Operating under the banner of Stoke Models, Martin Aveyard is a talented, Canada-based modeler that’s amassed an impressive social media following through showing off his world-class custom scale model cars. And Aveyard’s latest scale model creation to break cover is a bespoke Volkswagen Beetle that’s been given the ruggedized Baja racer treatment.
This ambitious project started out as a 1/24 scale Tamiya model of a Herbie The Love Bug VW Beetle, but has since been extensively modified. In place of the kit’s stock chassis, is a custom frame, custom wheels, custom “Super Swamper” tires, a custom front bumper, and custom suspension that were all created through the use of 3D printing. Thanks to a rear decklid delete, the Beetle’s custom flat-four engine — which now sports one-off wiring, plug boots, fuel lines, wire linkages, an off-road-style exhaust, and a protective cage— is now fully on display.
Wearing a faux weathered Herbie livery, the model’s bodywork has been treated to flared fenders at all four corners, a set of yellow-lensed headlights, and a light bar-equipped roof rack that now accommodates various pieces of 1/24 scale gear. Inside, the model has also been bestowed with a custom dash, complete with a wood-painted three-arm 3D-printed steering wheel. Further elevating this already impressive project is the fact that Martin has opted to have the completed model photographed on a variety of lifelike sets.
In typical Stoke Models fashion, Aveyard has managed to absolutely blow us away with his latest project. With the meticulous attention to detail and world-class execution on display, we seriously can’t wait to see what Martin whips up next.
