Discover how YouTuber Nathan Paykin turned a $500 Suzuki Swift into a pint-sized, flame‑spitting mini car. Read the full build and get inspired today!
YouTuber and automotive enthusiast Nathan Paykin took a bold step this year: he bought a used Suzuki Swift for roughly AUD 500 (about US$300) and turned it into a miniature version of itself. The result? A squarish, two‑tone “tiny car” that looks as if it stepped straight out of a cartoon.
The Idea Behind the Cut‑Half Car
Instead of hunting for a factory‑made micro‑car, Paykin asked a simple question: What would happen if you literally cut a car in half? The concept appealed to his love for off‑beat builds and the vibrant aesthetics of the beloved animated series Little Tikes Cozy Coupe.
Step‑by‑Step: How the Swift Was Halved
- Purchase: A 2004 Suzuki Swift was acquired for about AUD 500.
- Disassembly: The team removed the entire B‑axis (the rear half of the chassis) and the back doors, shortening the wheel‑base to the minimum possible length.
- Welding: The remaining front and rear sections were welded together, creating a compact, box‑shaped body.
- Paint: The new shell received the iconic red‑and‑yellow two‑tone finish from the Cozy Coupe cartoon.
- Flame‑thrower: A small flamethrower nozzle was installed in the side‑exit of the exhaust, adding a dramatic visual cue for show events.
Design Details and the ‘Flamethrower’ Twist
Paykin affectionately named his creation “Suzuki Sui” – a playful nod to the missing middle portion of a Swift. The vehicle’s bright red‑yellow paint scheme mirrors the cheerful vibe of the animated series, while the custom flamethrower (activated only for demonstrations) creates a spectacular light show at car‑culture festivals.
Driving Challenges of an Ultra‑Short Wheelbase
While the look is undeniably cute, the engineering comes with serious trade‑offs. The drastically reduced wheel‑base makes the car prone to “tail‑lift” during hard braking. Paykin noted that only the front bumper’s low‑profile spoiler helps keep the nose down, preventing a forward flip. Inside, the cabin barely fits two people along with a few personal items – a snug space that highlights the vehicle’s novelty rather than practicality.
Where the Mini Car Takes the Stage
Because the Suzuki Sui doesn’t meet legal road‑worthy standards, it never hits public streets. Instead, it dazzles crowds at events like the Tough Streeters car‑mod festival, where its flame‑spitting exhaust and eye‑catching colors steal the spotlight.
What This Project Says About Car Culture
The build demonstrates how passion and creativity can transform an ordinary, budget‑friendly hatchback into a rolling piece of entertainment art. While the project “pushes the envelope” – literally and figuratively – it underscores a larger trend: enthusiasts are constantly re‑imagining what a car can be, even if the result is a little too extreme for daily driving.
Thinking about your own mini‑car experiment? Remember to stay safe, respect local regulations, and let your imagination run wild.