By John Lewis Pitts Times-Democrat Special Writer Think about

By John Lewis Pitts

Times-Democrat Special Writer

Think about the most comfortable “Saturday shirt” in your closet, the one you slip into when you want to unwind and forget about the world for a while.

Now, imagine a Saturday shirt that could haul you around country backroads well in excess of the speed limit, with the wind and the sun in your face, and you’ll better understand Warrenton insurance agent Dick Bowen’s driving passion for his favorite automobile.

Bowen’s pride and joy is a 1960 Austin Healey “Bugeye” Sprite, a tiny convertible sports car that he has lovingly restored since buying it about a decade ago.

“This is a car for the backroads,” he said. “You really get the feel of the road in a car like this. On the highway, you’re just riding. But on the right road, with a lot of curves, you’re driving. You feel the car, smell the fresh air, you’re shifting gears and really getting into*it ... that’s a great experience.”

Why is the Sprite nicknamed “Bugeye”? The headlights bulge improbably out of the hood, giving the car a “face” that looks a little bit insectlike, or perhaps like a smiling frog.

“In England, some people call it the ‘Frogeye,’ “ Bowen said. “When this car was introduced, it was a reasonably priced car that would go like hell. The lines of the car were nice lines and it was basic, as far as quality goes.”

The car is painted black with a wmt^*eo7VYertible top and chrome spoke wheels; “Itwas’fcfaeny flid when it was new in 1960, but it was^llnted an ugly schuolbus yellow with blac^trim when Thought it,” he said. '

After doing a little reseansji, Bowen was able to learn that his car afriftred ® the United States from Great BritairTat the port of Charleston, S.C. when it was new. “I bought it from a fellow around here, but where It was between 1960

the time it got here, I have no idea.”

Lout three years ago, Bowen

the drive train of another