The Austin-Healey "Bugeye" Sprite is an undeniably cute car. But Dean Stribling's 1961 Sprite is cuter than the average Bugeye. Dean makes sure of that when he shows the car. With a pair of XXXL googly eyes adorning the headlamps, there is zero doubt that his little sports car is smiling.

When kids get to the show, that Ferrari or Daytona Hemi mean nothing to them next to the happy little red sports car. Beyond the decidedly non-OEM peepers, Dean legitimately loves having kids check out his car up close and personal.

You've got a small "Look, but don't touch" sign on your car? Dean has one for the windshield that says "Yes! Touch! Yes! Get in!" In case you don't catch that, he also has a placard he displays with a caricature of his big-eyed Bugeye that declares "Bugeyes Are Fun! Kids Welcome!"

With the COVID-19 vaccine program in full swing and a little bit of hope, car shows should start filling our calendars again soon. When they do, we need to invite kids to play with our cars. Come inside, sit down, grab the wheel, flip the switches, and rattle the shifter. Please, get sticky fingerprints all over the body. I am sure they'll wash off. If the finish on your car can't survive a brief brush with cotton candy hands, is it really that good of a finish to begin with?

Show season will come back, and Dean will be there with his Sprite. This summer, I want you to be like Dean. Don't ever forget: Bugeyes are fun!