The DFW Car & Toy Museum has expanded its Ron Sturgeon Collection with the addition of a 2010 Spyker C8 Spyder, a handcrafted Dutch supercar with fewer than 1,600 miles on its odometer. This vehicle, previously owned by former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, offers museum visitors a tangible connection to a transitional period in high-performance automotive history, where mechanical transparency and driver engagement took precedence over electronic intervention.
What distinguishes the Spyker C8 Spyder is its uncompromising dedication to an aviation-inspired aesthetic and mechanical visibility, qualities that have grown scarce in modern supercar design. The car's foundation is a rigid aluminum space frame, complemented by an adjustable independent suspension system with Koni shocks and slotted disc brakes featuring Spyker-branded calipers. Power comes from a mid-mounted 4.2-liter Audi V8 engine, generating 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a Getrag six-speed manual transmission and a Drexler limited-slip differential.
The design philosophy is one of exposed artistry. Polished roll hoops, an intricate shifter linkage visible behind the seats, scissor doors, and frameless windows showcase the mechanical components. Inside, the cabin is adorned with engine-turned aluminum panels, milled switchgear, and polished door hardware, creating an environment that museum founder Ron Sturgeon likened more to a fighter jet cockpit than a traditional grand tourer. "There are supercars, and then there are works of art with license plates—and the Spyker C8 is the latter," Sturgeon said. "From the exposed linkage to the aircraft-style toggle switches, it's a rolling sculpture built for speed."
This acquisition underscores the museum's curatorial mission to feature vehicles that narrate a broader story about automotive culture and engineering philosophy. The Spyker C8 Spyder epitomizes an era when supercar manufacturers emphasized tactile, analog driving experiences before the widespread adoption of electronic driver aids and hybrid powertrains. Its placement within the collection provides critical context for understanding the evolution of automotive performance and design priorities in the 21st century.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, home to over 200 collector vehicles in rotating exhibitions, continues to enhance its permanent holdings with historically significant models. For those interested in viewing this and other exhibits, details on current displays and operating hours are available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. The institution's broader collection, which includes various automotive memorabilia, has also been documented through its previous online presence at https://dfwelitetoymuseum.com.
