Hati Nurani - Walang Kadung: Indonesia’s One-of-a-Kind Six-Wheeled Custom Car

Conscious Engineering - When creativity meets passion, something truly extraordinary can happen—especially in the world of custom cars. Imagine the everyday sedan, usually modest in form and function, transformed into a stunning display of design and innovation. Now add six wheels, scissor doors, and a heart-pounding sound system, and you're no longer imagining. You're looking at reality—a bold creation called Hati Nurani - Walang Kadung.

Hati Nurani - Walang Kadung, an Indonesian six-wheeled custom car at the Indonesia International Auto Show (IIMS) 2015 in Kemayoran Jakarta. (Picture from: Viva.co.id)

Born in the vibrant city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Hati Nurani, which translates to "Conscience" in English, is anything but ordinary. It’s a custom-built six-wheeled sedan that challenges conventional automotive design, crafted by the hands of Kupu-Kupu Malam Auto Custom, one of Indonesia’s most respected modification workshops. Built in 2011 and still turning heads today, this unique vehicle is a rolling testament to how art, philosophy, and engineering can come together in a single frame.

Hati Nurani – Walang Kadung was built on a 1951 Chevrolet sedan, with its original chassis retained—though significantly extended to accommodate an additional axle. (Picture from: Viva.co.id)

Led by General Manager Kunto B Wibisono, the Kupu-Kupu Malam team didn’t just aim to modify a car—they wanted to tell a story. According to Kunto, Hati Nurani is rooted in deep personal and cultural values. For them, modifying a car isn’t just about the aesthetics or performance specs; it's about putting soul into steel. And with this project, they’ve done exactly that.

The foundation of this extraordinary machine is a Chevrolet 51 sedan, with its original chassis preserved—though extensively stretched to support an additional axle. Drawing inspiration from nature, specifically the grasshopper (known locally in Javanese as Walang Kadung), the car features striking scissor doors that resemble insect wings in motion. This clever use of biomimicry gives Hati Nurani a uniquely organic yet futuristic character that sets it apart from anything else on the road.

Hati Nurani – Walang Kadung, inspired by nature and specifically the grasshopper (locally known in Javanese as Walang Kadung), features striking scissor doors that mimic the graceful motion of insect wings. (Picture from: OyotPring)

Painted in a sleek black with colorful tribal-style graphics in silver, red, blue, and yellow, the car’s visual impact is undeniable. The paint itself uses a 90 Line Waterbase system, ensuring both depth and durability. The front lights are from Eagle Eyes Projector and Autovision, enhancing its modern look while delivering excellent visibility.

Step inside, and the futuristic impression only deepens. The interior is fully customized with electric seats, a tailor-made gear lever, and uniquely engineered pedals. Every detail reflects thought and craftsmanship. Just in front of the gear shift lies a control panel with buttons for an advanced air suspension system—one for each of the six wheels, offering supreme comfort and control.

Right side view of Hati Nurani - Walang Kadung by Kupu-Kupu Malam Auto Custom. (Picture from: Wartakota)

But perhaps the most jaw-dropping part of Hati Nurani is its sound system. It's not just powerful—it’s almost cinematic. Featuring a 2-DIN DVD system, five Venom monoblock amplifiers, three four-inch Venom amps, four 12-inch and six 10-inch Venom subwoofers, plus a combination of Venom split and coaxial speakers—this car doesn’t just drive, it performs. With 40 small monitors scattered inside and a pair of 7-inch screens, entertainment is everywhere. Add in the dual Venom capacitor banks and you’ve got a mobile concert hall that’s as technically impressive as it is immersive.

Rear side view of Hati Nurani - Walang Kadung by Kupu-Kupu Malam Auto Custom. (Picture from: OyotPring)

Under the hood, the heart of Hati Nurani - Walang Kadung beats strong. A 5,700 cc Chevrolet Small Block engine powers the beast, a popular choice for modifications thanks to its reliability and easily sourced components. It's a machine designed not only for show but also to roar to life when needed.

 

Building a car like this is no weekend project. It took the Kupu-Kupu Malam team around six months to bring Hati Nurani - Walang Kadung to life. While the exact cost has never been revealed, the result speaks volumes. The car claimed top honors as Champion at the prestigious Djarum Black Autoblackthrough in 2011 and continues to spark admiration and curiosity far beyond Indonesia.

This six-wheeled custom masterpiece, crafted by the renowned Yogyakarta-based workshop, still exists today. While its current location hasn’t been officially disclosed, it was proudly showcased at the 2021 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) Hybrid in Yogyakarta. Years may have passed since its debut, but Hati Nurani - Walang Kadung remains a striking example of what happens when bold vision meets engineering brilliance. It’s more than just a car—it’s a rolling piece of art that dares to dream bigger, drive bolder, and stand louder. Let the ride speak for itself! *** [EKA [28082015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUPU-KUPU MALAM ON INSTAGRAM | AUTOVISION.CO.ID | VIVA.CO.ID | OYOTPRING ]

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