The intersection of art and cars is very relevant to what I cover on Seen.Today as the topic relates closely to aesthetics. UK-based Hedley Studios invited me to view a collection of three of their handcrafted 3/4 scale functional replica cars at the newly opened 550 Madison garden in NYC. Hedley specializes in producing limited edition scale recreations of iconic historic automobiles. Each are hand built and powered by an all-electric powertrain capable of a 40 mph top speed in the US. But they aren’t road legal.
The craftsmanship and attention to detail of each is astonishing. Without any reference of scale, it’s very difficult to tell these are smaller than the originals. Much of that illusion comes down to the meticulous work to make the smallest parts look correct, right down to the visible fasteners.
Hedley works with the original manufacturers to make sure their replica versions are as authentic as possible. For example, Bugatti supplies the scale macaron radiator badge on the front of the Baby II. The Ferrari Testa Rossa J rides on wire wheels from Ruote Borrani, the same manufacturer in Milan that supplied the originals for the 250.
If this short description already has you thinking these must be expensive, yes they are. Prices average around $100,000. But considering a rare original Bugatti Type 35 sold at auction in 2022 for $2.1m, the Baby II is a fraction of that cost.
Who are these for then? Collectors. The Hedley reps I spoke with said they’re bought more as display sculptures than vehicles that will be driven much, if at all. It might be cool to have a micro-historics racing series on a scaled down track but that gets beyond the fine craftsmanship aspect of what Hedley offers here. I think these are more in the realm of an expensive timepiece. Something to marvel over the design and mechanics of. Hedley has already produced Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti and Ferrari replicas with Alfa Romeo and Porsche to be added in the near future.
Photos and Text: Dave Pinter
Bugatti Baby II
Based on the 1924 Type 35 race car, designed a century ago it remains an icon of automotive design. Hedley’s replica includes the glorious 8 spoke aluminum wheels, hand formed body and turned aluminum dash. The fuel tube on the rear deck has been swapped for a charging port topped by a machined aluminum cap. Even the camber angle of the front wheels was calibrated to match the original. The Bugatti Baby II production is limited to 500.
Aston Martin DB5 J (No Time To Die Edition)
Hedley worked with Aston Martin and 007 film producers EON Productions to create this DB5 for the supreme James Bond fan. Limited to 125, it comes with a few special counter villain add-ons compliments of Q. Behind a secret panel in the interior are switches to activate the digital license plates that scrolls through different combinations and shows a short Bond clip. There’s also a working smoke screen that deploys out the exhaust from a trunk mounted fogger. It wouldn’t be complete without the headlights that retract to reveal Gatling guns that flash and make noise at the touch of a button. All of it is fun and detracts nothing from the DB5’s body which is flawless.
Ferrari Testa Rossa J
Rounding out the collection is the replica of the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, specifically the 1957 pontoon fendered model. The keen eyed will have probably noticed the missing side exhaust pipes. I’m not sure why Hedley left them off but it’s the one obvious omission from the three replicas exhibited. Otherwise this is a particularly stunning model finished in authentic Ferrari red paint. Under the bonnet, some of the car’s tubular structure and mechanicals can be seen. Additionally there is a ‘VIN’ plaque and the inner engine bay is signed by the individual car’s master builder.
