In the charming town of Justus, Pennsylvania, amidst the chaos of the COVID shutdown, a man named Dan Hryhorcoff found solace in a unique and captivating project. With his spare time, he embarked on a journey to build an extraordinary creation – a magnificent, street-legal replica of a classic bumper car.
This particular masterpiece was inspired by the iconic Lusse Auto Skooter from 1953, a nostalgic symbol of joy and amusement. Although Hryhorcoff humbly admits that he is not an artist capable of conjuring up original designs, his vision and determination propelled him forward.
He chose to recreate something beloved from his childhood, a source of endless delight for countless individuals. “I just decided I wanted to build a car. I’m not an artist. I can’t come up with my own design, so I copied something,” he confesses with a smile.
His desire was to capture the essence of those joyous memories and craft a vehicle that resembled a real car closely enough to make it road-legal.
Undeterred by the complexity of his undertaking, Hryhorcoff sought guidance from the esteemed Knoebels, a local amusement park nestled in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. With their invaluable assistance, he delved into the intricate specifications necessary for his ambitious project.
Armed with measurements and photographs acquired from Knoebels, he meticulously crafted templates and utilized styrofoam as his initial medium. Every piece was carefully formed, creating a blueprint for the final masterpiece.
The transition from foam to reality involved the creation of molds and the production of fiberglass parts, an arduous process that demanded patience and precision. As the construction progressed, Hryhorcoff faced the challenge of finding a suitable engine to breathe life into his creation.
After careful consideration, he opted for the engine from a Chevy Aveo, a decision fueled by practicality and functionality. The seamless integration of this powerhouse into the replica bumper car’s structure was a testament to his resourcefulness and engineering prowess.
Additionally, to enhance maneuverability and facilitate tight turns, Hryhorcoff ingeniously incorporated a motorcycle front end. This clever addition, boasting a single motorcycle wheel at the front, granted his creation the classification of a three-wheel trike, aligning with legal requirements.
Through sheer determination, meticulous craftsmanship, and a dash of inspiration from his cherished childhood memories, Hryhorcoff breathed life into his extraordinary creation. The result was a mesmerizing street-legal replica of a classic bumper car, a sight to behold for all who encounter it.
As it gracefully cruises along the roads of Justus, Pennsylvania, it radiates a nostalgic aura, capturing the hearts of both young and old. The attention to detail, the fusion of modern and classic components, and the tenacity exhibited throughout the project exemplify Hryhorcoff’s unwavering dedication to his passion.
In a world plagued by uncertainty and upheaval, Dan Hryhorcoff’s remarkable endeavor serves as a reminder of the power of human ingenuity and the ability to transform dreams into reality.
His story continues to inspire individuals to embrace their creativity, explore uncharted territories, and find solace in unexpected projects. The magnificent bumper car replica stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of joy, even during the most challenging of times.
