Splinter: The First Handmade Wooden Supercar

Wooden Marvel - In the ever-evolving world of automotive engineering, innovation often means thinking outside the box—or, in this case, inside the forest. Wood, a material historically associated with furniture and architecture, finds itself at the center of a groundbreaking achievement: the Splinter, a wooden supercar. While it may sound like an idea born from whimsy, this remarkable vehicle is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity, demonstrating that even traditional materials can serve extraordinary purposes.

The Splinter is a handcrafted, two-seater American supercar concept made primarily of wood, designed by visionary Joe Harmon. (Picture from: The Coolist)

The Splinter, designed by industrial designer Joe Harmon and a team of craftsmen from North Carolina State University, transcends conventional automotive expectations. At first glance, it resembles a high-performance sports car, but its true marvel lies beneath the surface. Made predominantly of wood, this machine defies stereotypes about what materials can withstand the pressures of speed and performance. With an aerodynamic silhouette and precision-engineered details, the Splinter is a bold statement that merges aesthetics with sustainability.

This wooden supercar is capable of achieving speeds that rival its metal-bodied counterparts. Powered by a twin-supercharged, 32-valve Cadillac-sourced 4.6L V8 engine, the Splinter boasts an impressive output of 700 horsepower. With a six-speed rear-mounted transaxle borrowed from a modern Chevrolet Corvette, the car's performance is nothing short of spectacular. From a standstill, it can reach 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in just three seconds, matching the acceleration of many elite sports cars. Yet, what truly sets it apart is its unconventional construction. 

The Splinter's transparent design showcases the placement of its twin-supercharged, 32-valve Cadillac-sourced 4.6L V8 engine, which delivers power to all four wheels. (Picture from: SplinterSupercar)

Weighing approximately 1,134 kilograms (2,500 lbs), the Splinter owes its lightweight nature to its primary material: wood. Laminated wood veneers such as maple, cherry, and plywood were skillfully combined to form its body. The use of wood extends to nearly every part of the car, with 90% of its structure crafted from this renewable resource. The wheels, for instance, feature intricate details made from 32 layers of oak veneer, while the transverse leaf springs are constructed from durable orange osage wood. Even the car's center hubs are pressed and laminated wood, a creative alternative to conventional metal components. 

The Splinter, weighing approximately 1,134 kilograms (2,500 pounds), achieves its lightweight design thanks to its primary material: wood. (Picture from: SplinterSupercar)

Perhaps the most fascinating feature of the Splinter is its seats, handcrafted entirely from wood. These unique seats, alongside the meticulously engineered body, showcase the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into this project. While the idea of a wooden car may raise questions about durability and safety, the Splinter proves that with the right engineering, wood can rival traditional automotive materials in both strength and performance.

The Splinter's wheels feature intricate wood details crafted from 32 meticulously layered sheets of oak veneer, highlighting its exceptional craftsmanship. (Picture from: SplinterSupercar)

The Splinter's design is not only a nod to the beauty of natural materials but also a commentary on sustainability in an industry that often prioritizes mass production and resource-intensive processes. By working with wood—a renewable, biodegradable, and versatile material—Harmon and his team have highlighted the potential of sustainable design without compromising on innovation or style. 

The Splinter is powered by a a twin-supercharged, 32-valve Cadillac-sourced 4.6L V8 engine. (Picture from: SplinterSupercar)

While there are no plans to mass-produce the Splinter, its existence sparks curiosity and admiration. It challenges the norms of automotive manufacturing and inspires designers and engineers to explore unconventional approaches. The vehicle also serves as a conversation starter about the future of environmentally conscious engineering, where sustainable materials could play a larger role in reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles.

The Splinter's design is not only a nod to the beauty of natural materials but also a commentary on sustainability in an industry that often prioritizes mass production and resource-intensive processes. (Picture from: SplinterSupercar)

The Splinter is more than just a car—it is a work of art, a feat of engineering, and a symbol of what is possible when creativity meets craftsmanship. Its wooden body, sleek design, and raw power combine to create a vehicle that captivates both car enthusiasts and environmental advocates alike. As it stands, the Splinter is a one-of-a-kind marvel that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the world of automotive history.

See more the Splinter pictures,

This extraordinary creation reminds us that inspiration can emerge from anywhere, even the most unexpected sources. By pushing boundaries and redefining the use of materials, the Splinter not only reinvents the rules of car design but also encourages us to explore the vast possibilities of sustainable innovation. (Discover 9 other incredible wooden cars.) *** [EKA [10092013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SPLINTER SUPERCAR | JOE HARMON | THE COOLIST | KOOLWOOD | THE THROTTLE ]

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Handcrafted Power: Canada’s Unique Wooden Supercar

ART WHEELER - Wood has long been valued in craftsmanship, from fine furniture to intricate instruments, and has even found its way into vehicle designs in unique forms. While modern automotive engineering has shifted toward advanced materials like alloys and composites, wood remains a timeless choice. However, it is rarely used in the structural framework or body of today's cars, typically limited to interior accents or trims. Examples like Joe Harmon's Splinter show how wood can be creatively applied to vehicles, and now, a Canadian artisan has taken this concept even further. This exceptional wooden supercar challenges automotive conventions by incorporating wood in nearly every aspect of its construction.

This remarkable wooden automotive masterpiece showcases unparalleled dedication, skill, and innovation, all while being fully capable of performing on the road like a regular supercar. (Picture from: Pinterest)

In Quebec, a master craftsman spent around two years building this distinctive supercar almost entirely from small, hand-placed wooden blocks. The wooden car, spotted by Quebec native Gabriel Chamberland, stands out with its striking combination of classic woodworking and advanced automotive design. This beautiful, hand-built vehicle draws inspiration from popular sports cars and is powered by a potent 350-horsepower supercharged engine. Despite its power and performance, it embraces the charm of wood, transforming traditional carpentry into automotive artistry.

This remarkable wooden automotive masterpiece, meticulously crafted by an artisan in Quebec, Canada, was brought to life over a span of approximately two years, showcasing unparalleled dedication and skill. (Picture from: StanceIsEverything)

Constructed over a steel tubular frame, this wooden marvel uses a method reminiscent of a puzzle, where each small block of wood is meticulously placed, creating a mosaic-like effect that covers much of the car’s exterior and interior. The intricate wooden exterior is a testament to the builder's dedication, capturing the attention of anyone fortunate enough to witness it on the road. Not only does this vehicle turn heads, but it also challenges preconceived notions about the materials suitable for high-performance vehicles. In an age dominated by metals and synthetic materials, this car brings warmth and nostalgia through the organic texture and appearance of its wooden “bricks.”

This wooden car features an interior that is just as captivating as its exterior, with distinctive wooden blocks lining much of the cabin, seamlessly enhancing the sense of cohesion and exceptional craftsmanship. (Picture from: StanceIsEverything)

The interior of the car is as captivating as the exterior, also featuring the distinctive wooden blocks that line much of the cabin, enhancing the sense of cohesion and craftsmanship. Instead of traditional dials or an instrument cluster, a simple Android tablet serves as the gauge, adding a touch of modernity amidst the rustic aesthetic. This blend of old and new creates an interior environment that is equal parts functional and artful, merging technology with artisanal design.

This wooden car achieves a perfect balance of old and new, creating an interior that is both functional and artful, seamlessly merging modern technology with artisanal design. (Picture from: StanceIsEverything)

Much about this handcrafted car remains a mystery, including details about the underlying chassis and any additional performance specifications. What is certain, however, is that this vehicle represents an impressive feat of engineering and artistry. Few vehicles combine such power and beauty with sustainable, natural materials. Each block of wood, carefully selected and placed, shows the builder’s dedication to both aesthetics and functionality.

This wooden car replaces traditional dials and instrument clusters with a simple Android tablet as the gauge, seamlessly blending modern technology with its rustic aesthetic. (Picture from: StanceIsEverything)

This wooden supercar, with its unique charm and robust performance, defies conventional wisdom in automotive design. It demonstrates that wood, a material once deemed unsuitable for modern car bodies, can indeed create a durable, attractive, and high-performing vehicle. This exceptional creation in Canada serves as a reminder of the possibilities that lie within creative automotive craftsmanship. 

This wooden supercar conceals its impressive performance, with little known about the powerful engine behind its speed, though its appearance suggests it brought a potent supercharged engine. (Picture from: StanceIsEverything)

The car’s powerful engine and carefully crafted wooden design make it not only an automobile but a moving piece of art. Its maker proves that even in a world driven by technological advancement, traditional materials like wood still hold untapped potential to astonish and inspire. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STANCEISEVERYTHING | PINTEREST | GABRIEL CHAMBERLAND IN FACEBOOK ]

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Wood-Crafted Model of Mercedes 300 SL

ARTWORK - In the world of automobiles, where innovation meets heritage, the allure of classic cars often brings about fascination and reverence. Among these iconic vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL stands out as a symbol of both elegance and engineering excellence. Known for its sleek design and groundbreaking features, this two-seater coupe has captivated car enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is not just a car; it's a piece of automotive history, cherished for its rarity and performance.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, cherished for its rarity and performance, has inspired enthusiasts and artisans to create replicas that honor its legacy. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

Manufactured in limited numbers, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a testament to the exclusivity of its era. With only a thousand units produced, each car represents a significant achievement in automotive design. Notable figures such as legendary racer Juan Manuel Fangio and former Indonesian President B.J. Habibie have owned versions of this remarkable vehicle, further cementing its place in automotive lore.

Woodworking Art's detailed wooden Mercedes 300 SL model with functional gullwing doors. (Picture from: Woodworking Art's Youtube Channel)

Adding to its mystique, the 1956 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut coupe has recently garnered attention as one of the most valuable cars in the world. With a staggering auction price of $142 million, this rare road-going race car has surpassed the previous record set by the Ferrari 250 GTO. Such figures highlight the unparalleled value and prestige associated with these classic cars.

This Mercedes 300 SL wooden model is not merely a decorative piece; it incorporates moving parts and intricate details that honor the original’s craftsmanship. (Picture from: Woodworking Art's Youtube Channel)

Despite their rarity, the 300 SL's influence extends beyond its original form. Enthusiasts and artisans alike have created replicas to celebrate and preserve its legacy. One such extraordinary replication comes from the world of woodworking. Imagine a replica model of the 300 SL meticulously crafted from wood, complete with functional gullwing doors that mirror the original’s unique design. This wooden masterpiece is not merely a decorative piece; it incorporates moving parts and intricate details that honor the original’s craftsmanship.

Its detail and precision offer a unique parallel to the Mercedes 300 SL, underscoring the diverse ways in which classic cars can be celebrated through craftsmanship. (Picture from: Woodworking Art's Youtube Channel)

The YouTube channel Woodworking Art has dedicated itself to bringing this wooden replica model of the Mercedes 300 SL to life. Their dedication to detail is evident in the functional gullwing doors and the ability to open the hood and trunk. This scaled-model replica goes beyond aesthetic mimicry, offering a tactile experience that pays homage to the classic sports car’s engineering.

Woodworking Art's craftsmanship showcases the intersection of traditional woodworking skills and classic automotive design, creating a piece that is both functional and historically significant. (Picture from: Woodworking Art's Youtube Channel)

Woodworking Art's project demonstrates a profound respect for the 300 SL, transforming it from a cherished memory into a tangible work of art. Their craftsmanship showcases the intersection of traditional woodworking skills and classic automotive design, creating a piece that is both functional and historically significant. | LOI3M3PGqqI |

Wooden replicas of cars are not uncommon, but few reach the level of artistry found in this wooden Mercedes Gullwing. Another remarkable example is the Wooden Karmann Ghia Cabriolet from Jepara in real-size. This intricately crafted replica also showcases the incredible talent of artisans who blend automotive design with woodworking excellence. Its detail and precision offer a unique parallel to the Mercedes 300 SL replica, underscoring the diverse ways in which classic cars can be celebrated through craftsmanship.

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

In a world where classic cars often remain out of reach for many, such replicas offer a way to connect with automotive heritage. They serve as reminders of the beauty and innovation that defined an era, allowing enthusiasts to experience a piece of that history in a new and creative form. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WOODWORKINGART | ID.MOTOR1 | OTOTREND | MURIA NEWS | OTO DETIK | TRIBUNNEWS JOGJA ]

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A Unique Wooden Motorcycle Powered by Algae Oil

Unique ONES - In a remarkable collaboration, Dutch designer Ritsert Mans and scientist Peter Mooji have brought forth a truly astonishing innovation: a motorcycle constructed entirely from wood and powered by an extraordinary fuel source back in 2017. Besides that the bike was built to accompany Mooji’s new book, titled De Dikke Alg or The Thick Algae, which examines the role algae could play in a sustainable future.

A unique wooden-made motorcycle runs on algae oil, made by collaboration of Ritsert Mans and Peter Mooji. (Picture from: DesignBoom)

This one-of-a-kind two-wheeled vehicle flaunts a sleek café-racer style design, with nearly every section crafted from wood, including the chassis, forks, and swingarm. An intriguing fusion of natural materials with modern engineering, the engine and bike's legs, however, retain their sturdy metal components.

As reported by Motorcycle News,  what sets this extraordinary wooden motorcycle apart from its petroleum-guzzling counterparts is its fuel source: algae oil. The motorcycle doesn't rely on traditional fossil fuels but rather runs on a unique essence extracted from algae.

Ritsert Mans and Peter Mooji posed with their unique wooden Café Racer. (Picture from: DesignBoom)

Fascinatingly, the team decided to conduct the motorcycle's testing not on the typical asphalt road but on the sandy shores of a beach. This unconventional choice was motivated by two compelling reasons. Firstly, the algae used to produce the fuel thrive in the ocean, thus prompting the decision to perform the tests on the beach. Secondly, the team sought to evoke a sense of nostalgia and adventure by harking back to the early 20th-century motorcycle testing tradition.

Mans expressed, "The future of transportation and energy is uncertain for the next 30 years. Embracing this uncertainty as an opportunity for new adventures, everyone has the chance to develop and build their own ideas."

This unique wooden-made motorcycle runs on algae oil, made by collaboration of Ritsert Mans and Peter Mooji could turn a new dimension in fuel technology. (Picture from: GaadiWaadi)

While the article regrettably lacks detailed specifications on speed, cruising capabilities, and fuel efficiency of this unique wooden motorcycle, it nonetheless sparks hope for alternative fuels and sustainable transportation solutions in the future.

This groundbreaking venture into wooden motorcycle engineering shines a light on the immense potential of renewable resources like algae oil. As the world grapples with environmental challenges and seeks greener alternatives, Mans and Mooji's creation provides a glimmer of hope for a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future.

The bike was built to accompany Mooji’s new book, titled “De Dikke Alg,” or “The Thick Algae,” which examines the role algae could play in a sustainable future. (Picture from: Motorcycle)

The allure of the wooden motorcycle lies not only in its unconventional design but also in its contribution to the exploration of renewable energy sources. The use of algae oil as a fuel presents a promising avenue for reducing our reliance on finite fossil fuels that harm the environment. Moreover, this innovation aligns with the global drive towards sustainable practices and green technologies.

The café-racer style of the wooden motorcycle adds a touch of elegance and simplicity to its appearance, blending harmoniously with its environmentally friendly ethos. The design embraces the past while heralding a future where the boundary between nature and technology can be seamlessly bridged.

The motorbike chassis is made of wood, including its funky-looking single-sided front end. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

However, amid all the excitement surrounding this remarkable creation, enthusiasts and eco-conscious individuals eagerly await further details on its performance. Information regarding speed, range, and fuel efficiency will undoubtedly shed more light on the motorcycle's practicality and potential for wider adoption.

As discussions about sustainable transportation solutions gain traction, this wooden motorcycle offers a refreshing take on what the future of mobility might entail. It encourages us to question conventional norms and reimagine the possibilities, inspiring a new generation of innovators to push the boundaries of what is achievable.

In conclusion, Ritsert Mans and Peter Mooji's wooden motorcycle powered by algae oil is a groundbreaking invention that paves the way for eco-friendly transportation options. With its blend of wood and metal, it exudes an alluring charm while championing the use of renewable resources. 

As we eagerly anticipate more detailed information about its performance, this innovation serves as a beacon of hope in our quest for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. Let us embrace this remarkable uncertainty and venture forth into a world where creativity and sustainability intertwine to shape a better tomorrow.

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 [23102017] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MCN | DESIGNBOOM | AUTOEVOLUTION | GAADIWAADI | CARANDBIKE | MOTORCYCLE ]

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Other unique wooden scooters made in Indonesia artisans

Rare ONES - Among the various modifications to scooters around the world, wooden scooters stand out as the most unique. In a previous article, we discussed the Vespa MP6 scooter replica made from discarded wood by Eri Ashari. 

Two wooden scooters made by an Indonesian craftsman named Eri Ashari. (Picture from: Gudeg.net)

Now, we shift our focus to another set of wooden scooters crafted by talented Indonesian artisans. Now we head to a small city in Central Java named Jepara, this city has been known for a long time for the beauty of its wood carving.

Jepara, a small city in Central Java which been known for a long time for the beauty of its wood carving. (Picture from: JeparaHariInion Facebook)

Surprisingly, this city is also home to teak wood scooters. Let's take a closer look at two remarkable examples:

1. 1973 Vespa Super by Ruli Wood Custom

Ruli Wood Custom, a workshop based in Jepara, meticulously crafted this extraordinary wooden scooter. The modification process for this unique piece took approximately 3 to 4 months. The base material used was a 1973 Vespa Super scooter. 

1973 Vespa scooter made of teak wood by Ruli Wood Custom shown off at the ISF 2017 in Yogyakarta. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)

To maintain durability, the scooter's body is not entirely made of wood. Ruli Krisnawan, the artisan behind Ruli Wood Custom, explained that an all-wood body would increase the risk of breakage, endangering the rider. 

As You can see on several body parts of the 1973 Vespa Super scooter were decorated with a beautiful Jepara carving. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)

Therefore, they decided to retain the original body and adorn it with a layer of intricately carved teak wood. Selected parts of the 1973 Vespa Super scooter received exquisite Jepara carvings, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

The 1973 Vespa Super scooter's handlebar and mirrors were also decorated with a beautiful Jepara carving. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)

It's worth noting that the components related to the driving system, such as the engine and rims, remained in their original condition without any wooden layering.

2. A wooden replica of Lambretta LI 125 by Taufiq Qurrohman

Jepara, known for its wood carving, is also the birthplace of another wooden scooter such as this replica of the Lambretta LI 125. This remarkable creation is the work of Taufiq Qurrohman, a skilled wood craftsman. 

A wooden replica of Lambretta LI 125 scooter made by a Jepara craftsman named Taufiq Qurrohman. (Picture from: Surabaya-Kompas)

Taufiq Qurrahman was riding
on the wooden replica of the
Lambretta LI 125 of his-owned.  
(Picture from: Surabaya-Kompas)

Unlike the previous scooters, Taufiq's creation boasts a full teak wood frame and body, and according to Taufiq, the idea for this wooden scooter was entirely his own, and he personally crafted both the frame and body. 

However, he sought the assistance of a mechanic for engine mounting. The entire construction process, from concept to completion, and it took approximately nine weeks.

This unique wooden scooter features automatic machines, though specific machine names and types were not disclosed. These machines were chosen to enhance maintenance ease and driving comfort, making it suitable for anyone, including women.

Although both these wooden scooters function like any other two-wheeled vehicles, it remains unknown whether they possess the necessary roadworthy permits from the authorities.

Before concluding, it's worth mentioning another exceptional modified scooter crafted by an Indonesian scooter builder named Komando.

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 [12122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOMOTIF-TEMPO | SURABAYA-KOMPAS]
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Paolo Martin's unique proposal for Bugatti EB110

Radical Concept Apparently gloomy days have also been experienced by a well-known automotive company like Bugatti. In the 1960s, the Molsheim-based company had declared bankrupt and should ceased production for a long time before revived back in the 1980s. The idea of Bugatti’s revival was initially proposed by none other than Ferruccio Lamborghini together with ex-Lamborghini engineer and designer Paolo Stanzani to Romano Artioli.

The most radical proposed design concept for the Bugatti EB110 called Bugatti 110 PM1 by Paolo Martin in 1989. (Picture from: SportscarDigest)

This happened when Ferruccio wanted to start another project after selling his raging-bull logoed company in 1981. At that time Romano Artioli was known widely as a Bugatti collector, turn out also had a personal ambition to establish a company worthy of Ettore Bugatti’s legacy, Bugatti macaron, and the horseshoe grille. And made the initial idea to estabilish a new brand changed into a wildly ambitious plan to revive one of the all-time great auto marques.

The wooden maquette of the Bugatti 110 PM1 posed along with its creator Paolo Martin at the Turin Auto Show 1991. (Picture from: Carstbatnevermadeitetc)

Disagreement with Artioli’s ambition to go huge from the very start, then prompted Ferruccio Lamborghini retreated. Following the dispute, Artioli and Stanzani soon started working on a draft to acquire the Bugatti brand. After successfully acquiring the brand, they teamed up with like-minded enthusiast, automotive historian Jean-Marc Borel founded a holding company called Bugatti International in Luxembourg in 1987.

The Bugatti 110 PM1 featured with a panoramic windshield and a floating rear wing integrated within the diagonal character line starting behind the front wheels. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Borel was managing the holding, while Ettore’s youngest son Michel Bugatti was among the board of directors. Romano Artioli himself led the Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. while 35% of the Bugatti International holding was held by Tecnostile, a highly regarded independent engineering company employing former Lamborghini personnel. In short to strategically place Bugatti at the center of the supercar industry, the company then established a modern production facility in Campogalliano, the outskirts of Modena.

It is interesting that in the Paolo Martin's design appears to reference the Luigi Colani’s extraordinary Lamborghini Miura Le Mans Concept of 1970. (Picture from: SportscarDigest)

In early days of this newly resurrected auto brand the man in charges leading the project was Paolo Stanzani together with Tecnostile, envisioning the underpinnings of the car. Both Artioli, Stanzani, and the principal Tecnostile team of Achille Bevini, Tiziano Benedetti, and Oliviero Pedrazzi agreed that the car had to go beyond the well-established concept boundaries of the time, namely the mid-engined V12 supercar. Still, the team spoke from experience, as they developed the chassis and the engine of the Lamborghini Miura.

The Bugatti 110 PM1's design revolved around aerodynamic efficiency, but it proved to be too far-out and definitely not elegant enough to be considered for production. (Picture from: SportscarDigest)

In the car design later known as the forerunner of the Bugatti EB110, apart from involving its own designer team, the company also invited several well-known designers at the time such as Giorgietto Giugiaro, Paolo Martin, Marcello Gandini, and Nuccio Bertone to create the looks of the upcoming car. A quartet of accomplished designers returned their vision for the future Bugatti and each was special in its own right.

The Bugatti 110 PM1 concept sat on display as a wooden maquette at the  the 65th Turin International Motor Show in 1991. (Picture from: Bestinsketch.it)

After some time ago we had discussed Giorgietto Giugiaro' designed car called the Bugatti ID90 Concept. Well, now we will discuss about the most radical proposal came from Paolo Martin (a former Pininfarina designer) who created a unique prototype called the Bugatti 110 PM1 in the 1989.

The Bugatti 110 PM1 concept shown as a model of sports car in 1: 1 scale and made entirely of wood. A structure whose shape exceeds the stylistic value. (Picture from: SportscarDigest)

The car appears in such an unusual shape with a panoramic windshield and a floating rear wing integrated within the diagonal character line starting behind the front wheels. Meanwhile, Bugatti 110 PM1 was a single seater sports car controlled by a joystick and “paddles” rather than a steering wheel. It is interesting that in the Paolo Martin's design appears to reference the Luigi Colani’s extraordinary Lamborghini Miura Le Mans Concept of 1970.

The Bugatti 110 PM1 concept has a single-seater cabin consists of a capsule in which the steering wheel is replaced by two handwheels located on the arm rests, for a more ergonomic ride. (Picture from: Carstbatnevermadeitetc)

The designer said that the philosophy of the project was essentially to create two distinct areas, that of traction and strength tied to earth and that of the living cell with aerial shape and ideally detached from the body. Inside its capsule cabin consists only one-seater in which the steering wheel is replaced by two handwheels located on the arm rests, for a more ergonomic ride. For safety, the driver has a four-point anchor belt that incorporates an abdominal airbag. 

For safety, the Bugatti 110 PM1 driver has a four-point anchor belt that incorporates an abdominal airbag. (Picture from: Carstbatnevermadeitetc)

Although they had made in a 1:4 scale model but this project reportedly did not run smoothly, due to the design proved to be too far-out and definitely not elegant enough to be considered for production and later the project was cancelled.😩

The Bugatti 110 PM1 concept in any case a reality resolved in a traditional way and presented so simply, to reawaken that intimate sense of taste and charm that always accompanies a valid work for a long time. (Picture from: SportscarDigest)

Furthermore, in 1991 this project had back on the track after Joshiro Kitami, a Japanese businessman was interested in it and wanted to revived the Ford Cobra's brand in which he had investments. Even in that time the designer had executed its polystyrene model to start engineering, but unfortunately this operation back to fail due to financial problems.😭

The Bugatti PM1 Concept known as a single-seater supercar made entirely of wood while sat on display at the National Automobile Museum (Il Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile) in early year of 2016. (Picture from: la Repubblica)

It made the designer then switched to build a 1:1 scale model out of wood. Finally, the wooden maquette of Bugatti 110 PM1 (only bodywork) finished and shown to the public for the first time at the  the 65th Turin International Motor Show in 1991.

Observed in its unique technical aspects or appreciated simply as an "unusual mobile" car, the PM1 is in any case a reality resolved in a traditional way and presented so simply, to reawaken that intimate sense of taste and charm that always accompanies a valid work for a long time. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BESTINSKETCH.IT | SPORTSCARDIGEST ]

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