Garage Genius - In the world of automotive engineering, where creativity meets precision, there exists a unique niche for custom car projects that challenge the norm. Among these ambitious ventures, one particularly captivating creation has emerged: the Volgatti. A blend of historical charm and modern extravagance, the Volgatti is a testament to the imagination and craftsmanship of its creators, Axes: Garage—a team of Russian automotive enthusiasts. This car stands as a fusion of iconic designs from different eras, showcasing what happens when tradition and innovation collide in a most unexpected way.
The Volgatti, built by Axes Garage, embodies a vision that fuses the elegance of a 1960s Soviet GAZ-21 Volga with the striking aesthetics of a Bugatti Chiron. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
The story of the Volgatti begins with a vision to merge the elegance of a 1960s Soviet GAZ-21 Volga with the sheer performance and aesthetic allure of the Bugatti Chiron, one of the most luxurious hypercars ever made. However, the base for this marvel wasn’t a Bugatti, as one might expect, but a BMW 6-Series Coupe (E63). By using the BMW as the foundation, the Axes Garage team transformed the shell of an ordinary car into something extraordinary. Over the course of three painstaking years, they turned this idea into reality, crafting a car that is both a tribute to the past and a reimagining of the future.
The Volgatti wasn’t built on a Bugatti, as one might expect, but rather on a repurposed BMW 6-Series Coupe (E63), transformed over three years. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
The project’s roots lie in the cultural and automotive landscapes of Belarus and Russia, where enthusiasm for rebuilding and reimagining vehicles has steadily grown. The Volga, produced between the 1950s and 1970s in the Soviet Union, was a symbol of practicality and mass production, with over 600,000 units made. It boasted a modest 80-horsepower engine and was never intended to be a sports car. Meanwhile, the Bugatti Chiron, with its W16 engine producing 1,500 horsepower and a top speed of 380 km/h, represents the pinnacle of modern automotive engineering. Combining these two vastly different vehicles might seem like an impossible dream, but for Axes Garage, it was an irresistible challenge.
The Volgatti boasts a strikingly unique look, featuring the classic silhouette of the GAZ-21 Volga at the front, seamlessly merged with the rear of a Bugatti Chiron. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
The creation process involved intricate planning and design work. The team carefully replicated the rear end of the Bugatti Chiron, crafting custom fiberglass molds and components to achieve the car’s distinctive shape. The front end retained the classic silhouette of the GAZ-21 Volga, resulting in a harmonious blend of old and new. Every detail was meticulously designed, from the sleek paintwork and chrome finishes to the modified cooling and suspension systems. The transformation also required significant structural modifications to the BMW base, ensuring it could support the weight and design of the Volgatti’s unique frame.
The Volgatti’s transformation required extensive structural modifications to the BMW base to support its weight and uniquely crafted design. (Picture from: ГАЗ-21-is Gijebi Group on Facebook)
Building the Volgatti wasn’t just a test of skill but also a financial challenge. As quoted of The Supercar Blondie, the project’s total cost reached an estimated $106,995, including materials, labor, and workshop expenses. Among these costs were the $1,000 BMW donor car, a $400 Volga shell, and countless custom parts, such as wide wheels, air suspension, and fiberglass molds. Despite the high price tag, the team’s dedication and resourcefulness made the dream a reality.
The Volgatti defies categorization, with a Bugatti-inspired rear and a front that pays homage to Soviet automotive history.(Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
The end result is a car that defies categorization. From the rear, the Volgatti is unmistakably Bugatti-inspired, while the front pays homage to Soviet automotive history. Yet, the foundation of the BMW ensures that this hybrid creation offers reliable performance and a solid driving experience. The Volgatti’s bold design even evokes the spirit of American muscle cars from the 1950s, creating a strange but captivating blend of cultural influences.
The Volgatti’s bold design echoes the spirit of 1950s American muscle cars, resulting in a striking yet unconventional fusion of automotive cultures. (Picture from: RealUNICARNS on X)
Though the Volgatti is a finished masterpiece in many respects, its journey isn’t over. The creators are still refining elements such as the custom suspension, wheels, and other features, appealing for support from the automotive community to bring their vision to full fruition. As it stands, the Volgatti has already captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide, drawing attention for its daring design and the story behind its creation.