Building a Miniature Urban Car

In the quiet hours of the night, a spark of inspiration struck. A city car—compact, lightweight, and packed with personality. The dream was simple yet bold: to create a fully functional miniature car powered by a 7.5 HP internal combustion engine. This wasn’t just about building a vehicle; it was about proving that creativity and determination could turn humble materials into something extraordinary.

Welcome to Meanwhile in the Garage, where every project is a challenge and an invitation to think outside the box.

The Vision

The idea started with a bike—a simple copy of an existing design. Combine it with larger wheels and a frame crafted from square metal tubes, and a unique urban car would take shape. The project wasn’t just about performance; it was about making something fun, practical, and eye-catching.

But the real challenge lay in the details. What about the body? The wing? For this builder, the answer was clear: everyday items. A plastic bucket became the wing, construction wheelbarrow wheels formed the base, and the rest unfolded piece by piece.

Crafting the Frame

The foundation of the car came together with precision, welding square metal tubes into a sturdy frame. Bigger wheels gave the car an almost retro aircraft vibe—strong, functional, and undeniably cool.

“Grounded,” the builder quipped as the wheels were mounted, their strength and size perfect for both rugged performance and visual appeal.

Function Meets Flair

No detail was too small. A smooth windshield wiper? Check. A repainted frame to suit the builder’s vision? Absolutely. Wiring up the kill switch, signals, lights, and wipers? Essential. This wasn’t just a DIY experiment; it was an exercise in engineering.

Fresh air inlets—one in the middle and two on the sides—were added for practicality. Even the smallest considerations, like making the car weatherproof, were addressed.

The Color Transformation

The frame’s original paint didn’t match the car’s personality. With a fresh coat of vibrant, eye-catching color, the vision truly came alive. It wasn’t just a car anymore; it was a statement.

“Not bad,” the builder joked after stepping back to admire the transformation. “What do you think? Write your opinions in the comments!”

Final Details

With the wiring complete and every component in place, the car was ready for its debut. Weighing in at just over 2000 pounds, the miniature car was light enough to be transported easily yet sturdy enough for urban adventures.

This car wasn’t just functional—it was versatile. Small enough to fit into an elevator, agile enough to park right next to your office, and bold enough to turn heads wherever it went.

The Bigger Picture

What’s most inspiring about this project isn’t just the car itself—it’s the message. With simple materials and a bit of ingenuity, you can build something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a hobbyist with a dream, the possibilities are endless.

This car is more than a vehicle; it’s a call to action. Could you build your own version?

Join the Journey

If you’re as inspired by this project as we are, check out the full video on the Meanwhile in the Garage YouTube channel. Follow along with the build process, learn new DIY techniques, and share your creations with a community of creators.

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