Sure enough, his Sprite parks over drip pans front to back on the floor of her slip.

In 1958, the AH Sprite was marketed in North America as a car that was affordable and exciting to drive. Anderson has an extensive collection of magazine ads from that period.

"Beautifully Fast" is one pitch, featuring an attractive woman dressed to the nines, seated at the wheel. A cheetah is cuddled up to her, draped over the car's rear like a living accessory. The ad is a sophisticated Alberto Vargas-style drawing.

In reality, the Sprite, like most sports cars of the day, was a no-nonsense vehicle with virtually no amenities. The early ones had no carpet. The floor was covered by a molded rubber mat. There were no roll up windows, they were fixed side curtains. Heaters and even the front bumper were options. There's no trunk lid. Space in the car's rear can be accessed by reaching behind the seats.

To check the engine, both front fenders, radiator cowl and bonnet (hood) lift together as one assembly. The distinctive headlamps mounted on the fenders which gave the car its "Bugeye" name were the result of design cost-cutting. The original plan had been for retractable lamps, but the necessary mechanism proved too expensive.

Serendipitous good fortune that, because the tiny car's insect-like eyes became iconic. Mention Sprites and even people only vaguely familiar with classic cars will ask if it's a Bugeye.

But even with few creature comforts, what made the Sprite so popular is that it's a blast to drive. To this day the 1968 British racing green Sprite I had briefly in college was more fun than any other ride. Advertising promises in Playboy magazine of "Dashing, quick and responsive..." all were kept. The steering is so precise that over-correction is the most common error made by novice drivers. Anderson has mastered the nuances, even racing his "Bugeye" competitively on occasion.

"But one of the best things is that people smile when they see our Sprite. You feel like you're brightening someone's day just driving down the road," he said.

One of Anderson's pre-teen sons wandered into the room searching for his shoes. Asked what he likes about Sprites the reply was speedy.

"I like it when dad drives fast. Going fast is cool," he said.

Judging by this boyish enthusiasm, the little Sprite in the carriage house can undoubtedly look forward to another generation with the Anderson family.

Editor's note: Have you seen a cool vehicle around Norman? Writer Doug Hill's always on the lookout for future Dig My Ride columns. E-mail him at Hillreviews@hotmail.com.