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PROJECT 01 · BUILD ON HOLD

Datsun
Roadster.

Classic lines.
A new direction.

A Roadster restoration combining traditional craftsmanship with 3D scanning, custom bodywork, carbon-fiber development, and a modern drivetrain.

BUILD PARTNERARC RIDER AUTOWERKS
3D scanningCAD & prototypingCustom fabrication
Front-view Datsun Roadster concept render with carbon-fiber bodywork
BUILD CONCEPT · THE DESIGN DIRECTION

01 / THE STARTING POINT

From the real car to a digital reference.

The original body provides the foundation. Scanning captures its geometry for panel recreation and the design work that follows.

The Roadster before its transformation.
The Roadster before its transformation.
Body prepared with scanning spray for 3D capture.
Body prepared with scanning spray for 3D capture.
Initial digital scan used for panel recreation and design reference.
Initial digital scan used for panel recreation and design reference.
Front-end geometry developed around the flares, split bumper, splitter, and lighting.
Front-end geometry developed around the flares, split bumper, splitter, and lighting.

02 / DESIGN & PROTOTYPING

Shape it. Refine it. Print it.

Digital models explore the stance and bodywork before physical components are produced. The design develops through surface work, visualization, and printed prototypes.

Digital visualization of the Roadster’s stance and design direction.
Digital visualization of the Roadster’s stance and design direction.
Bodywork visualization used to develop surfaces for future carbon-fiber molds.
Bodywork visualization used to develop surfaces for future carbon-fiber molds.
Lower front valance and widebody flare design with added detail.
Lower front valance and widebody flare design with added detail.
A printed component produced from the scan-based design workflow.
A printed component produced from the scan-based design workflow.

03 / PHYSICAL FIT CHECK

Printed prototype & fitment.

3D-printed fender-flare prototype fitted to the Datsun Roadster to evaluate shape, body alignment, and wheel coverage before further refinement.

Blue 3D-printed fender-flare prototype following the Datsun Roadster’s front wheel opening.
Checking the flare’s overall shape and alignment with the wheel opening.
Low front view showing the printed flare’s depth and position relative to the Datsun’s tire.
Front-angle fit check showing flare depth and tire coverage.

04 / BODY PREPARATION

Making room for the next stage.

Temporary bracing was installed before lifting the body from the chassis to help preserve its geometry. Separating the body opened access for chassis development and drivetrain packaging.

Temporary body bracing installed before chassis separation.
Temporary body bracing installed before chassis separation.
Body removed for access to the chassis and structural work.
Body removed for access to the chassis and structural work.

05 / DRIVETRAIN PACKAGING

SR20DET. Nismo six-speed.

The engine and transmission were mocked into the chassis to establish their position, driveline angle, tunnel requirements, and space for the turbocharger before final fabrication.

The complete drivetrain mock-up establishes engine and transmission placement.
The complete drivetrain mock-up establishes engine and transmission placement.
Checking steering clearance, transmission fitment, and space for the turbo and supporting systems.
Checking steering clearance, transmission fitment, and space for the turbo and supporting systems.

06 / HOOD DEVELOPMENT & CURRENT STATUS

Design continues while packaging is resolved.

The Roadster is currently on hold while transmission fitment with the Nismo six-speed is resolved. In parallel, Blue Beaver Concepts developed the hood scoop and inner structure in CAD, preserving forward progress without moving into fabrication before the drivetrain package is confirmed.

Current condition of the Datsun Roadster with the engine bay exposed.
Current project state while transmission fitment is being resolved.
CAD model showing the exterior shape and transition of the Datsun hood scoop.
Exterior hood-scoop geometry developed in CAD.
CAD model showing the inner hood structure and reinforcement geometry.
Inner hood structure developed around the scoop opening and reinforcement geometry.

NEXT DECISION

Transmission fitment first.

Once the transmission position and tunnel requirements are resolved, the chassis and hood-development work can move forward around a confirmed drivetrain package.