World's Widest Street-Legal Car Built from Festiva

A remarkable feat of automotive engineering has been achieved by a YouTuber, who claims to have built the world's widest street-legal car. This ambitious project involved transforming a humble Ford Festiva hatchback into an extraordinary machine measuring 10 feet in width.

The extensive modification process began with cutting the original car in half. The team then meticulously fabricated new components, including the floor and roof, and reinforced the central section to support the increased size and weight. The suspension and rear axle assembly were also extended to accommodate the new dimensions.

To ensure the car's roadworthiness, special permits were acquired, as the 10-foot width significantly exceeds the typical eight-foot-six-inch limit. Custom parts, such as a five-foot-long CV axle, were engineered. Some elements, including the grille and dashboard, were 3D printed, while thin metal panels were laser-welded to recreate the classic Festiva aesthetic with a striking yellow exterior and black interior.

Demonstrating its functionality, the widened Ford Festiva successfully completed a road test spanning over 400 miles across two days. Despite minor incidents like a hood flying open during a speed test and a near miss with a ditch, the car proved to be surprisingly practical. A police stop resulted in a warning regarding the license plate, not the vehicle's exceptional width, confirming all insurance and paperwork were in order.