Father of the year’ builds a stunning Rolls-Royce Boat Tail replica out of wood for his son to drive
In a heartwarming display of creativity and love, Trương Văn Đạo, a Vietnamese father with a knack for woodworking, has gained recognition as the “Father of the Year” by crafting a stunning, working replica of the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail for his son to enjoy. While not everyone can afford the eye-watering $28 million price tag of the original luxury car, Văn Đạo decided to make his own dream come true for his child.
Trương Văn Đạo is not just a doting father; he is also the sole proprietor of ND Woodworking Art, a woodworking workshop, and a YouTube channel that chronicles his remarkable craftsmanship. He has become known for meticulously constructing miniature versions of some of the world’s most coveted automobiles. Last year, Văn Đạo wowed viewers by fashioning a miniaturized Lamborghini Sian out of wood, complete with intricately designed butterfly doors and an electric powertrain. This time, he set his sights on a more ambitious project – replicating what is arguably the most opulent street-legal car on the market.
Văn Đạo’s replica of the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail goes beyond mere scale representation. It features fully operational elements, including opening doors and functional headlights and taillights. While it doesn’t boast a V12 engine like the original, it does have the remarkable ability to be driven. The pièce de résistance of this astonishing creation is the rear butterfly trunk, which opens to reveal a set of glasses, juice boxes, and even a designated spot to dock an umbrella – transforming the experience into a luxury outing, albeit on a smaller scale.
The video showcasing Văn Đạo’s craftsmanship demonstrates the second part of a two-part series, capturing the incredible journey of building this wooden masterpiece from scratch. What sets this endeavor apart is Văn Đạo’s commitment to creating every aspect of the car himself, eschewing existing toy car chassis or any material other than wood. He begins by piecing together large wooden components to form the car’s structure, later using a chainsaw to sculpt it into a likeness of the original. This painstaking process undoubtedly spans months, all while Văn Đạo maintains a day job at Google.
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In addition to constructing the body, Văn Đạo takes on the challenge of assembling the powertrain, fitting it neatly into the rear of the car, just below the innovative drink-holding trunk. Unlike the Boat Tail, this miniature version relies on a battery-powered motor, resulting in a gracefully moving vehicle that cruises through the streets rather than breaking speed records. Văn Đạo employs various tools, from sanding machines to hole-saw bits, to meticulously create details such as the headlight and windshield slots, doors, and other intricate features. Different wood grades, ranging from lighter woods for the body and interior to darker woods for the grilles, dashboard accents, and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy statuette adorning the hood, are used. Once the entire vehicle is ready, it receives a protective layer of lacquer, bringing out its exquisite finish.
The heartwarming climax of the video captures the father and son duo taking a joyous spin in the wooden wonder, complete with a pit stop to enjoy the drink caddy fitted into the back of the car. They share a glass of orange juice, creating cherished memories that undoubtedly surpass the value of a $28 million car. Trương Văn Đạo’s dedication, craftsmanship, and love for his son have not only created a remarkable wooden masterpiece but have also touched the hearts of many, reinforcing the idea that a father’s love knows no bounds.
