In a quiet garage in Haarlem, the Netherlands, a man named Frank has quietly chased a dream for 35 years. Not for fame. Not for fortune. Just for the simple, personal joy of hearing an engine—his engine—come to life.
He never planned to show it off. There was no deadline. No sponsors. Just one man, a set of tools, and an idea that refused to go away: a 1:3 scale, gasoline-powered race car, built entirely by hand.
The space is modest—an old 3D printer hums in the corner, tools scatter the bench, and the coffee often goes cold before he even notices. But within these walls are thousands of hours of quiet determination: late nights, failed attempts, small victories—and moments that would have made most people give up.
But Frank never did.
As he once wrote on his Facebook page:
“This page is for those who still don’t know what’s possible—with just your hands, your time, and a dream.”
He wasn’t chasing perfection for anyone else. He just wanted to hear that deep engine rumble and know: this was all built by him.
From the drawings to the welding, the wiring to the final tuning—every part of this machine holds a quiet story. A story of patience. Of craftsmanship. Of one man’s lifelong love for building something real.
This isn’t just a hobby.
It’s a life’s work. And now, it’s time to share it.
You might ask: Why not go for a simpler remote controlled system? Why stick with a gasoline powered vehicle? Was he just making a model toy? Why create a “living” car that can actually drive on the ground?
The answer might lie in his obsession with perfection. Frank chose the most challenging path. Every decision, every step forward, felt like pushing the limits. Every time he heard the engine's deep rumble, his heart seemed to beat in sync with it—an indescribable sense of satisfaction that words can’t capture. This strong emotion and obsession are what kept him going for 35 years and brought him to where he is today.
Have you ever imagined building a real running car model at home? Maybe you've tried remote-controlled cars or toy cars, but they never quite satisfy your thirst for mechanics. Frank, a retired engineer, used his hands and endless passion to create a racing car model that starts and runs—this achievement embodies decades of deep love for mechanics and tireless pursuit.
Our Meeting: From Mechanics to Shared Dreams
Actually, I first learned about Frank’s project a few years ago. A client had mentioned Frank, saying he was working on 1:3 scale car models. Curious, I clicked on Frank’s personal FaceBook page and browsed through his posts from the past few years, almost like reading an open mechanical diary. Since 1989, he had been sharing sketches of the 1:3 go-kart model he was painstakingly bringing to life. Every post featured close-ups of his workbench in the garage—next to an old printer, always with a cup of cold coffee on the desk. There’s something truly admirable about a man who takes his work seriously.
I was truly amazed. Most of our model engines are designed for 1:10 or 1:8 scales, so imagine how complicated it would be to adapt an engine model for a 1:3 car! I quietly followed his progress and saw each project he shared—racing car models, go-kart models, and a variety of engines. I couldn’t help but be drawn to his deep passion for mechanics.
It wasn’t until six months ago that I truly got in touch with Frank. We had a brief chat about his creative process, and I realized he was someone full of passion and focus. Even in retirement, he continues to pursue his hobby, making it an important part of his life. He’s an expert with 3D printers, able to design car models and print the bodywork, from the drawings to the frame, handcrafting each step and personally installing the engine. Frank is the kind of guy who treats every engine like it's his own child—only, his 'kids' run on fuel and need constant tinkering! Every step showcases his obsession with detail and his passion for engineering—it’s truly admirable.
Recently, Frank shared with me his dilemma. He was choosing an engine model for his 1:3 car, torn between the Cison V8 and the Enjomor V8. In the end, he decided on the Enjomor V8 because its size better matched his car's body. Whenever he shared updates, he was particularly excited to tell me that the engine's deep "throaty" sound felt like a salute to the machinery—every time I heard it, it stirred up an indescribable excitement within me.
From Passion to Obsession: 35 Years of Pursuing a Mechanical Dream
Frank’s story starts with an unbounded love for mechanics, but his goal was never just to build a regular model car. In 1989, he made the decision to design the 1:3 scale racing car of his dreams. Imagine—a giant racing car model powered by a real gasoline engine, able to race on the ground—this wasn’t just a remote-controlled toy; it was Frank's lifelong pursuit.
Starting from the initial design sketches, Frank meticulously calculated every line and structure, handling each task himself. Every detail of the car’s body reflects his obsession with mechanics. He even used a 3D printer to make the shell, welded the frame, wired the circuits, and installed the engine, ensuring every component fit perfectly. His garage was filled with design blueprints, parts, and tools—every piece, every screw, carrying the weight of countless days and nights of effort and devotion.
What’s most impressive is that this car is not a typical battery-powered remote-controlled car; it's driven by an actual gasoline engine. Every time the engine starts, the deep rumble feels like time itself pauses, and the whole garage vibrates. This isn’t the sound of a regular model car; it’s the heartbeat of the machine, the culmination of Frank's many years as an engineer, continuing his passion.
Frank once said, “This car isn’t for others’ approval, it’s for my love. Every screw, every part, is a conversation between me and the car.” With his own hands, he gave this car life—not just to realize a dream, but to honor the passion that has fueled him.
Because for Frank, Nitro never dies.
The Soul of Mechanics: More Than Just a Model
Frank is a typical "gearhead" with an almost obsessive love for gasoline engines. For him, the gasoline engine is not just the power source for the car; it’s the soul that gives it “life.” He once said, “Remote-controlled cars are convenient, but they don’t have the energy and details that gasoline engines bring. The roar of the engine, the vibration, that sense of power—that’s what truly makes me feel the soul of machinery.”
Every ignition, every low growl of the engine, brings Frank closer to that original intention—to transform a seemingly simple model into something alive, something with a story. Remote-controlled cars are easy to operate, but gasoline engines bring more challenges and more manual effort, which is precisely what Frank thrives on.
In that garage filled with fumes and metal shavings, Frank gradually came to realize that the charm of mechanics lies not just in its appearance or operation, but in the focus and challenges embedded in each task. He never sought external applause or praise; all his efforts were aimed at getting closer to the purest dream—using his own hands to turn this machine from cold metal into a living piece of work.
The air in the garage was slightly suffocating, filled with the smell of oil and metal shavings, giving a sense of pressure. But none of that distracted Frank. His hands moved deftly between tools, every motion filled with focus and strength. From welding to debugging, Frank gradually pieced together every detail, like a puzzle, each step leading him closer to the perfect dream.
Although his hands were already covered in grease, and a hint of fatigue began to settle in his back, he remained steadfast inside. He knew this wasn’t just a repair process, but a battle with himself. Every time he saw a part fit perfectly, or heard the engine's deep rumble, he felt an unparalleled sense of accomplishment, as if all the effort and challenges had finally found their place.
“This engine is a conversation between me and it,” Frank said to himself. He knew that every engine holds a complex mechanism and intricate design, and in his hands, they weren’t just mechanical components but a language through which he communicated with the world.
As the night quietly descended, the world outside long asleep, the garage still burned bright with light. Frank sat quietly at his workbench, eyes locked on the engine before him. The sounds of welding and operation echoed through the garage—not just the sound of tools and metal colliding, but a symphony composed by him and the engine. Each adjustment, each repair, seemed to bring the machine one step closer to perfection.
From the outside, it might just look like a model engine. But anyone who’s tried a build like this knows—it’s never that simple. Frank has been down this road many times. Things don’t always fit right. Electronics behave strangely. Cooling systems get overwhelmed. You swap one part, and suddenly three other things stop working.
“There’s no instruction manual for this kind of stuff,” Frank laughs. “You figure it out as you go.”
He's spent hours testing fuel lines, tweaking ignition timing, even custom-wiring components by hand. Sometimes things catch fire—literally. But that’s all part of the fun. For Frank, every challenge is just another puzzle to solve. He doesn’t panic. He doesn't rush. He just gets back to work—again and again—until it runs the way it should.
“Finally, success,” he whispered, a smile spreading across his face, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction. In that moment, all the fatigue seemed to disappear, leaving only love for the work and pride in the result.
Frank doesn’t rush. Every piece, every part, every screw is assembled with care. He works quietly, thoughtfully — never cutting corners. That calm dedication feels almost symbolic of the Dutch way: understated, meticulous, and deeply rooted in craft.
The Continuation of a Dream: He Does It for Passion, Not for Business
As time passed, more and more people began to notice Frank’s work. Some car enthusiasts and model hobbyists reached out to him, and some even flew to the Netherlands just to see his legendary racing car in person. However, despite requests to buy, Frank had no intention of mass-producing these models. He occasionally makes a few car models, typically reserved for special friends or those who truly understand his work. He wasn’t in a rush to profit; he just wanted to share his love for mechanics with those who truly appreciate it.
I once asked him if he had considered mass-producing these car models. He chuckled and shook his head, “I never thought about mass-producing these things. I just want to do what I love, make something I want to make, and bring some joy to a few people.” His eyes were calm, his tone devoid of any commercial intent, only a pure persistence toward his dream and interests.
Frank often says to me, “These models won’t make me a lot of money, and maybe not many people will notice them, but they make me feel like I’m still doing what I love.” This may sound ordinary, but it deeply touched me. For him, these car models aren’t just collections of machines and parts—they’re a part of his life, a form of self-expression. Every time he finishes a car, he quietly admires it, as if conversing with it, giving it life.
His works have never been about meeting market demand or gaining fame. He does them purely out of love and persistence. Every day spent in his garage is a fulfillment, a simple and pure joy.
Frank is not just a hobbyist; he is a craftsman who finds joy in creating something with his own hands. The scale models he builds are not only technical masterpieces, but also personal creations. They represent a process of discovery, challenge, and passion. For him, the true value of these models lies not in their commercial potential, but in their ability to bring joy, evoke emotions, and fulfill his lifelong dream of craftsmanship.
In addition to working on his own projects, Frank is also an avid collector of vintage models. Over the years, he has built an impressive collection that includes cars, like the 1:3 scale Lotus 49 go-kart, motorcycles, and even boats—each piece with its own unique story and history. His collection is a true testament to his enduring passion for craftsmanship and design, offering a glimpse into the diversity of his lifelong hobby. While Frank deeply cherishes these models, he also makes space for new additions by occasionally selling some of his pieces, ensuring that his passion for collecting remains ever-evolving.
In Frank’s world, mechanics aren’t just a career or hobby—they’re a calling, a lifelong obsession, and a way to connect with the world. His journey is a testament to the power of passion and the pursuit of dreams—a reminder that the most powerful motivator in life is the pursuit of what we truly love.
Frank’s journey with the Enjomor V8 model car is far from over – with plans for a V12 on the horizon, the best is yet to come. What do you think about the V8 project and Frank’s approach?
And now, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever taken on a project like this? What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced in your builds? Share your stories with us in the comments, or if you prefer, feel free to reach out to us at service@stirlingkit.com!
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