The Journey from Pontiac Chassis to Home-Built Ferrari

Forged Dream - For many car enthusiasts, passion often starts with admiration from afar. Dream cars feel untouchable, locked behind price tags and rarity. But for some, that distance becomes motivation rather than limitation. Instead of chasing ownership in the traditional sense, they choose a more personal route—building something that captures the essence of what they love. 

A tribute to the classic Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta, reimagined on a Pontiac Solstice by Bart Jones. (Picture from: Hagerty)

That mindset took root early in Bart Jones’ life. At just ten years old, he realized the classic grand tourer he admired would likely remain out of reach. Rather than letting go, he began quietly planning. Over the next 30 years, he studied design, worked as a boat builder, and developed deep knowledge of composite materials. Even his first attempt—a fiberglass sports car inspired by an iconic Italian model built on a Pontiac Fiero—became a learning experience after it failed during mold production. That setback pushed him toward creating something truly one-off. 

A Pontiac Solstice chassis begins its transformation, wrapped in a precise wooden mock-up that defines the будущ silhouette of a handcrafted classic-inspired body. (Picture from: Hagerty)

When he finally began the project in 2018, Jones approached it with clarity. He chose a Pontiac Solstice chassis, mainly because its proportions closely matched the car he had envisioned for decades. The wheelbase, cabin position, and engine layout allowed him to recreate the right silhouette without extreme compromises. Finding a clean, stripped chassis by chance gave him the perfect starting point, and from there, the transformation moved quickly. 

The interior blends vintage character with modern structure, featuring quilted leather, a wood-rim steering wheel, and a driver-focused manual setup. (Picture from: Hagerty)

The body was shaped by hand using fiberglass, refined through experience and persistence. The exterior echoed the flowing lines of a classic grand tourer, while the interior followed a more functional approach, adapting to the modern platform underneath. The biggest challenge came from something many builders avoid—windows. Jones insisted on fully functional, weather-tight side and rear glass, complete with roll-up mechanisms. It was a difficult and time-consuming process, but it elevated the car beyond a typical home build. | KzlZH-Z43SY |

After decades of planning, the actual build took only about 18 months to complete. What stands out is not just the result, but the discipline to finish it properly—something many ambitious projects never achieve. The car represents more than a replica; it’s a realization of patience, skill, and determination. And while this dream has taken shape in metal and fiberglass, it’s clear that for Jones, the journey of building is far from over. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HAGERTY ]

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