The Homemade Brazilian Formula 1 Car

Have you ever imagined building your dream car with your own hands? This is the story of Manoel Luiz, a resident of Campos de Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, who at the age of 45 decided to turn a childhood dream into reality. Living a simple life with his wife and daughter, Manoel also had a passion: Formula 1. And it was this passion that led him to build, with his own resources and a lot of effort, a car inspired by the fastest racing cars in the world.

The Beginning of a Dream

The idea of building a car Formula 1 was born in his childhood, when Manoel watched the races in the 80s. “I always admired the engineering behind these cars, the design and the speed. I was fascinated watching the drivers defy the limits of physics”, he recalls. But like many Brazilians, the dream was postponed by the demands of everyday life.

It was only in 2016 that Manoel decided to take the project seriously. He started with detailed research and lots of hand sketches. The initial planning process took three years. “Every time Formula 1 announced changes, I would go back to my drawings and tweak everything. I wanted something that reflected the best of the cars of the last few decades,” he says. And so he arrived at a final design in 2019, already incorporating elements such as the Halo and the shark fin.

Building with Your Own Hands

Manoel is a practical man. With experience as a boilermaking instructor and welder, he decided that the tubular chassis would be the best choice for safety and practicality. “Working with carbon steel and welding is something that has been part of my life. I used this knowledge to create a structure that was resistant and faithful to my project”, he explains.

The engine that gives life to the car is a AP 1.8, famous among Brazilians for its robustness and durability. This engine was taken from a Volkswagen Parati, purchased with all the necessary accessories and documentation. “The engine was the central piece, but I had to adapt a lot of things to integrate it into my project”, explains Manoel.

To carry out this construction, he dedicated four hours a day during the week It is 10 hours on weekends. This commitment required discipline, but the results began to take shape in his improvised workshop, set up at home. “I only bought the tools that I knew would be indispensable. I didn’t want to spend more than necessary,” he says.

The Cost of a Dream

The total investment to build the car was around R$ 45,000. This value includes components such as the engine, chassis, wheels and other necessary equipment, as well as the tools that Manoel acquired. However, he emphasizes that this value does not reflect the effort and time dedicated to the project. “When you put your own hands to work, the emotional and physical cost is much greater than any financial value,” he reflects.

Despite the investment and dedication, Manoel prefers not to delegate tasks to third parties. He recounts an episode in which he needed help adjusting the engine, but the experience was not positive: “Seeing someone else messing with what is yours, without you knowing exactly what is happening, is very uncomfortable,” he confesses.

A Unique Car

Manoel's car is not a replica of any specific Formula 1 model. He describes his creation as a "union of the best" in cars from the last few decades. The design incorporates modern and classics, with aerodynamic lines inspired by models that have made history. “I wanted something that was unique, but that any Formula 1 fan could look at and recognize as a real racing car,” he highlights.

Every detail of the car was designed to unite aesthetics and functionality. From the positioning of the engine to the finish of the chassis, everything reflects Manoel's care and passion for the project.

The Value of Passion

Manoel’s story is an example of how dreams can come true with determination and planning. He is not a millionaire, nor did he have access to unlimited resources. Still, he managed to build something that many would consider impossible. “The secret is to never give up. If you have a dream, do everything you can to make it come true. It may take time, but it is worth it,” he encourages.

In addition to fulfilling a personal dream, Manoel believes that his story can inspire others. “I hope that my journey shows that, with creativity and effort, anyone can achieve great things, even with limited resources,” he concludes.

Conclusion

Manoel Luiz's story is a portrait of how passion, combined with effort and planning, can lead to the realization of great dreams. His car F1, built on a relatively modest budget, is more than a personal achievement: it is a symbol of determination and innovation.

If you also have a dream that seems far away, take inspiration from Manoel. Start small, plan, and, above all, believe in your ability to achieve it. After all, as he himself says, “the impossible only exists until someone proves otherwise.”