Truong Van Dao of ND Woodworking Art has captivated the attention of automotive enthusiasts and woodworking aficionados alike with his latest creation: a fully functional, handmade wooden vehicle inspired by an Apple concept car. Built from scratch as a personal project, this unique two-seater ride blends creativity and craftsmanship, making it a standout piece on the road.
A real-life Apple concept car
Unlike many concept vehicles that remain confined to digital renderings or display models, Dao’s interpretation of the Apple concept car is not only tangible but also driveable. Crafted primarily for his kids, the car is built on a steel frame covered with timber, offering a raw, natural aesthetic that gleams under the sun, thanks to its varnished finish. This wooden vehicle is more than just a showpiece; it is a fully operational car equipped with a steering wheel and an armrest made entirely of wood, adhering to the design’s unique theme.
The vehicle’s design pays homage to the tech giant with several distinct features. The iconic Apple logo is carefully crafted from wood and placed at the rear of the car, illuminated by a strip of LED lights that run along the back. This logo also appears prominently on the hood and in the center of the steering wheel, establishing a clear connection to Apple’s branding.
Inside the car, the dashboard and control panel are designed to mimic the interface of an iPhone. Photographs of a typical iPhone menu display are embedded into molded containers, which are then installed into their respective positions on the dash. When the interior lights are switched on, these displays appear animated, adding a playful yet functional touch to the vehicle’s design.
A unique blend of art and functionality
The design of Dao’s Apple concept car goes beyond mere aesthetics. Neon green light strips are embedded along the sides of the car, enhancing visibility and alerting other drivers, adding a modern touch to the otherwise traditional wooden design. The car’s rear end features a distinctive, sloping-down, vacuum-like shape that echoes the sleek, aerodynamic lines found in hypercars. This detail further enhances the car’s futuristic appeal, bridging the gap between a high-performance sports car and a classic wooden sculpture.
The inspiration behind the build
Dao’s wooden Apple car comes at a time when rumors and speculation about Apple’s own automotive ambitions have been circulating widely. The tech giant had reportedly been working on a self-driving electric vehicle under a project named “Project Titan.” However, this project was eventually scrapped, and the 2,000-strong team was reassigned to focus on artificial intelligence projects instead. Despite this shift in Apple’s focus, fans and designers have continued to explore what an Apple car might look like, drawing inspiration from the company’s minimalist design philosophy.
A personal project with broad appeal
While Truong Van Dao’s wooden Apple concept car remains a personal project, its appeal is far-reaching. It showcases what is possible when creativity meets craftsmanship, turning a concept into a tangible, functional piece of art. With previous projects such as a wooden Tesla Cybertruck and a vehicle resembling a time machine, Dao continues to push the boundaries of traditional woodworking, blending it seamlessly with modern automotive design concepts.
Source: ND – Woodworking Art
