Tennessee Man Uses Lasers to Make the World’s Thinnest Car

Why It Matters

The build proves that ultra‑compact, street‑legal vehicles can be created with off‑the‑shelf maker tools, hinting at new possibilities for urban micro‑mobility and regulatory flexibility. It also highlights how maker‑culture projects can capture public imagination and attract media attention.

Key Takeaways

• Tyler Fever cut a 1988 Festiva in half with industrial lasers.
• Replaced original engine with compact electric dirt‑bike motor and battery.
• Custom 3D‑printed brackets added lights, mirrors, and street‑legal features.
• Half‑cut steering wheel enables braking despite ultra‑narrow cabin.
• Car drove on Nashville streets, bridges, and parking garages legally.

Pulse Analysis

The 1988 Ford Festiva has long been celebrated as one of the smallest mass‑produced cars, but its modest dimensions made it an ideal candidate for an extreme makeover. Tyler Fever, the creator behind the Prop Department YouTube channel, saw an opportunity to push the limits of size reduction. By stripping the vehicle down to its bare shell, freezing stubborn components with liquid nitrogen, and then employing a high‑power metal laser and CNC cutter, he bisected the chassis cleanly—an approach that would be unthinkable in a conventional auto shop.

Beyond the dramatic split, the engineering challenges required inventive solutions. The original four‑cylinder engine was swapped for a compact electric dirt‑bike motor, delivering sufficient torque while fitting within the razor‑thin frame. A 12‑volt battery powered newly 3D‑printed brackets that held headlights, turn signals, and side mirrors, ensuring the car met basic street‑legal requirements. Even the steering wheel was halved to free the brake pedal, a quirky compromise that still allowed functional control. These modifications were completed in just a few weeks, demonstrating how rapid prototyping tools can accelerate unconventional automotive projects.

When the reassembled vehicle rolled onto Nashville streets, it turned heads and proved surprisingly drivable. The car cleared a major bridge, navigated a parking garage ramp, and even fit between a Jeep and a sports car in a tight spot. Its insurance coverage and compliance with local traffic laws underscore a growing tolerance for experimental, ultra‑compact vehicles. While not a practical commuter solution, the project sparks conversation about micro‑mobility, the role of maker spaces in automotive innovation, and how regulators might adapt to accommodate future ultra‑small, electric personal transport.