheAdamwest29
    @TheAdamwest29 2 года назад +1

    Nice!! My Dad fwd me this video as I also have a sprite. 1960. Red. This is some wonderful engineering marvel - as I imagine Healey would agree.

  • @jnucleo
    @jnucleo 2 года назад +2

    This was a great respit from the mad, mad, mad, mad world we live in today! That is one of my favorite movies of all time, great choice for a road trip! As an engineer and motorhead, I really appreciate the work the Marian family put into this over the top Bugeye. Well done!

  • @fricknjeep
    @fricknjeep 2 года назад +1

    hi there good show , nice car well made . thanks for sharing john

  • @kensbackshop6399
    @kensbackshop6399 2 года назад +1

    Kudos to the 3guys who built this amazing car,,,,,,that is one super sleeper for sure,,,,awesome guys

  • @monzarace
    @monzarace Год назад

    Respect for all those hours spent calculating, designing and fabricating all these parts to make a wonderful micro muscle car!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Kind regards.

  • @notwocdivad
    @notwocdivad 2 года назад +1

    In answer to your question Yes there are a decent number of FROGEYE's both on the road and racetracks around the UK. Road cars are very collectable and prices are rising rapidly for these little cars, They are still raced in various guises at tracks and events like the GOODWOOD REVIVAL. (You can find video's on youtube) Thank you for sharing your amazing Sprite!!

  • @RPM-sr2gn
    @RPM-sr2gn 8 месяцев назад

    This little car is something else.I've never heard or seen anything like this.Thanks to John & his family or letting Nicole to drive this & let everyone see what this car can do.Unbelievable Car.Thanks Nicole for adding this to your channel.

  • @johnhicks9929
    @johnhicks9929 2 года назад +1

    I`M BACK ! GREAT VIDEO ! MS. JOHNSON , YOU ROCK THE CAT EYE SHADES AND HEADSCARF !! YOU HAD THE BIG GUY HANGIN` ON ! THAT CAR IS REALLY ENGINEERED TO THE MAX ! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS ! 478 HEMI HEALEY , I`M IN HEAVEN !!