About the Project
We were approached by our contacts at GT Forte Ltd to undertake a project to 3D optically scan a Maserati sports car.
The aim of the project was to convert a Maserati 4200 car into a replica of the Maserati 320S monoposto concept car that was displayed at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show. PES Scanning were asked to undertake a detailed 3D scan of the upper surfaces of the car’s bodywork. This provided data which would be used by the car’s project team.
The 320S was designed by Italdesign Giugiaro to a ‘barchetta’ style, with a small windscreen in front of the driver, and a visible roll-over bar with aerodynamic fairing in the rear. The passenger side was closed and faired, without a seat.
The GT Forte team used the scan data as a basis for designing the closed passenger section and the aerodynamic fairing. Firstly, a pattern of the rear area was produced and then a mould produced from the pattern. The mould was then used to create the finished parts in fibre-glass, before they were fitted to the car and spray painted with the rest of the vehicle.
As Dan Fleetcroft, PES engineering design director explains; “We’ve known the team at GT Forte for a number of years through our work in motorsport, but it’s the first time we’ve worked on a project for a supermodel.
3D Scanning
“Our 3D optical scanning equipment enabled a highly detailed scan of the car’s upper bodywork to be carried out very quickly. This was important so that the new aerodynamic components could be manufactured by GT Forte to fit as close to the original body as possible.
“This was necessary both for the look of the car and to eliminate panel gaps that could be problematic when the car is at speed.”
Only four weeks after the project was commissioned, the completed car was unveiled at the Brooklands Museum by Ms Kidd.
The completed car, designated the Maserati 420S, is taking part in the 2016 ‘Best of Italy’ Festival this autumn. This will take place between September 16-18 in Castell’Arquato, Italy where 150+ Supercars and Motorbikes, as well as 500 top cyclists will take part. The inaugural festival will celebrate the very best Italian brands, food and wine.
The car was unveiled at the Brooklands Museum by supermodel Jodie Kidd, who will be driving the car at the Festival.
(Brooklands event images from Brooklands Museum and @bestofitalyrace.)