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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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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The first F50 replica that could pass on the Venice River

Italy is known to have many traditions, besides making supercars. It turns out that they make some of the best traditional lake boats, plus they are also a cultural and artistic hub of Europe. And on this occasion, we will discuss one of the Italian creations that combining all those elements above and then makes it very unique work.

This unique wooden Ferrari F50 car-shaped boat by Livio De Marchi made over five months in the process. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VdIImy)

The Ferrari brand is one of the many famous brands from Italy that has become iconic for their automotive tradition, it's proved of more than 16 million people joining the Ferrari's fan pages. But due to the selling price of one unit of a Ferrari is fairly expensive so that not everyone can afford it. No wonder so many people dream of owning these Maranello-made supercars.

A wooden Ferrari F50 car-shaped boat running on the surface of the Venice River. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zWYfj5)

To satisfy the desire to have a sports car, not a few people who conduct experiments even imitate one of the Ferrari car model shapes. If it's in the form of a four-wheeled vehicle, the easiest way to get it is to make a replica by using the base of the Pontiac Fiero or Toyota MR2. But a different thing was done by Livio De Marchi, who made a wooden boat that has a shape resembled the Ferrari F50.

The details of each part of this unique wooden Ferrari F50 car-shaped boat made in detail so that the shape is similar to the original supercar. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2VdIImy)

As quoted by Autoevolution, De Marchi spent five months working on it. The time was used to pursue the details of each part of this replica workmanship even made in detail so that the shape is similar to the original vehicle ranging from glass to the iconic Ferrari's prancing horse logo.

1995 Ferrari F50. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3jBD7kc)

Unlike the original car that uses a 65-degrees V12 4.7L DOHC engine, the Ferrari F50-shaped boat made by De Marchi uses a Yamaha boat engine capable of carrying it to run along the water surface at medium speed. Thus the 900kg car-shaped boat became the first F50 replica that could pass on the surface of the Venice river.

To all those of you who want a Ferrari but are constrained by its exorbitant price, so the Italian gentleman's way can be an inspiration. Only in five months, his dreamed Ferrari can be owned even if only a wooden Ferrari F50 car-shaped boat. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION] 

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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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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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