When VW Combi transformed into a custom motorcycle

After seeing in the online-media that the Jogjakarta's Kustomfest 2020 event was already held. As quoted from the organizer's website, this year's event titled 'Kustomfest 2020 #Unrestricted' held at Jogja National Museum and took place from December 15 to 31, 2020. As usual, the annual event held in Jogjakarta will certainly feature various kinds of custom motorbikes and cars made by automotive craftsmen from all over Indonesia.

Volkswagen Motorcycles, a custom motorcycle built by Retro Classic Cycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2hL5sX1)

So on this occasion we will not talking the custom motorbikes or cars shown off at this year's event, but only want to make a flashback of a unique Volkswagen-engined motorbike that also appeared at the same event a few years ago. Here's the review:

All-started when Lulut Wahyudi showcased one of his unique works in the Jogjakarta Volkswagen Festival 2017 (JVWF), held on Sunday, November 19, 2017. According to the owner of Retro Classic Cycles workshop who is also the founder of Kustomfest event, that he brought a custom motorcycle named Volkswagen Motorcycles.

As the name implies, this custom motorcycle is built by using a base of VW 1600 dual port engine commonly used by VW Combi. The machine is mounted on the 1.25 and 1.5 inches of the custom made DOM tubing chassis. To provide accuracy between dimensions and engine weight, he deliberately placed a rake angle of 30 degrees.

The machinery process is done thoroughly. One of them by redesigning the transmission system into four acceleration and can be operated by the rider's foot, just like riding a motorcycle in general.

Left side view of Volkswagen Motorcycles by Retro Classic Cycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2hL5sX1)

"This custom motorbike was dedicated to the world of Indonesian custom culture by exploiting my fondness on the VW and then is made in the figure of a custom motorcycle. All the design of the frame until the modification of the transmission system is done in his workshop with a variety of accuracy that still aims to remain comfortable riding," said Lulut, on Sunday, November 19, 2017 as quoted from Kompas.

Engine block view of Volkswagen Motorcycles by Retro Classic Cycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2hL5sX1)

The existence of craftmanshift on the bodywork is indicated by the selection of body material made using the aluminum materials. In order seen cool, the chassis construction is given the color of the Red Flat, which is also equipped with an accent of the touch of pinstriping art and lettering from Danny Hacka.

Rear side view of Volkswagen Motorcycles by Retro Classic Cycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2hL5sX1)

"We want to prove through these Volkswagen Motorcycles, that automotive work is born from the thinking and process of the production of resources owned by Indonesian. Let's talk with the work," said Lulut further.

 

To maintain performance while riding, the Volkswagen Motorcycles are supported with 41 mm telescopic hardchrome front forks of Mid USA and the rear used the Ohlins adjustable. All of the work process from material to become a custom motorcycle done by Lulut with his team in a short time, that is only one month.

Now, the Kustomfest 2020 event was held, and those unique VW-engined motorbike once again appears on the Kustomfest's Instagram pages such above. For those of you who are interested in seeing the annual automotive event at the Jogja National Museum.

Here's our appeal; Today, We are on the Covid-19 pandemic, so that the event runs smoothly as planned until December 31, 2020. Let's maintain an order by always paying attention to the health protocol in effect. Always to remember! Do not to forget to wear the mask, avoid the crowd then wash oUr hands often.

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Sebuah kiriman dibagikan oleh KUSTOMFEST (@kustomfest)

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops..... *** [EKA (27112017) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUSTOMFEST | KOMPAS]

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Reviving a Legend: Indonesia’s Hand-Built Vespa 98 ‘Serie 0’ Classic Scooter Replica

Handcrafted Heritage - Riding down a quiet street on a bright morning, the soft hum of a classic scooter can make anyone turn their head. There’s a sense of nostalgia in its rhythm — a connection to simpler times when machines were built with heart, not haste. Among the timeless icons of that golden era, the Vespa 98 “Serie 0” stands as a legend. It wasn’t just Piaggio’s first scooter back in 1946; it was the spark that ignited a global culture of freedom and style on two wheels.

Replica of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' built handmade by an Indonesian builder named Hery Widodo. (Cautions: This is just a replica, not a real one.) (Picture from: MotoPlus)

Yet for most enthusiasts today, owning an original Vespa 98 is little more than a dream. With its extreme rarity and astonishing auction prices reaching well over $195,000, this piece of history sits far beyond the reach of ordinary collectors.😢 But where scarcity builds walls, creativity often opens doors — and that’s exactly what happened in a quiet town in Central Java, Indonesia.😉

The original world's oldest Vespa scooter with a chassis number 1003 had sold at the price of $195K back in 2017. (Picture from: Catawiki)

There, a talented craftsman named Hery Widodo decided that legends shouldn’t remain locked away in glass cases. Since 2018, Hery has been handcrafting faithful replicas of the Vespa 98 “Serie 0”, giving enthusiasts a chance to feel the same charm and spirit that defined Piaggio’s earliest masterpiece. His work isn’t about imitation — it’s about preserving a legacy through craftsmanship, patience, and respect for design.

Replica of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' uses a 2-stroke 150cc engine taken of the Indonesian commonly used Vespa Super 150 scooter model of 1970s. (Picture from: MotoPlus)

Hery’s journey began long before his workshop became known among Vespa lovers. Back in 2012, out of pure curiosity and admiration, he started shaping a Vespa 98 replica entirely from photographs he found online. Without access to authentic dimensions, he relied on instinct and skill — until one day, Vespa Italia themselves reached out and sent him the original manual and measurements. That moment changed everything. It validated his work and gave him the precision he needed to recreate the scooter exactly as it was in the 1940s.

Starting with the production of the iconic Vespa 98 scooter in 1946, and for more than 70 years of the Piaggio's journey in the world's automotive industry, it turns out has produced hundreds of models. (Picture from: iNews)

In his workshop at Jl. Raya Jatilawang No. 32, Banyumas, Purwokerto, Central Java – 53174, Hery continues to build each scooter by hand from scratch, forging metal like an old-world artisan. The process begins with 1.2 mm galvanized steel plates for the body and 1.5 mm plates for the chassis — shaped and joined without the aid of large industrial machinery. Every curve, from the front fender to the handlebar, is manually crafted. The seat, wrapped in genuine leather, pays homage to the elegance of the original design, while the gear stick and switches are positioned just like those on the 1946 model, giving riders the full vintage experience. 

While the authentic Vespa 98 costs as much as a luxury car, Hery’s handmade replica is priced at around $4,891 (approximately Rp 71 million). (Picture from: MotoPlus)

Underneath the timeless silhouette, though, beats a slightly stronger heart. Instead of the original 98cc engine, Hery’s replica uses a 150cc engine from the 1970s Vespa Super 150, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. It’s a clever adaptation that balances authenticity with practicality — ensuring that the scooter not only looks like history, but also rides like it belongs in the present day.

Replica of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' parts such the horns and electrical switches, they are made as similar as possible to the original but with a slightly larger size and placed on the right handlebar. (Picture from: MotoPlus)

The design, however, remains loyal to its roots. Hery deliberately leaves parts of the body unpainted, exposing the raw steel that tells its own story. Only select areas — such as the front fender, body sides, and sections near the fuel cap — receive a touch of paint. Some might find the slightly protruding engine less tidy than the factory original, but that imperfection adds character; it reminds us that this isn’t a product of mass production, but a handmade labor of love. 

On some parts of the body of Vespa 98 'Serie 0' replica looks unpainted, aka left to look like cans and only the front fender, the right-left of the bodies, a little parts that near the fuel-cap and under the seat were painted. (Picture from: MotoPlus)

And then comes the best part — the accessibility. While the authentic Vespa 98 costs as much as a luxury car, Hery’s handmade replica is priced at around $4,891 (approximately Rp 71 million). It’s not a small amount, but it transforms a distant dream into something attainable for enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship over exclusivity.

In a world racing toward electric vehicles and futuristic designs, Hery Widodo’s handcrafted Vespa 98 “Serie 0” replicas offer a gentle pause — a reminder of where beauty in motion truly began. They capture the warmth of history in metal form, merging Italian heritage with Indonesian artistry. And perhaps that’s the real magic here: through hands that refuse to forget the past, the spirit of the Vespa 98 keeps rolling forward, alive and gleaming in the sunlight of today’s world.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [08102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORPLUS-ONLINE | MOTORCUSTOM ]

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Katalis EV.1000, the latest Indonesian e-bike inspired by the P-51 mighty fighter plane

When electric vehicles become a trend that is actually practiced by automotive industry players in many countries in the world today. This also invites automotive industry players in Indonesia. But now we will discuss two-wheeled electric vehicles which are done specifically by an Indonesian design studio called Katalis Company which is fully supported by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia through the Ministry of Industry.

Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale Special Edition, an electric-powered bike built by Katalis Company, an Indonesian design studio for an exhibition in the City of Dream, Macau on September 25, 2020. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35PXPIZ)

This electric bike is named Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale specially made to appear at an exhibition in the City of Dream, Macau on September 25, 2020. It is also mentioned that the electric motorbike is the result of collaboration between Katalis Company with The Arsenale, an online-portal for the world's independent creators that offers transportation means and other products that prioritize design and technological innovation.

Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale Special Edition designed by Julian Palapa of Katalis Company, an Indonesian design studio in collaboration with The Arsenale. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2FPqG5r)

Previously, in April 2020 the Katalis Company had released a prototype electric-powered motorcycle with a similar design but with less power called the Katalis EV.500. By carrying out the same design inspiration, namely from the design of an old fighter plane P-51 Mustang with a strong and fierce impression.

Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale Special Edition is built by using aluminum for the body and frame including the swing arm. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2FPqPWx)

However, there are some obvious differences between the two, as seen in the EV.1000 body which is painted in a matte black with orange-colored graphics which is meant to give a fierce aura, then there is installed an upside-down fork to hold tight its front-wheel while the EV.500 still uses a telescopic model. Then the next difference is in the electric motor which is now spew more bigger power.

Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale Special Edition uses an electric motor capable spew of 1,000 watts of power with a 48V-45Ah lithium battery. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35SLP9v)

The electric motor installed on the EV.1000 is capable of delivering up to 1,000 watts of power with a 48V-45Ah lithium battery. So that it is able to carry this EV. 1000 motorbike to run up to a top speed of 70-80kph with a maximum distance of 90km.

Katalis EV.1000 TheArsenale Special Edition e-bike is inspired by the design of an old fighter plane P-51 Mustang with a strong and fierce impression. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35PXPIZ)

This electric motorbike is built using aluminum for the body and frame. In addition to the body (1mm aluminum) and frame (3mm aluminum), 3mm thickness aluminum is also used to make the swing arm in a boxy shape. 

Interestingly, each of the Katalis EV.1000's body panels is attached using rivets, so that it resembles the body of the aircraft which is the source of its inspiration. As quoted from TheArsenale, this compact-sized electric motorbike is offered at a price of around $ 9,999.00 (approx Rp. 146 millions).

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KATALIS.CO | THEARSENALE]

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A heavyweight wooden Suzuki Jimny

If you often travel out of town, you will usually find miniature cars made of wood that are sold in souvenir shops. However, this is a different matter from miniatures, precisely in Bandung apparently there are some real vehicles that are made of wood. And who was the owner of those wooden bodied vehicles?

The wooden-bodied Suzuki LJ80 'Jimny' owned by Fawaz Salim of Bandung. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1TMgd)

The owner named Fawaz Salim, a businessman, and owner of a timber company in the city called 'Equator Wood.' When you look at his collection it turns out he has made several vehicles out of wood. In the collection there are Suzuki Jimny LJ80 (in Indonesia, it usually called 'Jimny Jangkrik,' and 'jangkrik' means 'cricket'), then VW 181 or VW Safari, and there is also a wooden body Vespa scooter, etc.

Suzuki LJ80 'Jimny' owned by Fawaz Salim made of 'sonokeling' type of wood. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3eXC6QZ)

The vehicles mentioned above can really be operated on the road like a vehicle in general. Because they all were built base on the original vehicles, just the body is changed of wood. Fawaz said that for the manufacture of wooden vehicles, it started from his fad and just trial and error.

The wooden-bodied Suzuki LJ80 'Jimny' needs one and a half years until all is completed at a cost of more than Rp.200 million. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1TMgd)

The wooden-bodied Suzuki Jimny for example, its body is not from plywood, but really made of original wood of 'sonokeling' type from Kalimantan. According to Fawaz, the wood is originated from legal cutting and already has an official permit, due to the wood taken from the trees directly in the forest, so there's should have an official permit from Perum Perhutani (Indonesian Forestry Institutes).

All details and instruments of the Suzuki LJ80 'Jimny' are installed and functioning properly. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D1TMgd)

Initially, Fawaz bought the original Suzuki Jimny for Rp.14 million (approx $970). But when the car arrived it turned out that the conditions were not as expected. So then he decided to replace the Suzuki Jimny's body with wood. But because the original body has been wrecked and can not be used as a benchmark. So finally he borrowed a similar car body from one of his colleagues.

The wooden-bodied Suzuki LJ80 'Jimny' needs one and a half years until all is completed at a cost of more than Rp.200 million. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3eXC6QZ)

In the process of working on the car body, there are interesting things, namely the wooden body making process done by 1 person only. According to him the making of this body is a quite complex process, so there is a possibility the body will not be finished if done by many people. There are many mistakes that can be happened, such as the wooden joints that don't fit, or to pull different the cutting line, and others.

A portion of the wood joint details of the Fawaz Salim's wooden-bodied Suzuki LJ80. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D5ZCxd)

Meanwhile, to form an intact car, at least 7 people are needed. Where other crews work on wooden bodies, while mechanic crews tidy up the car's legs, machinery, and electrical systems. After the car completed, turn out the use of wood on the car body made its weight increased heavier and according to Fawaz, the weight of this wooden car is around 2 tons in weight.

The weight of this Suzuki Jimny LJ80 increased dramatically after its body was changed to wood. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3eXC6QZ)

This was also expressed by crews who participated in the work of this wooden car, they said that if the original body only needed three people to lift the whole body. And if the wooden-bodied needs about eight people, even then only the back. It is estimated that the weight ratio of this wooden car is three times heavier than the original body.

This is possible because the 'sonokeling' wood type used is more hardness than the teak wood, and of course far heavier than a metal plate. According to Fawaz to realize this wooden-bodied Jimny, it takes a time about one and a half years until all is completed at a cost of more than Rp.200 million (approx over more $13,800).

Is there anyone interested in making a vehicle like this?😆 If not. Let's jump here! If you just want to see other wooden vehicles. Or if you have the chance to travel to Bandung, you can see all of those wooden vehicles at Equator Coffee & Gallery. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOMOTIFNET.COM] 

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Teakwood Karmann Ghia Cabriolet: Jepara’s Masterpiece on Wheels

Wooden Icon - It’s often said that the love for creativity and engineering knows no bounds, and this rings especially true when it comes to the story of Al Sadad, a talented craftsman from Jepara, Indonesia. Driven by both his passion for woodworking and his admiration for Volkswagen cars, Sadad embarked on a unique project to bring an iconic Volkswagen Karmann Ghia to life – using only teak wood for the car’s entire body. 

Other wooden automotive creations by Jepara craftsmen include a full-scale, driveable teak replica of the 1964 Karmann Ghia. (Picture from: OtoTrend)

This ambitious endeavor not only tested his skills in woodcraft but also sought to demonstrate the strength and durability of teak, a wood renowned for its resilience. Sadad’s journey combines the spirit of innovation with the art of traditional craftsmanship, showing the world that even unconventional materials can create something both beautiful and functional. Teak wood has long been celebrated for its durability, weather resistance, and striking grain patterns. However, its use as a material for a car body was virtually unheard of.

A teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica made by Jepara craftsmen carries a 1,600 cc Mexican VW Safari engine. (Picture from: OtoDetik)

Sadad, undeterred by this unusual choice, chose teak precisely because it would be challenging to work with. Known for its density and hardness, teak offers a unique advantage in terms of longevity and aesthetics, but crafting an entire car body from it required an immense amount of patience, precision, and skill. Sadad, who had previously experimented with wooden cars, first tried his hand at creating a wooden-bodied Volkswagen Safari in 2015. Building on this experience, he decided to undertake a more complex project by constructing a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia with a full teak wood body, aiming to make this piece not only an art form but a fully operational vehicle.

The steering wheel and dashboard view of the teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica. (Picture from: OtoTrend)

The Karmann Ghia project came with its own set of challenges, particularly because of the car’s distinct curves and aerodynamic body shape. Unlike other models, the Karmann Ghia features numerous curvatures that require high levels of precision, making it difficult to replicate in wood. Sadad understood that this project would demand a higher level of expertise, from carving complex curves to fitting every piece seamlessly. To overcome these obstacles, he enlisted the help of skilled artisans who specialized in traditional Jepara wood carving, ensuring that the project would stay true to the local craftsmanship traditions while meeting the demands of automotive design.

The Jepara's typical wooden-carved motifs with the VW logo on the front seats of the teak wood-bodied 1964 Karmann Ghia replica. (Picture from: OtoTrend)

Sadad sourced his teak wood from discarded materials found around his home and workshop, which speaks to his resourceful approach to the project. While he had easy access to raw materials, the intricate work required specialized equipment and expertise. Moreover, some of the car’s critical components, such as the rear lights, needed to be imported to match the original specifications of the Karmann Ghia. These imported parts added both time and expense to the project, yet Sadad remained committed, determined to make every detail authentic and functional.

Al Sadad (wearing an orange shirt) poses with a wooden-bodied 1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia replica of his-owned. (Picture from: MuriaNews)

One of the biggest challenges Sadad faced was creating frames for the car’s windshield, a task that demanded absolute accuracy. Any slight error could mean that the windshield wouldn’t fit properly, jeopardizing the car’s usability and safety. Similarly, crafting the car’s front hood, with its particular arch and shape, required significant skill and attention to detail. Every piece of teak had to be meticulously carved and shaped, a process that was both labor-intensive and time-consuming. Sadad mentioned that the most substantial cost was the craftsmanship itself, as the car’s intricate parts required the expertise of top-level artisans who could ensure each section was perfect.

Al Sadad-owned wooden-bodied Volkswagen Karmann Ghia replica while on display at the Jogja Volkswagen Festival (JVWF) contest event. (Picture from: TribunNewsJogja)

After dedicating four months of tireless effort, Sadad completed the wooden-bodied Karmann Ghia, equipped with a Mexican VW Safari engine under its teak wood hood. The car featured a 1,600 cc engine, giving it the power to drive just like any other car despite its unconventional body material. The finished car is a sight to behold, with its light brown teak color and distinctive wood grain visible across its curves. Traditional Jepara carving motifs were incorporated into various parts of the car, blending cultural artistry with automotive design in a way that highlights the beauty of Indonesian woodcraft.
In 2017, the teak wood Karmann Ghia was showcased at the Jogja Volkswagen Festival (JVWF), capturing the admiration of car enthusiasts and art lovers alike. The car, complete with the registration plate “K 4 YU,” symbolized not just Sadad’s dedication but also the potential of teak wood as a viable material for vehicle construction. This masterpiece of craftsmanship stood as a functional, drivable car rather than a static display, surprising audiences with both its beauty and functionality.

Sadad’s story serves as an inspiration, illustrating how passion and creativity can lead to incredible achievements. His journey in creating a wooden Volkswagen Karmann Ghia exemplifies the spirit of innovation and determination, proving that, with enough skill and imagination, even the most unorthodox materials can be transformed into something truly extraordinary. Sadad’s teak wood car is more than just a vehicle; it’s a moving work of art that bridges traditional craftsmanship with the forward-thinking world of automotive design. *** [EKA [07022020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MURIA NEWS | OTO DETIK | TRIBUNNEWS JOGJA]

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The orangutan population is increasingly critical

We haven't included the discussion on nature conservation for a long time, especially after knowing about the latest condition of orangutan habitat on the island of Borneo. 

There was something intriguing, so we on this occasion again made an article with the nature conservation-themed, in the hope that it could spark empathy for the orangutan conservation efforts. Thus the existence of orangutans in the wild can continue to be preserved.

A mobile library of Yayorin (Yayasan Orangutan Indonesia/Indonesian' Orangutan Foundation) to support its education efforts, in areas close to orangutan habitat, in Central Kalimantan Indonesian Borneo. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RRHfzQ)

The year 2019 has been passed, the population of orangutans on the island of Borneo is increasing decreased. If previously the status of its population was critical, now the existence of orangutans in Kalimantan has entered an endangered critical stage.

"In the past, we could say the orangutan conditions on the island of Borneo are still safe. The population is between 35,000 and 55,000. But after the survey increased again (the severity levels), now it is the same as Sumatra, in very critical stage," said Rondang Siregar, an orangutan expert at the University of Indonesia some time ago.

This critically endangered status is determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. And the Sumatra orangutans have assumed this status in advance.

A mature male Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2O7KJgC)

Rondang further said, the reason for the increasingly falling down the population of orangutans still revolves around the classic problem, namely the orangutan lives increasingly threatened because their habitats were taken for human use. For example, in 2017 alone, the deforestation rate is still around 97,000 hectares, especially now that the numbers are getting bigger. 

As a result of deforestation makes the orangutan habitat fragmented. "Because their habitat was chopped up eventually they came out and conflicted with humans," said Rondang. 

Pongo pygmaeus morio or the Black Bornean Orangutan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2O7KJgC)

On the island of Borneo alone, poaching and trade in wildlife are also still rife. In fact, orangutans are clearly protected by the Indonesian's Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems. 

"In the past, the price was Rp.500,000 (approx US $37) when left the forest. When it came to the port, the station, the terminal, it could reach millions rupiah. Surely it is always there," said Rondang. Due to habitat loss and poaching, the orangutan population has declined dramatically by 50 percent over the past 20 years. How tragic, isn't? 

Thus the orangutan preservations need to be done immediately and You can actively participate in this effort by making a donation through Orangutan Foundation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ORANGUTAN FOUNDATION | SAINS KOMPAS]

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Boyolali's Wooden Bugatti Veyron Stuns Global Consumers

ART WORK - In the world of craftsmanship, few things capture the imagination like the intricate designs and dedication behind creating lifelike replicas. One such example, which garnered attention back in 2014, showcases the remarkable skill of Indonesian artisans. A workshop located in Boyolali, Central Java, became the center of attention when it revealed a stunning wooden replica of the Bugatti Veyron, one of the most luxurious cars in the world. This one-of-a-kind creation, crafted entirely from wood, not only highlighted the artistry of the craftsmen but also underscored Indonesia's growing reputation for producing high-quality, intricate works of art.

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sports replica made entirely out of teak. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The replica, which mirrors the French hypercar down to the finest details, was created to a 1:1 scale. Every curve, line, and feature of the Bugatti Veyron was carefully replicated using teak wood scraps, a material known for its durability and natural beauty. The craftsmanship that went into creating this wooden version of the luxury vehicle was nothing short of remarkable. With a price tag of around 40 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately $3,362 or €2,600), this wooden masterpiece was not just a decoration—it was a functional, life-sized model. The details included a fully functional steering wheel, gear shifters, pedals, and even the seats, all crafted from wood with precision and care.

The owner of the workshop, Eko Lukistyanto, explained that the project was commissioned by a buyer in Europe, specifically in Germany. This marked a significant moment for the artisans of Boyolali, as it demonstrated the global demand for their unique creations. Beyond the Bugatti Veyron, the workshop was also known for producing other high-end car replicas, including a wooden version of the Mercedes Benz 300SL, a timeless German sports car. Additionally, the artisans crafted wooden replicas of various motorcycles, further showcasing their versatility and exceptional skill in replicating luxury vehicles.

The replica of Mercedes Benz 300SL made entirely out of teak. (Picture from: Information)

What makes this story even more captivating is not only the high level of craftsmanship involved but also the cultural fusion it represents. The artisans in Boyolali are blending traditional Indonesian woodworking techniques with the allure of Western luxury cars, creating a product that transcends geographical boundaries. The precision with which these models are crafted reflects the attention to detail that is deeply ingrained in Indonesian craftsmanship. Each piece that leaves the workshop is not merely a replica; it is a piece of art, combining both local heritage and global luxury.

In the years following this 2014 news, the reputation of Indonesian artisans has only grown, with more and more international buyers recognizing their skill and dedication. The wooden Bugatti Veyron is just one example of how local talent can capture the attention of the world, producing works of art that are both functional and visually stunning. As the global market continues to appreciate the value of handcrafted, unique pieces, we can only expect to see more extraordinary creations from workshops like the one in Boyolali.

The replicas of premium motorcycles made entirely out of teak. (Picture from: Otosia)

As the world becomes more connected and the demand for unique, high-quality, handcrafted items increases, Indonesia’s artisans are poised to continue impressing with their exceptional skills. The success of the Boyolali workshop demonstrates that no matter the material, whether it's wood, metal, or anything else, the combination of creativity, passion, and technical skill can turn even the most ambitious ideas into reality. This story is a testament to the ever-growing influence of Indonesian craftsmanship, showing that even in the most unexpected places, there are artisans capable of creating world-class masterpieces that are cherished worldwide. *** [EKA [26122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | INFORMATION | OTOSIA ]

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