Breadvan_update_005: Deconstructing the base vehicle
Deconstructing the body
Niels van Roij Design was approached by a true car enthousiast. His idea: designing and coachbuilding a Breadvan Hommage, based on the 2-seat, front-engined V12 powered base car. After the client briefing, acquiring and discussing the base car, determining its hardpoints and highlighting them with car design tape, the process of removing the complete body has now finally started. Deconstructing the base vehicle is a highly labour intensive task. All removable items like the boot lid, bumpers and taillights are taken out. Only the taillights will be re-used in the Breadvan Hommage, albeit in a different setup compared to the OEM car. All other body parts will be changed for hand-beaten uniquely bespoke aluminium parts. The glass is removed too, with the exception of the bonded windscreen, which will remain in the car during its construction. The side windows will be replaced by bespoke pieces of glass, tailor made to fit the new design.
A cut off kamm-tail
The original Breadvan has a very distinctive visor-type look of the windscreen and side windows. The design team will look at how to make a modern interpretation of treatment of the graphics of the glass. Compared to the standard base car it is very different. Visually joining the OEM windscreen with the A-pillar and side windows is a difficult task which will involve both design and coachbuilding work. The rear end will be furthest from its OEM look, as the original Breadvan features a long roof and cut off kamm-tail with a small window. The design team will take all this visual information in and will translate this into a relevant, modern design. All rubbers and seals are removed too. Most of them will be replaced by uniquely designed new elements.
Removing and coachbuilding
The rear quarter panel is crossed-out by the coachbuilder, it tells the story of its destiny. This entire section will be removed eventually. The car will receive a new body, so the old rear-end is not needed any longer. The back will be cut off the car in one large piece, starting from the rear axle of the vehicle. The unique status and sight of this once so beautiful Italian sportscar being stripped back to the bare essence is very special indeed. Eventually only the tubular steel space frame and front-mounted naturally aspirated V12 will remain stock. However, many hours of work will still be needed to strip the car even further back. Next week we will start with cutting away panels, which is not for the faint of heart.