Internally fiberglassing the plaster cast produces a fiberglass shell to fashion the car’s body. This shell is then affixed to a sturdier steel chassis engineered for practical on-road use. Notably, welding masks are absent throughout the process; the artisans employ their hands as shielding as necessary or divert their gaze from the intense welding arc.
The front of the chassis adopts a straightforward A-arm suspension system, somewhat reminiscent of the arrangement found on the original NA Mazda Miata, albeit with inboard coilovers instead of the standard vertically mounted units. The rear end is designed with a This appears to feature a 5-link arrangement, once again with the dampers positioned inboard. Propulsion comes from an aged Toyota four-cylinder engine nestled in a mid-mounted layout. The carbureted powerplant undergoes a refreshing cleanup and receives a silver coat of paint.
Throughout the fabrication process, various clever methods are utilized to accomplish tasks in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner. It’s especially fascinating to witness a spray can being used to transfer the bolt configuration from the hubs onto a circular steel blank, which is later machined and drilled to craft bespoke brake rotors for the vehicle.
The chassis is now affixed to the automobile, and meticulous effort is devoted to the final touches. Mesh panels are installed in the grille, while significant focus is placed on elements like the rear diffuser and exhaust tips to achieve the desired aesthetic. A faux panel is even fitted on the rear deck to mimic the exposed W16 engine featured in the authentic Chiron design. The car is coated in a suitable paint scheme resembling the iconic Bugatti blue-over-black.
Unsurprisingly, the driving experience falls below that of a genuine Bugatti Chiron. Presumably generating well under 100 horsepower and exhibiting rigidity akin to a 1930s Bugatti rather than contemporary standards, it is by no means a high-performance vehicle.
Nonetheless, it stands as a remarkable showcase of what a dedicated team of DIY artisans can accomplish through a year’s worth of diligent effort. While we’ve witnessed similar endeavors using existing road cars as donor vehicles, witnessing it from inception is even more awe-inspiring. The project may not deceive anyone, yet it represents an enjoyable construction project and illustrates the possibilities achievable with a welding machine, fiberglass, and ample time. Ultimately, there’s a unique charm in a project that commences with the query “why not?”
Got a hint? Notify the writer at: lewin@thedrive.com
