Take a look at the three rare and most expensive Vespa scooters in Indonesia

As we all know the Piaggio's Vespa scooter brand in Indonesia has its own history. It is not surprising then it creates emotional closeness to form a close brotherly bond between its users. Similiarly, if there is a classic scooter (especially a Vespa) that is offered at a pretty fantastic price, it would be an interesting topic of conversation.

1951 Vespa V30 'Faro Basso' sat on display at the Indonesia Scooter Festival (ISF) 2020 and was offered at a pretty fantastic price of Rp. 900 million (approx the US. $63,480). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3maFlr6)

Yes, a while ago the world of scooter enthusiasts in Indonesia was busy when there's a Piaggio-made scooter was offered at a pretty fantastic price. Now here are three Vespa classic scooters got an exorbitant price tags in Indonesia;

1. Vespa V30 'Faro Basso'
Not long ago, there's something caught the attention of visitors to the 2020 Indonesia Scooter Festival (ISF). At the event, there's a gorgeous 1951 Vespa V30 'Faro Basso' appeared and said to be sold at a price of Rp. 900 millions (approx the US. $63,480). How does it look? This classic Vespa appeared in army green colored and was one of the participants for the Scooter Contest at ISF 2020 event which took place 5-6 December 2020 at Lippo Plaza Jogjakarta.

1951 Vespa V30 'Faro Basso' is one of the rarest classic scooter models has a stunning and iconic shape also carries a 2-stroke 150cc engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3maFlr6)

According to Dwi Yudha Danu, the founder and chairman of the event organizing committee, that the classic scooter was as the result of an original restoration featured with legal documents and valid vehicle taxes. Furthermore, he explained that there were only 50 units of Vespa V30 known existed in Indonesia, but the one was on the similar condition like this was very rare. As it is known that the Vespa V30 Faro Basso is one of the rarest classic scooter models has a stunning and iconic shape also carries a 2-stroke 150cc engine.

But unfortunately the appearance of this classic scooter only lasted briefly, due to the event was later disbanded by the local government, it considered to have violated the provisions of the health protocol in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic. So if you are interested to have this 1951 Vespa V30 classic scooter, please call +62-818-0423-4562.

2. Vespa GS (Grand Sport) Series
The presence of the 1950 Vespa GS (Grand Sport) VS on display at the Indonesia Scooter Festival (ISF) 2019 was quite shocking because the price offered on the scooter reached Rp. 500 millions (approx the US. $35,267). Even though the scooter appeared to be mediocre, has not much attributes, and even its silver paint look a little opaque, but who would have thought it was one of the scooters that were priced at a high price during the exhibition.

1950 Vespa GS 150 VS sat on display at the Indonesia Scooter Festival (ISF) 2019 and was offered at a pretty fantastic price of Rp. 500 million (approx the US. $35,267). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2WbKTXP)

The Vespa GS Series scooters are one of collector items. What makes these scooter models were special, apart from its rarity, they have a slightly different physical form from any other Vespa types. The Vespa GS-Series has two variants, namely the VS and MK types. And the Vespa GS VS type has five series, namely VS1 to VS5. Meanwhile, there are only two types of Vespa GS MK, namely Mark 1 and Mark 2.

1957 Vespa GS 150 VS3 uses a 150cc 2-stroke engine with silver color body. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3oNo3BX)

Both of Vespa GS Series also carried different kind of engines, for the Vespa GS VS scooter carries a 150cc 2-stroke engine while the GS MK 160cc. Apart from the engine, the characteristics of the Vespa GS Series also can be seen from the color, for the GS VS type scooter is only available in silver, while the GS MK is wrapped in white.

Well, at the ISF 2019 event, it turned out that there were two other Vespa GS units on display along with several other beautiful and unique scooters, namely the 1957 Vespa GS VS3 Messerchemitt and the 1962 Vespa GS MK1 Messerchemitt.

3. Vespa SS (Super Sprint) Series
This scooter is also commonly called the Vespa smallframe and has only two variants, namely the 500 SS and 90 SS. If seen from its history, the Vespa SS Series was produced from 1965 to 1971 in limited numbers, reportedly only 5,000 units worldwide.

1965 Vespa 50 SS VS3 uses a 50cc 2-stroke engine was said to be offered at a pretty fantastic price of Rp. 1 billion (approx the US. $71,171) and today's highest bid of Rp.700 million (approx the US. $49,819). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3qTfffU)

Apart from its small and cutie design, the Vespa SS Series is also unique thanks to the placement of the spare tire in the middle of the deck and the toolbox that resembles a fuel tank on the upper of the spare tire. Besides being useful to store various mechanic tools, the toolbox also functions as a chest pad for the rider.

As we all know, during its production period, the Vespa SS Series was intended to be used for racing at the Imola and Vallelunga circuits in Italy. And now, even though it has been almost 50 years since the scooter production have been ceased, the Vespa SS Series has never lost its charm among the world's scooter enthusiasts.

Not once, but twice this 1970 Vespa 90 SS with a 90cc 2-stroke engine has been sold at a fantastic price of Rp. 300 million (approx the US. $21,160). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/37Vw4y4)

Indonesia as one of the countries with the largest Vespa community in the world, there're several Vespa SS Series units still be found in the roads. However, due to its small population, the price of the Vespa SS Series scooters on the market has gone crazy, it is said that someone once sold a Vespa 90 SS at Rp. 300 million (approx the US. $21,160).

In the first transaction, the 1970 Vespa 90 SS was sold for Rp. 300 million, while in the second one, it was sold for around Rp. 340 million. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/37Vw4y4)

In fact there are many other Vespa scooter models that are known to have quite fantastic price tags in Indonesia, one of which is the Vespa Ausburg VGLA/B which is known in Indonesia as Vespa Kongo. 

That's it, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to these three Vespa's rare scooters knew to have an exorbitant price tags in Indonesia, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.

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 | TEMPO | NAIK MOTOR | OTOJURNALISME | GRIDMOTOR ]

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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.

Lihat postingan ini di Instagram

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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The Vespa 98 'Serie 0' classic scooter replica made in Indonesia

Having a legendary scooter such the Vespa 98 'Serie 0' (the first scooter model made by Piaggio in 1946) is like a dream, and many scooter enthusiasts in the world are eager to have. However, to make it happen is not easy, because it is constrained by the scarcity factor and the fantastic price. Especially for those ordinary people who always have financial limitations like Me and You.😉

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: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

How's not. As quoted in our previous article, in early 2017 there was an original Vespa 98 'Serie 0' being offered at a Catawiki's auction event with a price range of $268,150 - $348,600 or the equivalent of Rp.3.5 - 4.5 billion at that time. Look, it's a fantastic row of numbers, right? Although in the end, the highest bidder was below the desired price range above, which was around $195,748 or approx Rp.2.6 billion only. From this, we can see that not just anyone can own the first scooter model made by Piaggio.😢

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: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

Then what about those of us who want to own a scooter like this? Maybe the solution for us is limited to have a replica only was okay. So on this occasion, we will take you to see an Indonesian craftsman who specializes in making replicas of the Vespa 98 'Serie 0.'

He is Hery Widodo, a Banyumas-based craftsman who has been making replicas of the legendary Piaggio's scooters since 2018. Amazingly he made a the scooter replica by handmade from scratch (except for the tires and rims) which is forged manually by using a 1.2 mm galvanized plate for the whole of bodies while a 1.5 mm-plate for its chassis.

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: https://bit.ly/34CJ1uW)

As quoted from Motorplus-Online, Hery Widodo told how he started to build the replica scooter business of his owned. Initially in 2012 he casually posted the process of making a Vespa 98 replica on his Facebook page. He further said that at that time the entire manufacturing process was carried out only based on images without having the correct sizes. Unexpectedly then he was contacted by Vespa Italia and sent him the manual.

Even though now, he has the correct sizes, he cannot be careless in the manufacturing process, because according to him the process of making the replica scooter has a high level of difficulty and requires a high level of accuracy as well. All parts were custom made by hand, ranging from the handlebar, seats, headlights, front fenders to the gear stick.

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: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

While the engine used for the replica is not a similar 98cc engine, but has been swapped with the larger one of 150cc capacity  taken of the Indonesian commonly used Vespa Super 150 scooter model of 1970s and mated with the four-speed manual transmission system. To make it look similar to the original scooter, so on the replica pinned a gear stick as is generally installed on motorized vehicles in the 1940s for gear shifting.

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: https://bit.ly/3nuOmNG)

Then for another 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. While the seats are wrapped in genuine leather and also made as closely as possible with the 1940s Vespa 98 scooter models.

Because it carries the theme to be similar to the original Vespa 98 scooter, on some parts of the body of this replica it looks unpainted, aka left to look like cans. The part that is touched by the paint is only the front fender then the right-left of the bodies, a little that near the fuel-cap and under the seat. Besides that there's another slight drawback, due to this replica uses a larger engine that makes it look like not fit and protruding out of the right-side of the body. It could be that makes it look uncool, for those of you who like something colorful.

But at least when we return to the original purpose of making this replica, the first, it is made as closely as possible to the original Vespa 98 'Serie 0,' and most importantly of all, its price might be affordable with our pocket.

Indeed, this Vespa 98 replica much cheaper bro! It said to cost you only $4,891 or Rp. 71 million (source). If you're interested to have one, please contact Hery Widodo at his workshop in Jl. Raya Jatilawang no 32 Banyumas Purwokerto, Central Java - 53174.👈

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 | 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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