From Classic to Unique: The Brasília Pickup

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Brazilian creativity has no limits, and this is evident in several automotive creations that defy logic and surprise with their ingenuity. A recent example of this is the Brasilia Pickup, a model that was never officially produced by Volkswagen, but which came to life through the skilled hands of a Brazilian company. Created from the classic Volkswagen Brasilia, this pickup truck went viral on the internet and became a true tribute to the country's capacity for innovation.

The Origin of the Brasília Pickup: A “Grandmother” of the Saveiro

Credits: Marcelo Tonella

First of all, it is important to remember that the Volkswagen Brasilia was born as a derivation of the legendary beetle, taking advantage of its reliable mechanics, with air engine and rear wheel drive. The Brasília was designed as a more spacious and practical option, winning the hearts of many Brazilian families during the 1970s and 1980s.

However, the idea of transforming Brasília into a pickup goes beyond the traditional vision of Volkswagen. This model is, in a way, a kind of “grandmother” of the Volkswagen Saveiro, which would only be launched years later. The difference? While the Saveiro was planned and manufactured within the automaker's official line, the Brasília Picape is the result of pure Brazilian improvisation.

The Artisanal Creation: How the Pickup Came to Life

Credits: Marcelo Tonella

The Brasília Picape was created for the company Fernandes Acrylics, located in Guarulhos, in Greater São Paulo. Known for its expertise in working with acrylics for various applications, the company decided to apply its knowledge to create a unique and functional version of Brasília.

The process began with cutting the rear body of the Brasilia, transforming it into a single cabin. The rear part was molded using steel plate to ensure a solid, hard-wearing finish, while a new rear window was installed to complete the look.

The rear engine, a striking feature of the Brasília, was kept intact. The structure of the bucket, in turn, was built on the basis of a Variant II, another iconic Volkswagen model. This choice was essential to ensure that the car had a robust suspension adapted to the new configuration.

Furthermore, the interior of the Brasília Picape received the dashboard and other elements from the Variant II, creating an interesting hybrid that mixes the best of both models.

Brasilia Pickup: Credits to Master Marcelo Tonella

Credits: Marcelo Tonella

The project and photos of Brasilia Pickup deserve special mention, as they were carried out by none other than Marcelo Tonella, one of Brazil's greatest classic car enthusiasts and experts. Tonella, widely known for his detailed restorations and instructional videos, was responsible for transforming the Brasília Picape idea into reality, masterfully documenting each step of the process.

If you've been following Tonella's work, you know that he's a true icon in the automotive world, bringing knowledge and inspiration to classic car lovers. The success of this project not only reinforces Tonella's genius but also celebrates Brazilian creativity applied to the world of customization.

End Credits: All project development and images used in this article are the property of Marcelo Tonella, whose talent and dedication continue to inspire the automotive community in Brazil and beyond.

A Functional Car Full of Personality

Credits: Marcelo Tonella

Unlike many custom cars that are only aesthetically appealing, the Brasília Pickup was designed to be functional. The model is used as a work vehicle by Fernandes Acrílicos itself, performing tasks that involve transporting materials.

Furthermore, the attention to detail is impressive. The adaptation was not done in an improvised manner, but with attention to the quality of the finish, which guaranteed a final result that matches practicality, resistance It is retro style.

The Repercussion on the Internet

Credits: Marcelo Tonella

When photos and videos of the Brasília Pickup began circulating on the internet, the reaction was immediate. The creativity behind the project was widely praised, and many internet users wondered why Volkswagen itself had never produced something similar.

The success of the Brasília Picape also rekindled the passion for classic and customized cars, showing that the love for Volkswagen classics is still alive and well in Brazil.

A Legacy of Brazilian Innovation

The history of the Brasília Picape is more than an automotive curiosity; it represents the spirit of innovation It is improvisation that characterizes Brazilians. Even without the support of a large automaker, projects like this show that it is possible to create something unique and functional with limited resources and a lot of creativity.

Whether as a work vehicle or as a display piece, the Brasília Picape is a true work of art on wheels, carrying with it the DNA of a generation that knows how to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

How Much Does It Cost to Transform a Brasilia into a Pickup Truck?

Credits: Marcelo Tonella

If you are thinking about creating your own Brasília Picape, it is worth considering the costs involved. Although Fernandes Acrílicos has not revealed the total cost of the project, it is possible to estimate some expenses.

  • Buying a used Brasilia: Depending on the condition, a Brasilia can cost between R$ 10,000 and R$ 25,000.
  • Body adaptation: Cutting, molding and installing new parts can cost around R$ 15,000 to R$ 20,000.
  • Additional components: Like the Variant II's dashboard and suspension, costs can range from R$ 5,000 and R$ 10,000, depending on the availability of parts.
  • Finishing and painting: Here, values can reach R$ 8,000 or more, depending on the level of detail desired.
  • Special materials (acrylic, glass, etc.): Using materials like acrylic can add more R$ 5,000 to R$ 8,000 at the final cost.

In total, a project like this can exceed R$ 50,000, but the result is a unique car that is undoubtedly worth every penny.

Conclusion: The Brasília Pickup and the Future of Custom Cars

Credits: Marcelo Tonella

The Brasília Pickup is not just an automotive curiosity; it is a symbol of what is possible to achieve with creativity and passion for cars. If you are a fan of classic cars, you know how rewarding it is to see an old model given a new life, especially in such an unusual and functional configuration.

This project makes us reflect on the potential of customized cars in Brazil. Whether for personal or professional use, automotive customization is a way to express personality and create something truly unique.

So, if you have a Brasília parked in your garage or dream of creating your own custom model, take inspiration from the Brasília Picape. After all, its history shows that, with determination and creativity, anything is possible.

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