3D Engineers - Aston Martin DBR2 replica body for AS Motorsports (ASM)

AS Motorsport - Aston Martin DBR2 Body Re-creation

Aston Martin DBR2 Replica - Picture courtesy Peter Gunnar

The brief: Scan an existing Aston Martin DBR2 replica and subtly manipulate the subsequent data to create a vehicle with revised features. In particular the bodywork aft of the doors was revised to create a vehicle that not only more faithfully followed the original cars lines, but as a useful by-product increased the boot volume.

Once the design had been agreed, design and manufacture a buck - a tool used to create aluminium car bodies - and commission this at the clients chosen body manufacturers.

The buck was specifically designed to break down into five distinct modules, so that storage and work space could be saved and parts of the body produced in sections on a work bench if required.

Information utilised: The scanned data obtained from the subject vehicle, original Aston Martin body plans, templates taken from an original car and contemporary photographs of the iconic Aston Martin DBR2.

Project progression: Normally, we would make this section mainly narrative. However, with this project the pictures more than adequately describe the flow of the project, our tenacity and attention to detail so the narrative has been kept to a minimum.

We would like to add that the help of Faye and Anne from the Aston Martin Heritage Trust (AMHT) was invaluable. The AMHT is open to the public and is a fantastic resource for any Aston Martin Lagonda enthusiast.

Scanned section of an original Aston Martin plan (Courtesy AMHT)

Paper template of an exhaust vent from an original car, acquired from one of our contacts

Visiting race meetings and classic auto events to take hundreds of pictures of similar cars

Exploring how original cars have been created or restored and investigating original features. (Courtesy AMHT)

Studying contemporary pictures. Wonder who the lady is? (Courtesy AMHT)

Having scanned a vehicle, the scan data had to be manipulated

Checking scan symmetry

Body aft of rear doors completely re-designed utilising the original plans

Lower bonnet and lights re-designed

The complete car finished

Render - a computer picture - created for ASM promotional purposes

Design a buck. As usual, we took time to speak to the metal workers that would be using the buck to ensure it met their requirements. This is a useful process that means we are able to add features specifically designed to suit particular methods of working.

The aluminium body builder specifically required 3D elements within the buck structure

Computer Aided Design (CAD) body super-imposed over the buck to ensure the end result was correct

The buck may be taken to shows, so the client's logo was incorporated into the side

Door was made removable so it could be created separately on a work bench

All parts of the buck numbered for ease of assembly

Cross bolted with steel inserts. Strength with practicality

We would like to thank Andrew Soar of ASM (AS Motorsport) for allowing us to tell the story of our work with his firm. If you ever need a replica Aston Martin DBR2 please contact ASM via their website http://www.asmotorsport.co.uk/.

Finally, this report would not be complete without thanking Luke and Graham from Chapman Classic Panels - 01933 622155 - for their input into the project. At some points, the complexity of what they were asking us to create was mind-boggling, but at the end of the project their pragmatic views and in depth practical knowledge helped mould (if you will forgive the pun) the buck design into a truly useful creation within the client's budget.

Modern technology helps faithfully replicate the body of a design icon. Black and white pictures (Courtesy AMHT)

Please note that 3D Engineers and AS Motorsport have no connection and are not endorsed by Aston Martin or the Aston Martin Heritage Trust.