The idea started with a digital render combining the front of a Moskvitch 412 and the rear of a Bugatti Chiron. Lacking funds and equipment, the Axes: Garage team looked for a way to make their own version. For starters, they bought a Ford Probe as a donor car and thought about how they could mix the design of the Chiron and the classic Gaz 21 Volga.
After deciding to use the Bugatti roof design as the main connection between the two cars, they began making the molds and assembled the body panels using fiberglass. Although the initial cost for making the mold was only $450 and the two donor cars cost $550, the cost quickly grew due to additional materials, equipment, and workshop rental.
End of Build
Midway through the project, the group decided to replace the Ford Probe with a BMW E63 6 Series as the new donor car. Even though there were many trials, they never gave up. They used wood models to design the car, built a custom air suspension, and painstakingly painted the bodywork.
There were no shortcuts on this project—they thought through every detail, from the design of the hatch seals, adjusting the gaps between the body panels, to adding a functional spoiler and retractable hood ornament similar to the Rolls-Royce .
How Much Did This Project Cost?
After three years of work, the total cost of the project reached $106,955. Here are the main expenses:
- Workshop and labor rent: ~$38,000
- Parts, materials, and other supplies: ~$32,000
- Modifications and upgrades: ~$18,000
- Donor cars: ~$11,000
It's amazing that the donor cars themselves are one of the cheapest parts of the project, while workshop rent and labor fees make up the biggest part of the cost. Some of the most expensive finishing touches are the custom windshield that costs $1,500, the rechroming of parts that goes up to $3,500, and the air suspension system that costs $3,000.
Despite all the trials and huge investments, the Volgatti is proof of perseverance, dedication, and the undying love of building a unique vehicle.
