Have you ever wondered what it would be like to drive a giant bumper car on the road? Well, in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Dan Hryhorcoff made that dream a reality. This retired machine shop owner utilized his fabrication expertise to build a super-sized bumper car during the height of the COVID pandemic. Let’s take a closer look at this unique creation and how it operates on the road.
Building the Giant Bumper Car
Hryhorcoff’s giant bumper car is based on the 1953 Lusse Auto Skooter, a popular bumper car design still used in amusement parks today. He took measurements of the original design, upsized the numbers, and created a mold to make the body out of fiberglass. While it looks and steers like a real bumper car, it is actually registered as a three-wheeled motorcycle. The front clip of a 2007 Chevrolet Aveo, including the engine and transmission, powers this unique vehicle. However, the engine is mounted at the back of the car, and the oversized steering wheel controls a motorcycle fork connected to a single wheel that turns in the middle of the car, allowing it to spin nearly in place.
On the Road
Despite its appearance, this giant bumper car is not meant for bumping into other vehicles on the road. The fiberglass body is delicate and would crack upon impact. Additionally, intentional collisions with other cars are dangerous and illegal. However, the car is road-legal, and Hryhorcoff takes it to car shows, coffee runs, and occasional drives to showcase his unique creation. While high-speed collisions are out of the question, the novelty of driving a bumper car on the road makes it one of the coolest custom projects out there.
Unique Features and Design
One of the most impressive aspects of Hryhorcoff’s giant bumper car is its attention to detail. From the realistic body design to the quirky steering mechanism, every part of this vehicle resembles a real bumper car. The use of a 1953 Lusse Auto Skooter as the inspiration for the design adds a touch of nostalgia to this modern-day creation. Despite its size, the giant bumper car maintains the charm and playfulness of its smaller counterparts, making it a truly unique and eye-catching vehicle on the road.
Community Impact and Reception
Since its debut, Hryhorcoff’s giant bumper car has garnered attention and praise from the community. Its appearances at local events and gatherings have sparked curiosity and wonder among onlookers. The creativity and innovation behind this project have inspired others to think outside the box and pursue their own unconventional ideas. As a symbol of resilience during a challenging time, this giant bumper car serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and passion in bringing joy to others.
Conclusion
Driving a giant bumper car on the road may seem like a far-fetched idea, but Dan Hryhorcoff has turned that dream into a reality with his unique creation. By combining his fabrication skills with his love for amusement park rides, he has crafted a one-of-a-kind vehicle that captures the whimsy and nostalgia of bumper cars. Despite its size, this giant bumper car embodies the fun and playfulness of its smaller counterparts, making it a standout custom project that continues to delight and inspire all who encounter it.